LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 314, 29 September 1908, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIES. Sir, —In the "Auckland Weekly News" of September 10 there is a note from the official statistics of tho number of hands employed in the principal industries in Now Zealand mado up to March.3l, 1908, together with the amount' of wages paid by each of these industries. In these statistics it will be seen that the sawmills employ the greatest number of men, 5637; they also paid out £502,061. This is not only tho greatest number of men employed in one; industry, but is also the greatest average wage. If you compare this with the carpenter and joiner, 3052 uien and £219,721 wages, you will find that the sawmillers employ 2582 more hands and pay ■ out £282,340 more in wages. This is exclusive of such items as royalty, railway 'freight, accident insurance, oil, etc., etc. This, the greatest of New Zealand industries, is not only valuable to the workmen and those dependent on them, who may be roughly estimated at another 17,000, making a total of 22,548 directly dependent upon this industry, hut also to the country storekeeper and the town merchant, and also to the railway, to which they contribute a vory great part of the revenue. The back-block settler, whose timber they convert into a marketable article is also benefited, and by the royalty they pay he is enabled to clear his land and his head above water until he is able to run cows or other stock. By doing this, I_ contend they are the best pioneers the Dominion has; yet this great industry is not only languishing, hut many of the small mills which have great distances to cart their timber are in danger; of being wiped out altogether, and this to! a great extent by the of an inferior timber (at a time when trade is very, dull), procured by coloured cheap labour, brought here by vessels subsidised by onr very Liberal Government, maimed by Chinese and Japs., and-landed by their own crews, who do all their own unloading. Tliis not only strikes at the sawmiller and the railway revenue, but also at the wharf labourer, and indirectly at every man, woman and child in the 1 Dominion, for if our railtvays, which are owned by the people, do not earn revenue sufficient to pay interest on their cost, every intelligent reader of your paper knows it has to be made up, either from the Customs or in some other way that touches tho pockets of all. Fearing I have trespassed too much on your valuable space, and hoping]you will insert this and give me permission 'to write you on this subject again.—l am, etc., A TIMBER -WORKER. September 21. (Enclosure.) ; NEW ZEALAND'S INDUSTRIES. It is interesting to note from the officialstatistics up to March 31 last the!number j t ? (^s em P lo y ed > principal industries and the wages paid during tho year in tho Dominion. These figures show;•

