Readers Write ...

Northern Advocate, 25 October 1947, Page 6

Readers Write ...

Thursday was the anniversary of El Alamein, recognised by the majority as the turning point of World War 11. Comparing this EL ALAMEIN with Anzac Day, DAY the support accorded to it bv the citizens of Whangarei loft much to be desired. Anzac Day is still honoured, by everybody, both past and present generation. * In the eyes of the present generation —those who participated in El Alamein—this day is as important as Anzac Day is to those who participated at Gallipoli. Let us hope that in 12 months’ time El Alamein Day will be honoured in the same manner as Anzac Day, out of respect for those who participated in both campaigns. The state in its wisdom, decrees that Anzac Day shall be a national holiday. Why not El Alamein Day ? —“FAIR PLAY.”

I would like to explain my position through your Readers Write column. A report' made by the chairman of ' Ward 1, at a meetMAORIS , ing held in WhaAND RATES ngarei would tell the Minister that the Maoris do not pay rates. We Maoris of Hokianga who produce butterfat have been paying ,jd per lo butterfat as a contribution towards rates. 'At a meeting held in Rawene in February a proposal to increase the levy from id per lb butterfat to id was carried without any prgument. Soon after the meeting in Rawene I wrote to the county clerk that I would prefer to pay full rates than pay id per lb butterfat. In September last I received a reply. Total full rates amount to just a little over twothirds of the total I have paid at id per lb butterfat. Now the increase to id per lb butterfat just means that the poor Maoris are paying three years’ rates each year. If the chairman of Ward 1 plays fair he will help the backblocks. I have to be satisfied with two miles of pig track to get my produce to the main»road. — R. PROCTOR.