LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24846, 18 March 1944, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Reward of Labour Sir, —In my letter (published yesterday) I wrote of "nine hours' travelling time at 2s lOd an hour." Actually only 71 hours of the nine hours are paid for, thus reducing my weekly total (as set out yesterday) by 4s 3d, and making it £8 2s 3d —plus the additions already mentioned. Just a Labourer. Children or No Children Si rj —"Play Fair's" letter has much to commend it and along with many other mothers I venture to state that should the proposals ever be brought about the spectre of a declining population would be greatly diminished. There is little doubt that the monetary fears that "Play Fair" enumerates are at the root of' the trouble. Whether they should count to such an extent raises another issue. However, there is this solace for many parents—the gratitude and love of their children in their declining yeare and not the lonely existence of the aging childless couple. Mother Of Three. Industrial Peace Sir. —Your correspondent "Fiat Justitia" is wrong in assuming that industrial unrest steins from the party system. Warring factions are a survival of a certain stage of barbarism, and if unions, federations and kindred associations were eliminated party government would collapse for want of support. However, if the two warring factions are allowed to continue, Communism. as in Russia, will destroy both of them. And 1 for one have no desire to become a State serf. The much-hated capitalist is in reality the workers' friend. An abundance of capital is essential to cheapen the cost of production and ultimately the necessaries of life and to ensure that the highest wages can be paid. On the other hand, the employer should give the worker who labours and fights if necessary for the country a square deal. At present both parties fight out their differences by lock-outs, strikes, or at the Arbitration Court, with a view to getting the better of each other, and with the result that neither party is satisfied. In the meanwhile, the general public suiters, commercial and industrial progross is retarded, and the political and industrial agitator is regarded as somewhat of a hero. If we do not change our ideas and methods with a view to eliminating such unrest our beautiful land will pass over to strangers. John Ouinivkn. Centennial Park Board

»Sir, —The deputation which asked for direct representation of scientific and open-air interests 011 the Centennial Park Board had a first-class local precedent. —1 mean in the administration of the War Memorial Museum. The public of Auckland raised some £250,000 to erect the building and then handed it over to a voluntary society, the Auckland .Institute and Museum. When a greatly increased income was needed, 24 local bodies agreed to a special Act of Parliament under which they were assessed with contributions totalling £5700 a year. The Act provided that seven members, representing the contributory local bodies should be added to the museum council, but it did not lay down that they should have a majority of votes. In point of fact, they have always been in a minority, and if it came to a difference of opinion, the members elected by subscribers to the voluntary society would carry the day. However, the council is a happy family and sectional feeling is quite unknown. Now as regards the Centennial Park, it is asked that people specially interested should be given two representatives on the controlling board, which Ims 10 members representing local bodies and two representing the Government. On _ the analogy of the museum, this is an extremely modest request, and one which could be granted with the utmost goodwill, because it is really an offer of assistance and co-operation. If it is thought to open the door too wide, the University College Council and tho Museum Council—two bodies of unquestioned standing—might be allowed to elect one , member each on behalf of all the interests concerned. Forest Lorra.