POINTS FROM LETTERS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 73, 27 March 1931, Page 5

POINTS FROM LETTERS

Complaint is made by "J.T. of the inaccuracy o£ some of the public weighing machines in Wellington. The correspondent gives particulars of discrepancies of several pounds to the weights recorded by several machines, and in one instance by the same machine at different not say that the Civil servants have not cause to complain of the drastic cut about to be put across them (writes "In the Shade"). "There is one side of the position that seems to have been, lost sight of in their indignation meetings. Did they protest against the discharge or hundreds o£ men w.ho had worked m the various branches of services for many years as casuals? I have not yet seen aay record of any protest on their assocition's part. These poor unfortunates seem to be lost sight-of. Their lot is the saddest of all. Thousands of them are unable to provide proper food and clothing for their dependants." I A correspondent, writing as one or the 'refugees, states why some people are reluctant to return to Napier. Some are; terrified to go back because of the dreadful experiences they have suffered apart; from material losses. Others have lost) their furniture and goods and have no, money to buy more. In other cases therej is no drainage in Napier and water has1 to be carted. . "Miramar Batepayer" supports a Brooklyn complaint of insufficient fire brigade, staffing and states that there are similar conditions in Miramar. The fire engine may be seen sometimes leaving the station with, one man and it may have to wait for volunteers to arrive. . i Writing to correct a statement iiij Parliament that apprentices receive 15s! a week wages, "Veritas" states that thousands of girls have only 10s from which they must pay train and tram fare. Even then they are liable to lose pay through time off. Outside the trades (the correspondent continues) the position is even worse and in some cases a home and food are offered in return for services. "Veritas" also contends that the number of unemployed should be stated by including females and youths. In England these are included in the totals and receive unemployment benefits, and New Zealand should do the same. "Ratepayer" writes: About three months ago, the footpath leading from the shops opposite the end of the Kelburn Viaduct to the entrance of the Karori tunnel, was reformed, kerbed, and channelled. A few days afterwards two men were pulling up some of the concrete work. However the job was finished, and a nice bitumenised footpath was the result, a distinct improvement on the old order of things. To-day (Thursday) tlie bitumen is being ripped up to enable an electric main to be placed under the; footpath. Is it any wonder that we are paying excessive rates when things like this are allowed to happen?^