Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 25 August 1943, Page 2

Readers Write

Reading in Monday’s “Advocate” that Hamilton shops are to recommence a late shopping night this week. I write to ask it LATE SHOPPING businessmen have NIGHT contemplated a similar move in Whangarei. Arguments may be raised that stocks and staffs arc depleted, but many pc-ope in this community would like to see Friday night once again a late shopping night. There are many points in its favour. "OFFICE GIRL.” I have read with interest letters re baekbiocks land for soldiers. Mrs Sheild's letter was certainly constructive compared with SOLDIER letters by visionary SETTLEMENT writers. Men who have been fighting in the baekbiocks of Greece and Crete have proved their mettle, and many who return fit will be tire right type to break in good baekbiocks land. With ail the machinery, electricity, telephones, etc., good roads, and, later on. a good air service. I ask: Where will be the baekbiocks?

Given a fair start, no man would be such a “sap” that lie could not make good, even if he did not live on tiie fringe of a town. What we need in New Zealand is more villages, with their factories, etc., etc., out in the baekbiocks. This woud be healthier, and bring about expansion of settlement. Men of vision arc needed, but they only become so by experience in the hard things of life. Many men will no doubt not bo fit to manage farms, but they could do good work as helpers. The best things of life can still be found in the baekbiocks. What many of us do not know is that our mental outlook determines out attitude towards what makes or mars in life. Good baekbiocks farms will be r. better proposition for many men than many of the worked farms, for it will have all the natural elements, and will not be denatured like so many so-called clean farms. I have lived 40 years in the baekbiocks. so know what I am talking about. —M. PORTER.