! Wages Employees. Paid., Sawmflling, etc. ... ... 5637 >502,061 Engineering ,4223 :378,307 Printing, stationery ... 3608 1325,746 Tailoring 4954 [300,800 Meat freezing 3140 1288,215 Blacksmithing, coach ... 4082 1234,689 Carpentering, joinery ... 3052 1219,721 Boots and shoes 3168 '214,250 Flaxmilling 3541 199,189 Cabmetmaking, etc. ... 2623 193,113 Dress, millinery ... 6182 181,680 Broad, small goods ... 2617 159,113 Plumbing, gas, tin ... 224 144,020 Butter and chccso ... . ... 1581'138,947 PellmongoTing ... 1505 136,526' Woollen milling ... ... 1624 124',171 Brick, tiles 1340 116,666 Gas, coke, etc. ... ... 784 102,463 Ready-made clothing „. 1950 ' ' 101,132 Brewing ... ... ... 915' -. '90,417 Agricultural implements ... ' 835 ' 83,192 Saddlery ... ... 1126 -^,;':65,818 Biscuits, etc. ... .... 1069 "65,303 Shipbuilding 1 ... ... 879 61,727 Butchers' small goods ... 996 . 54,481 Aerated waters ■ ... ... 732 -j'49,894 Flour ... 481 47,444 Cycle engineering, etc. 961 46,494 Watches and jewellery ... 759 42,892 Laundry (European) ... 1205 37,798 Shirts and underclothing ... 1168 35,738 NEW LAND SETTLEMENT SCHEME. Sir,—ln your leading article, September 16, " New Land Settlement Scheme," you set out its value—lst, as a substitute for borrowing; 2nd, as an "assurance" that the price fixed will be fair, "because the-estimate of value is Ministerial"; 3rd, you dcscribb these debt-burdened settlers as quite free.from the ovils of Stato tenants. These reasons,, which you assign for supporting the. measure, -are' misapplied and represent do facto objections which condemn the scheme. In reply io Ist, a State-guaranteed debonture is a liability, equally with a loan issue—but' the debentures must bo a costly, mischievous procedure, and are calculated to bring in the worst kind of speculative operator. The debentures ani to bo sold by the buying association. Now, imagine 60-acre settlors, perhaps now emigrants, conducting this finance. Of course, they 'will fall into the hands of the agent who lives by his wits. A stronger condemnation tould not be of this Government's 'indifference to these new settlers, and to the injury tq the country of establishing an extensive class (sic), and to Ministers' readiness to enlist support through agents broadcast. 2nd—The present enormous and absurd valuations are a Ministerial creation, therefore tho only "assurance" is that the price paid I will be exorbitant. 3rd—How can settlers wholly created by debt, at the mercy of loose and undignified arrangements, dependent, as'you say, on " discretion in details," be much more freo than a State tenantry, the evils of which you correctly recognise. You entirely overlook the design that underlies all this special legislation, although you ingenuously, recognise that it is tho private owner of land that will be treated with. The aim and object is to find buyers for tho land monopolists at current valuations, which aro whollyimpracticable for incomers. I assume that default in criticism on this last movo by tho Government on the land question is a recognition that it is too bad "even for consideration j but I submit that it is not enough to dismiss it entirely 011 that ground, becauso it is a combined offort ■ t8 secure buyers for the land' monopolist and bribe broadcast tho small owner, and as such it becomes a charge against tho Ministry so grave as to suggest " l'mpeachment." Doubtless the Ministry is attempting to work up some pretext oi support to relieve them from that eventuality. Tho iniquitous scheme put forward as "resumption of estates" originated with the Stout-Vogel Government in 1887, and I then wrote pointing out that both tho integrity of Ministers and the desirability or condemnation of the scheme turned on the price fixed for estates. The subsequent conduct of the so-called' Liberal Governments (Stout-Vogel, BaDanco, Seddon, and Ward, which Ministers havo, to their disgrace, roigned under false pretexts to perpetrate capitalists' and monopolists' exactions, which, if attempted by that Conservative party, \ycmld have been duly apprehended and resisted) has been a continuous preparation and attempted accomplishment for tho land monopolists to sell out at prices which "doom" the future of New Zealand, making it a capitalist-sweated land and a sorf-ridden tenantry under Government sway. In tho' last twenty years tho Governments havo increased valuations £154,000,000. On wliat justification? Land value is determined by productiveness; has there been this in(iroaso? It, is an absurdity. Concurrently all kinds of methods havo been resorted to as exhibiting an enormous land domand, most of which is mere scheming, or why immigration? Then, whon valuations havo been put up to this enormity, tho Ward Government (first) determines that tho resumed prico shall bo tho said valuations plus 10 por cent., and (second) forces buyors into tho hands of tho monopolists by withdrawing enormous areas for endowments, stopping tho salo of Maori landß and preventing any moroGovornment sales of freehold, thus shutting up tho market for tho landowners' benefit. Now comes the climax "special," which, if it passes rruistor, will stamp tho Now Zealand community as fools or knavos—viz., tho Government proposes to endorse and find full cash for any salo negotiated between tho land monopolist and his buyer. Apply tho common souse that governs gotoial ooiiuror-

