Businessmen and morals

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33058, 27 October 1972, Page 12

Businessmen and morals

Sir, —Morality is too wide a term for brief definition but in general I support wholeheartedly the attack launched by Father Crawford on a large section of commercial interests. In their desire to snatch for themselves more than a fair share of what should be the common heritage of civilised men they are restrained only by what is illegal and certainly not by what is immoral. Exaggerated claims for their goods touch the fringe of obtaining money under false pretences. Particularly revolting was a recent advertisement by newspapers urging that, for maximum results, advertisements should be beamed at young people. To take advantage of the mental immaturity of the young is apparently not regarded as unethical. Even many hard-faced businessmen would boggle at taking “candy from the kids.” Professional persuaders such as image-builders, admen, P.R. men and their ilk are overdue for a severe wingclipping.—Yours, etc., E. R. HUDSON. October 26, 1972. Sir, —May I ask “Mother of Seven” in what way the selection of advertisements displayed at the seminar are “eroding the moral fibre of young people”? From her closing sentence it appears that she finds these advertisements indecent. Surely parents should not seek to protect their children from what they find immoral by removing the cause of the problem. Is it not better that we should educate our children to look objectively at such things, and discern for themselves what is right and proper? Let us remember they will not be children forever. Sooner or later they will be exposed to far more eroding situations than this, and I feel it is the parents’ job to allow their children to become masters of their own emotions before they are flung among the corruptions of an adult world. The solution does not lie in protection but in education. R. J. Glen is quite right in suggesting that youth are making a fine effort in standing up to the problems created by another generation, which they are subjected to.—Yours, etc., ADNAP. October 25, 1972. Sir, —As a bikie and a supporter of P.Y.M., may I extend my sympathy to the business leaders of our country currently under attack for “immorality”? Believe me, we know what it is like, and though we are surprised by this ironic turn of events, we are certain that few people would stand up to the moral scrutiny of others. See you in Alexandra!—Yours, etc., BIKIE. October 26, 1972. Sir, — Father Crawford seems to have a lot to say, without finding out how many local pubs support local and world-wide charities. In one morning I have handed over $l5 to St John Ambulance Society, $5 to the Salvation Army, and $5 to the Save the Children Fund. We have the St Joseph’s Home box on the bar, which is collected by the sisters, and my husband always writes a cheque for twice the amount in the box. We have always sold raffle tickets for Marylands, and one night a week our lounge bar is crowded with non-drinkers who play housie. The proceeds are for a local sports body. We advertise in the local papers, and try to impress on the public how attractive our premises are. If Father Crawford thinks this is so very wrong, maybe we should cut down on our charity and sports donations, which now exceed $l5O a year. We only see these organisations once a year, and always with their

hands fully extended.—Yours, etc., CATHOLIC HOTELIER’S WIFE. October 25, 1972.