CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Star, Issue 23909, 12 June 1941, Page 10

CORRESPONDENCE

SOCIAL SECURITY GENERAL PRACTITIONER SCHEME. TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —More Unity ” places tho medical men on the same plane as wharf workers, miners, freezing workers,' railway workers, and others, and by some fantistic mental process accuses me of inconsistency because I have not proved them to be otherwise. Reference to this correspondent’s previous letter will convince readers that lie himself was guilty of making assertions without advancing reasons in support thereof—a very simple thing to do, and the common weapon of the Now Zealand Communistic Socialist. I would remind “ More Unity ” that I dr, not “ rake up ” arguments; I try to employ the law of reason and suggestion. Because I oppose his contentions he must not assume that I have not. the general good in view. One of the great obstacles which the Communistic Socialist has yet to overcome is intolerance of criticism; he generally resorts to the protection sought by the ostrich when trouble is about. May I reiterate for “ More Unity’s ” benefit that in refusing to accept contract cards under the Social Security Act the doctors are exercising a right conferred upon them under that Act—they have tho right to decline? Two successive Ministers of Health have sought to coerce those medical men, and have in fact used every means in their power to discredit them in the eyes of tho public for refusing to become State servants. I suggest that had similar methods been employed for any purpose, war effort included, on any trades union, there would have been a general strike and a tremendous hullabaloo. Again I point out—this service is not free; it is a very expensive service paid in advance. “ More Unity ” does not deny the truth of this assertion.—l. am, etc., June 12. John Gilpin. POLITICS AND THE WAR. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Anyone reading our daily papers must be impressed with the fact that politicians are placing party interests before the war effort. It is also clear that the trade union leaders consider the retention of peace-time privileges of far more importance than giving our best to help in the war. There is no need to quote examples; they can be seen daily in your news columns.. The great majority of the people in the Dominion are sick to death of this party and sectional strife when their kin are going through Hell in defence of the Empire, but they are helpless. A General Election is no solution, because the issues placed before the electors are framed by the politicians on party lines. Cannot those in power realise the growing impatience throughout New Zealand?—Wo are, etc., New Zealand Welfare League. June 10.