cial transactions. Is any guarantor to bo found who will accept the full liability of a transaction between a penniless buyer and an extortionate seller, or a conspiracy between themselves? Again, who is the tenant that is regardless of rent scale? The man who never means to pay. The result must be either to place on the land the very worst class of settler, or to penalise and ruin any honest man who can be imposed upon by misrepresentation, such as the immigrant whom the Government is now cultivating. Every act of such a Ministry is a periil to New Zealand.—l am, etc., CHAS. TIPPLE. " LAWYERS AND LAWYERS." Sir, —Being a recent arrival from Homo, I (like most. tourists) like to have a look at things to seo what my new surroundings are like. Among other institutions that I visited during my sojourn in this city is the police court (not on business, but merely as a looker-on). Tliero was a case going on, and I nevor soomed at any time to grip the details of tho proceedings; but what struck mo as a scandalous shame is tho amount of latitude apparently allowed attorneys in tho cross-examination of witnesses, It seemed to me that when an unfortunate witness was commanded to enter the box, he or she was in for a pretty bad time of it, for though I have been at cross-examinations at Homo I never knew anything like the badgering and irrelevant, insulting, arrogant bearing of the attorney who appeared in tliis particular case._ .The magistrate evidently thought it all right, for, though I expected every moment to near him expostulate, he did not do so. They told me before I left Home that New Zealand was a democratic country, and that the subject enjoyed more liberty here than he does at Home, but in conclusion let mo say if this is tho usual custom (I don't know that it is, mind you) I would like to see some of tho good old conservative methods of Old England here, especially in the abovementioned institution. It would be better for the law, better for all concerned, for there is something contemptible in tho attitude of a paid attorney trying to bully and browbeat a witness who has been unfortunate enough to see something occur that he has had to give evidence upon. A lawyer is a gentleman by Act of Parliament; the least he can do is to act as one. —I am, etc.j CONSERVATIVE. September 21. '

, DESICNS FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS. Sir, —Apropos of the Hon. Kennedy Macdonald's motion that it is advisable that competitive designs be invited from architects for all our State buildings, it may not be generally known that it is a recognised rule tJirbughout Great Britain; etc., that the designing of all public buildings, including town halls, municipal buildings, offices, hospitals, bath houses, courthouses, schools, churches, and practically every description of public buildings, should be done by means of competitive designs. There are hundreds of architects who to-day aro at the head of their profession whose first step up the ladder was the winning of one of these competitions. In a new country like this, what opportunity has the young architect of showing his ability-beyond a cottage or two, or'perhaps a'block of shops? There are.none: Every inducement should be given to ah architect to perfect himself in the designing and details of his craft, and the throwing open to / competition of all public buildings is not only .desirable but should be made-corn-'-pulsory. At tho present moment the Government have a unique opportunity of securing unlimited talent at a small cost to'the country. In Parliamentary Buildings, Government House, public offices,' National Museum, capital railway station, Auckland and Wellington Post Offices, etc.. there is a most desirable description of: buildings, and should without question be designed- by the best talent procurable. Without'in any way desiring to underrate the Government architect's undoubted'abilities, it is an undeniable fact that each architect develops a certain style that tends to a certain sameness of design that in time • practically becomes a 'repetition'.: And it is most desirablo that all public buildings should have a distinct individuality, and, if practicable, a different order of architecture, not only to please*the eye, but also to be of educative value to the 'architectural students of the day. As regards cost, I .believe I will be correct in stating .that the buildings designed by private architects are invariably erected at a lesser cost than those carried out under; tho Public Works Department of any country.— I am, etc., MICHAEL ANGELO. September 28. •

THE DOMINION DAY PARADE. Sir, —In your report of the review on Dominion Day pride of place is given, in the march past, to the Royal N.Z. Permanent. Artillery. It is difficult to make this award,, a.s, from one. point of view, a line may bei'perfect; a moment and a slight .wave mars this. Tho first company of the corps named wont by in step, although the band struck up on the wrong foot. The second, although in time, were out of step expect its officer and. tho sergt.-major. The Highlanders went by well, their "spats" marking thepace and step, and their dressing was good. Had they marched past to their national music, the pipes and drums, it might have been even better. AVhero all were so good it is invidious to select one corps. But tho officers lack instruction and practice in saluting. Some looked as if trussed. It is not necessary to look over tho shoulder on the command "Eyes right." Some of those who followed his Excellency when inspecting the lino of quarter column might, if they had not been chattering, . have followed tho example of Captain tho Hon. Gathorne-Hardy when ho saluted the colours?. Were all.those gentlemen entitled to join the staff at that, particular function ?—I am, etc., J.T.M. September 28.

