CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Star, Issue 21073, 9 April 1932, Page 17

CORRESPONDENCE

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —May I voice my admiration of tho workless of New Zealand who, through months of poverty and hardship, have remained true to their country’s laws? Many have been, hungry, cold, dejected, yet theyhave not stolen, they have not used violence. At tho one local threat of a lapse their betterfed neighbours were surprised and shocked. Rather might they have marvelled at the patience of our poor. Long months thev have struggled and waited, evidence that they do not want to steal nor destroy. Creeping ever nearer, however, is the great danger of an exasperated rising against tho obstinately unfair management of those who persist in lowering all low pay and protecting high. By like stupidity are all revolutions caused, while legislators wonder why. This danger is dreaded by hundreds of peaceful unemployed, and I would suggest to them that as they do not hold with “ direct action ” they should themselves take other action. They have much time on their hands; why not study the art of governing a country rightly, educate themselves and also their neighbours, that their minds may grip firmly the science of true economics? The present Government cannot last for ever, and can scarcely have another election trick up its sleeve. If, then, the people are persuaded to see rightly by sensible, de-cent-living workless a bloodless revolution in politics should be the result. Moreover, the “ out-of-work ” should have his own paper. Difficult, yes, but not impossible. There must be some unemployed with the necessary experience, plenty of intelligent writers, and time in abundance to worry at the thing. A few copies, written, typed, anything for a start, and passed round would speedily find a place in the lives of the wprkless. Other papers, born and bred to a conventional view of things, are like the doctor who keeps telling his kicking patient that it will be all right soon if he will but keep still. But the operation is long and painful, and doctors are often wrong. In present-day politics it is necessary that new treatment be brought to bear on old troubles. The treatment but waits its opportunity to prove itself. The man out of work could, in a paper of his own, enlighten his neighbours regarding this. He could _ discuss his own views reasonably and without heat. He could turn the gaze of the worker to many Government monstrosities politely overlooked by other papers. He would allow no nastiness, no incitements in his paper, but truth and ideals and courage, and cheer and the strong spirit that has already held for so long. He would make it plain in every issue that his paper is out for betterment and reform by lawful means, and intends to win them. The workless could, by next election, have an organisation strong enough to quite peacefully overcome the moneyed might of the present Government.—l am, etc., Sympathiser. April 9. TO THE EDITOR., Sir,—l understand a number of groups are engaged in clearing gorse for farmers situated four or five miles from a tram terminus. I think it would be only fair if the farmers getting free labour should be asked to provide a conveyance for tho men. My informant has to leave his home at 6.30, and does not get home till about the same time at) night.—l am, etc., Sympathy. April 9. A CITY BICYCLE STAND. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I often wonder at_ a time like the present no enterprising business man in the centre of the city does not start a bicycle stand. It only requires a small amount of space to erect a stand to hold twenty or thirty bicycles, and I am sure this could be made a paying proposition at a very small charge. Perhaps someone will take it up. Now that we have good roads leading both north and south, and bicycles are increasing, I think it would be a great convenience for anyone coming into the city on business or going to the pictures at night if he knew he could leave his bicycle in a stand with safety. The idea occurred to me when I was in Christchurch recently, when I saw several bicycle stands in and around the city, several right alongside the footpath. These may require to have a license from the City Council. I think the charge in Christchurch was 3d for a bicycle.— I am, etc., Bicycle Rider, April 8.