ART UNIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19349, 9 June 1926, Page 11

ART UNIONS.

Sir.—ln the discussions of art unions, "J.S." and others soem jubilant over the spirit of the gamble, Unit no one can deny that the principle of gambling is bad. I think it the worst of all .evils. More men have gone to the wall through gambling than through any. other vice. One can't see a football match, or race, or play a game of cards or billiards without the proverbial bet. "J.S." and others would say that life is a gamble. Yes, I know, with what results? Extreme wealth, extreme poverty, jealousy and hatred rampant, a world of chaos and turmoil, no one can trust another. Itis not uatural law; it is unnatural law for ia natural law enough is sufficient and there it ends. lam pleased to se« Mr. Coates take the stand he does m tho matter, if I disagree with him in other things. T, Sutton,

Sir,—lt is astonishing tho amount _of "piffle" tht is written about "getting something for nothing." Every business transaction is to" a greater or less extent a gamble. If anyone goes in for a rafflo he may have to lay out a hundred or more shillings, or two shillings, as tho caso may be. lie either gets a win or else someone else does so. In any case, someone is made happy. Of course one must feel sorry for tho grouchers who hate to see a poor man or woman get something for nothing. If tho prize wore a house, the winning of it might mean happiness, contentment and" comfort for life to the lucky one. Itcertainly would mean work for carpenters, masons, bricklayers, sawmillers, quarrymen, cement-makers, ironmongers, blacksmiths, painters, paperhangors, decorators, gardoners, concrete misers and many other workers. If the goodvgoody people object to other people benefiting at their expense, lot them refrain from taking surreptitious tickets, or if they do, let thorn sell, at a fair price, ; should they win. to ma or, some other unfortunate in the same . financial position. I might then ho able to house my five little ones, which I will never , be able to do while my weekly increment is what it is, unless I have some heavensent gift. ~ But for goodness sakq don't ' deify tho poor Premier. He is as good a sport as any: but tho pi filers wont allow him to call his soul his own soon. WonKKft.