A WASTEFUL FARCE. Sir,—lf over there was a farce it is this Dominion holiday. There is hardly a town in the whole of New Zealand that is observing it, yet business people are put to the inconvenience of not being able to uso the Post Offices. What for? or ivhoever wanted the name of tho colony changed? The wonder to me is that the people of New Zealand stand all this nonsense and wasteful extravagance. It is really amusing to see ■the contempt shown for the Dominion medals. I notice tho Government take care that all the _ taxes and duties are collected, and yet business men are not considered in the least, but put to loss through every whim of the Government. The wonder to me is that the people stand it. Goodness knows there are enough holidays, with the half-holiday every week and the restricted hours of labour, without piling it on at everv excuse. I can assure you many find it hard enough to pay their way as it is, without being compelled to through not being allowed to do their business. How this country stands tho strain is tho greatest puzzle. Talk about living a strenuous life, as mentioned in the address to tho American Fleet, why, the thino is the greatest irony. Wo go and waste (no" body will ever know how much) in practically building a temporary railway to gratify the vanity of a few men in power,, when there was tho best possiblo means of travelling without it. When one reads of tho distress m the Old Country, tho feeling comes that we have a merciful providence watching over us, but if ever wo come to want m these beautiful islands wo have ourselves to blame.—l am. otc., September 26, 1908. TAXPAYER. TOWN BELT BILL. Sir,—ln reply to Mr. James Toomath's letter in your Saturday issue: I adopted and continued to use a nom-de-plum© so that tho discussion may be conducted in an impartial and impersonal manner. I may say I nm a wage-oarner, ari ex-footballer, a hockovito a tennis player, and will probably remain a citizen of Wellington longer than Mr Toomatll. I liopo to tako my duties as a citizen quite as sonously as ho docs, and also liopo that I am sport enough to look at tho leasing proposal in an impartial manner, and to condemn it if unfair or unjust. Tho proposal to raiso £3000 to improvo tho Town Belt is a very sensible proposition, and is evidently the immediate result of the interest awakened by tho now Bill. If Mr Toomatb oaa get the meeting called to op-

poso the Bill to subscribe £195 among themselves for thin purpose I will add £5 and willingly co-operate in forwarding an energetic canvass for Uio balance. My attitude townrilii tin; Bill, of course, remains unaltered, and I will nlate as shortly as I can tho mimw for Umfc attitude. I hopo Mr. 'J'oornnlli will write fully, giving Ins reasons for bin opposition, and tho public can then j tidyo between mi, 1- Tho Bill doofl not propose to "pilch" m Potion of tho Town Beit from tho pubIi C " J Point Jerningham, the observatory, tho Botanical Gardens fort, and other sites woro annexed by tho Government for its own oxclusivo purposes, 'J'lie present Bill does not proposo to transfer tho title of one inch of land. It permits tho City Council to lease to amateur sports bodios, subject to certain restrictions. The council can add further conditions, but under no circumstances can any portion of tho Town Belt bo sold or PT entirely from tho hands of the peoplo. I. the proposed leases will bo for tho direct benofit of over 6000 residents of the city, of all ages and both sexes. The Bill will carry out the intentions of tho donors who gavo the land in trust to tho residents for purposes of recreation.• '

3. No ono class will be particularly benefitted as the amateur sports clubs have practically an open membership. Any residents who wish to form a new club may do so, and call apply to tho council for a lease of certain grounds, which will be granted at a fair rental, if tho application is a bona fide one. 4; The children and tho aged will also be benefitted,' for a very considerable revenue will be derived from these sports leases, ana this revenue can bo devoted to the improvement of tho 900 acres still. unleased. This forms, of course, the major portion of tho belt, and there is ample scope for a much larger expenditure than the £300 proposed to bo raised by our friends. 5. Tho Bill will provide sports grounds for numbers of young men. who cannot?now be admitted to tho over-crowded ranks of the clubs; and who probably spend their leisure either on the streets or in the hotels. I myself know dozens from Home and different parts of the Dominion who are anxious to join tennis clubs, but cannot do so, and are hindered in their development of that healthy body, which is almost invariably the index of a healthy mind. Tho same is probably the case with cricketers also. •6. The. Bill means tbo expenditure by/ sports bodies of a very large sum on the improvement of the belt: it means the council saves the interest on the money thus expended and gains a largely increased revenue. Last, and not least, it means an improvement in the health' and happiness of thousands to whom these grounds were given for recreation. ■' . The Bill will injure no one, and benefit every class. For that reason it deserves the intelligent and hearty support of every citizen. Why oppose itp—l am, etc., ' " ' COMMON SENSE. September 23.