HEALTH CAMPS AND UNEMPLOYMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 21966, 28 February 1935, Page 16

HEALTH CAMPS AND UNEMPLOYMENT.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —Hud my Inst tetter to “ Paddy ” been published it would have answered some of the points ho brings up tonight. 1 did not “ darkly hint,” but, on the contrary, stressed that no means test was applied to the wealthy ratepayer such as was applied to the relief worker. , “ Paddy ” says 1 fail to see that the State took quite a handsome contribution from the wealthy landowner. Nothing of the kind, but 1 see that the State took infinitely more from me in proportion. It took my life for four years (who had nothing to protect) to fight for that squatter (who had everything to protect) and who did not go away. The State refused me work as unfit, but never paid a penny of pension. And after all, there is a theory of relativity. A Persian proverb says “ Dew in the ants’ house is a deluge.” Like “ Paddy,” 1 am not impressed with his Australian figures. New Zealand with Messrs Forbes and Coates is near enough to me. What about Mr Waite, rejected in Clutha and getting placed in what is referred to as “ another place ” ? What about Mr Bromley, rejected in Palmerston and appointed to the Unemployment Board, where he gets £l2 a week and more tor travelling expenses in one day than I get to keep five for a week? Why does “Paddy” worry about repudiation of war debt? I read an editorial in the ‘ Star,’ to which I replied, which stated that a war debt was no debt; it was entitled ‘ We Have Paid Enough.’ Certainly repudiate. Why should I pay interest to men who sent me to war—sent the material to shoot me, too? Why should any one section profit from war while the vast majority who had nothing much material gave their lives and their limbs? “ Paddy ” can take it from me as a Socialist that he need not lose any sleep about Messrs Roberts and Cook ruthlessly taking over anything at all. Frankly, I would, and in exchange give them and everybody else economic security, which they will never get under the present system. If I am not entitled to be part owner of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, don’t prate to me of my country if ail I am entitled to is twelve years’ unemployment out of seventeen j’ears, 36s a week, and a pauper’s ration card for 3s every two weeks for a family of five. Of course, living in a democratic country I have the privilege of discussing my marital relations with one of “ Paddy’s ” examples who was not elected, but was rewarded for services rendered.—l am, etc., Popoffski. February 26. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Yes, “Paddy,” X acknowledge my mistake. To err is to forgive, so let me hasten to correct same. Income, £3 10s; tax of Is Bd, instead of lOd, would leave £3 4s 2d. Tax of Is 8d on £5 would leave £4 11s Bd.—l am, etc., P. Neilson. February 26.