LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24352, 2 September 1944, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

- Old Soldier,—Exceeds space limit (150 words). IMPORT CONTROL . Sir,—l -would like to thank “Manufacturer” for his reply to my criticism of his letter. Not knowing his type of business makes it a little difficult to reply to his letter, but I think it fair to assume that whatever he manufactures it is classed as' non-essential or his licence to import raw materials would be granted. My letter referred to generalities and not to isolated cases. Every worker knows that a great many factories have been subsidised for 1 plant, i.e. buildings and modern machinery. which cannot be fully employed when the war is over. If manufacturers receive further protection, to cover costs and depreciation of idle machinery and buildings, we shall have to pay still higher for the necessaries of every-day life. The general manufacturer demands of his employee a stated number of articles finished each day. This is achieved only by sacrificing quality; which is why so many of the overseas goods we purchase are superior.—Yours, etc., STUNG BEYOND ENDURANCE. September 1..1944. HOSPITAL EXPANSION Sir,—lt may surely be hoped that Mr Cecil Wood's excellent article will carry some weight in' regard to the hospital plans. We know that most people who give up their time to act on a public board do so with a wish to serve to the best of their ability the interests of the community, and we, should be grateful; but it will be unfortunate if they feel compelled to act against better judgment. If there is no town planning board, then it seems long overdue. Such a board, headed by architects and engineers, with opinions of value, would undoubtedly have the support of a large section of the public. Before it is too late, it could help to safeguard the existing open areas within our town boundary and encourage long-sighted and comprehensive town • and regional planning schemes. —Yours, etc., HAZEL ELMSLIE. August 31, 1944. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sir,—lt is only right to let it be known that the group teaching mentioned by “True Ear’’ in “The Press” of August 28 and letters of the other correspondents in "The Press” of today has nothing at all to do with any teaching at Canterbury College, the. orchestra referred to being solely a private enterprise—Yours, etc., HARMONY. August 31, 1944. EMPIRE OR COMMONWEALTH ? Sir, —There is an increasing tendency to refer to the British Empire as the “British Commonwealth of Nations.” The Hon Walter Nash, in his book. “New Zealand.” says that the expression "the British Empire” is “an antiquated term” and that he prefers “British Commonwealth.” This tendency I regard as thoroughly misleading and unjust. The British Empire consists of some 70,000.000 whites, who govern themselves, and more than 400.000.000 subject coloured peoples who. in the expressive words of the Charter, have been “forcibly deprived” of such selfgovernment. Further, in South Africa, only some 16.000 or so of the 5.000.000 native population, who outnumber the whites by more than three to one. are said to have the vote. Not until the Allied Nations apply the principles of the Charter inside their own territories does it appear honest and just to sneak of a British Commonwealth of Nations rather than a British Empire. —Yours, etc.. N. M. BELL. August 31. 1944. BY WHOM COMPOSED ? Sir.—Replying to your correspondent. “Oxford Scholar." his first quotation is from Henry Austin’s “Perseverance Conquers All." and should read ss follows: Then fake this honey from the bitterest • cup: ' . There is no failure save In giving, up! There’s no defeat, in truth, save from within: • Unless you’re beaten there, you’re bound to win! I. regret 1 cannot supply the name of the author of the second quotation. —Yours, etc., W.M.D. August 31, 1944. THANKS Sir,—We would be grateful if you would allow us to express the sincere thanks and appreciation of both the visiting boys and officials of the Wellington and Buller Football Associations for the generous hospitality extended to us all during our visit here, with special reference to all those who billeted our boys and to the Canterbury Football Association for, organising and making so enjoyable the Primary Schools’ Association football tournament. —Yours, etc., A. B..JKE.Y V _ Chairman, Boys’ Division. Wellington Football Association, Wellington, August 30, 1944. CHILDREN ON TRAM SEATS . Sir, —“Passenger” wants a notice put up saying "Thank You.” Might I suggest that the Tramway Board take the present notice down and put up the correct one. according to its by-law in the time-table book, which reads. “School children must not occupy seats where smoking is permitted if adult passengers are standing.” There would then be no need to say "Thank you.” Children would go straight to the back seats in the bus.—Yours,-etc.,-ALSO PASSENGER. August 30, 1944. WYCLIFFE’S TEACHINGS Sir,—l am afraid John Wycliffe’s "government of the people, by the people, for the people” is as great a fallacy as his communism. In his day all held common principles of right and wrong. He and the later “reformers” taught that all should discover their own moral principles from the Bible, producing, by now. innumerable divergent opinions. In such confusion, government of the people, by the people, is sheer impossibility. The best we can do is government by a few elected representatives, according to what they think good for the people, -yours, etc.. Q R se W arD. Lincoln. September 1, 1944.