“K.V.A." AND his critics.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 18 July 1929, Page 4

“K.V.A." AND his critics.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Fix>in Air Cameron’s contribution to the “Star” of this date f

conclude he is a trifle ruffled. That is regrettable, because unless one remains cool, calm, and collected one cannot retain the clear perception necessary i'or the subject under review. I am sorry also that I cannot accept his invitation to disclose- my identity—at any rate, not just yet—for various reasons, chief of these .being: First, I have always been afflicted by an incurable shyness, and to step ‘suddenly into the limelight would cause a severe attack of “stage fright,” which, of course, is disconcerting at any time; secondly. 1 am far removed from my first youth, and still distant from my second, so that my nether limbs are set. and no amount of leg-pulling could provide any ocular demonstration of distension nor recompense for energy expended; thirdly, the conflict is of opinions, and the knowledge of my identity would not he of material assistance to him in dealing with these. Actually, we meet on a level in that regard, as “Ei. K. Cameron” conveys no more to me than “K.V.A.” does to him. Fourthly, I stated in a previous letter (in order to absolve others from the accusation,) who I am not; I will now supplement that by stating, on oath if required, that I have not a speaking acquaintance with any member of the Power Board, and not even a, nodding acquaintance with any one of the electrical profession in Hawera beyond Air. Lamb. That being disposed of, I would! simply comment that it is quite natural to appreciate the humour of last week’s situation, and not at all undignified to express that appreciation; therefore Mr. Cameron’s reputation will not suffer by his descending to my level. Should he lay it on hot and strong, I can assure him that “K.V.A.” will feel it just as much as—myself Curiously enough, when it was most desirable to exercise caution lie lias thrown that to the winds, with the consequence that there is but one sentence in liis letter that is not inaccurate. For example, it is not “from time to time for twelve, months,” but rather over a period of eight years, that I have been writing on the correlated subjects of high charges and public ownership. Further, the mistake is Air. Cameron’s that I “would like to appear disinterested” ; as a consumer who has experienced something different, I am very much interested. Nor is it correct to state that I am making personal attacks—Air. Taylor as a gentleman and a lawyer is outside my province, but Air. Taylor as a public adviser on electrical matters is a different personage and I have an existing right to comment on his expressed opinions. Finally, “the sting is in the tail,” and the “most unkindest cut of all” is this: The same Air. Cameron who wrote that, in the event of “K.V.A.” disclosing his identity, “I will he prepared to take up the controversy with him on dignified (!) lines,” in his next sentence stated “if ‘K.V.A.’ does not disclose his identity the public will be able to judge for themselves whether he personally lias an ‘axe to grind.’ ” That seems to me like a reversal of the customary procedure and that the jury is now instructing the judge. Seeing that the disclosure is not taking place, Mr. Cameron’s next duty will be to uncover the axe.

Passing on to Mr. Simpson’,s letter, I apparently made a mistake in “judging a man by the company he keeps,” so to speak; and yet the mistake may be pardonable. Who could suspect that members of the PoAver Board, representing South Taranaki, would be specially invited to attend a meeting to form a ratepayers’ association in Hawera. And at that meeting, convened with an open mind, the principal speaker condemned the Po\A’er Board’s proposals and stated that the bohrd had seiwed its purpose and ought now to disband. The second speaker gu\ r e it as his opinion that the board should not be allowed to take over the company’s undertaking, and the other (Mr. Dixon) has already contributed too much to your columns to leave any doubt as to lioav his sympathies lie. Everyone present wanted information, but nobody asked anybody anything. Mr. Simpson, however, has a sense of humour, which is helpful all round, as he states that he Avas amused on reading my remarks. Nevertheless, he himself “jokes Avi’ deeficulty.” In considering a programme for the next meeting of the ratepayers’ association iic suggests that I contribute the song “The man they left behind.” That is a hasty selection and would be most inappropriate, for I am still very much to the front, eA r en although I may he pushed back’later. And no more fortunate is his “dugout” idea as a scenic background, as, no matter how early I arrived, under the prevailing circumstances he and his companions could hardly refrain from having a, peep inside—and then the attractive mysticism would be gone. No, I still prefer “A street scene in Venice,” and my reason will be understandable to Mr. Simpson. In conclusion, I lmve been asked to confine myself to tlie “open mind institution,” namely, the Ratepayers’ Association —neAY and enlarged edition. Therefore, may I ask the secretary !(Mr. L. A. Taylor) or the president (Mr. E. Dixon) bow many experts, and of what standing, the association expects to secure from the subscription of os per member —keeping in mind that the not too numerous experts for both sides of the arbitration proceedings probably .cost around £12,000 to £14,000. Then there is the* paradoxical situation that the public Avon’t pay until they know Avkat they are getting for their money, and the executive cannot issue invitations to the experts until the money is in sight. It seems to me A y erv much like the child’s lucky packet, and I myself Avould hate to hand over os and find I had .“struck a duel.” I thank you. sir, for permitting ray indulgence. If my comments ai'e not too dignified that is merely because dignity is closely allied to boredom. — l am, etc. K.V.A. Hawera, .Tnlv 37.