UNPATRIOTIC CAPITALISTS?

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 8

UNPATRIOTIC CAPITALISTS?

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Having noted the reported remarks of the Hon. P. C. Webb, as well as similar remarks from other Cabinet Ministers, I request that you will kindly allow me space in which, tv state, a case. May I mention that I was born in Wellington, and have lived in New Zealand all my life with the exception of a period of over three years spent in serving my country in the N.Z.E.F. Prior to 1914 I was employed by .several capitalist "bosses," and I have no complaints to make of their treatment of me either in the matter of wages or conditions of work. Since the war I have been in business on my own account, have triea to treat employees fairly, have worked long hours, and Invested savings in New Zealand Government Stocks and New Zealand industries. But the advent of a Socialist Government, intent upon the destruction of Capitalism and capitalists (notwithstanding the fact that there are actually a lot of capitalists in their ranks), and apparently forgetful of the fact that "a man is entitled to the fruits of his own labour" just as much as "the labourer is worthy of his hire," has persuaded me to make a few readjustments with my small investments.^ So, as Mr. Semple said that his party could do without the ill-gotten gains of people like me, and Mr. Lee said that w<* would be made to disgorge our savings, I have thought it best to remove temptation, at the same time giving our Government my share of the opportunity to "do their stuff" without capitalist help, and I. have done just what Mr. Webb complains of, transferred some of my "ill-gotten gains" and created a, reserve overseas. In conclusion may I point out that 1 claim to be just as patriotic as any man in New Zealand, and will offer my services again as or when that becomes necessary.—l am, etc..

EX-OFFICER N.Z!E.F.