LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25083, 22 December 1944, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Auckland Cultural League Sir, —Your news item regarding the establishment of a Cultural Welfare League may give the impression that this movement has boon promoted by the Auckland Society of Arts, of which 1 am president; this is not so, although I have no doubt full support will be given. Neither the society nor myself originated the idea, which is the outcome of representations made by many other individuals and interests Richard 0. Gross, Convener and Chairman, pro-tern. R.N.Z.A.F. in Pacific Sir, —It is difficult to understand why members of the R.N.Z.A.F. who saw active service in the Pacific have not vet .been awarded the 1939-43 Star. Many of them have fulfilled the requirements which would entitle them to wear it had they been operating in another zone. It is freely admitted that their living Conditions were below tjiose of other .theatres and any argument that their duties were not hazardous should be answered by the fact that a considerable number have paid the supreme sacrifice and quite a few have been decorated for gallantry. The time for consideration of this matter appears long overdue. Amazed. Cost of House Repairs Sir, —I wish to add my protest un the outrageous charges made by some tradesmen for repairs to property. A plumber recently did a small job for me. He arrived with one man, he provided about 30s worth of material and presented me with an account for £ll 10s. The cost of labour for six hours' work by two men works out at £lO. Another plumber quoted me £42 10s for a drainage job. and agreed to do the work in two days, single-handed. The cost of materials was barely £2O and the rest presumably represented wages for two days' work. Property Owner Reciprocity in Hospitality Sir, —Your correspondent "Digger 19-11-43" feels the same way as many of our boys and quite rightly, too, up to a point, as many of our girls were very much "pro-allv." But while this is so. he should not forget that many of us went along quite impartially, regardless of the servicemen's rank or nationality. Yes. "Digger," stick to your girl friends who have been loyal to you. but please do not forget that manv of you were grateful to accept hospitality when overseas. Perhaps the Kiwis were envied a little by other boys. But do not worry. We girls like the Kiwis and admire them. Nothing, however, makes us more indignant than to be misjudged when we have only done what we would wish others to do for our Kiwis. Hostess. The Population Problem Sir, —Sir Clutiia Mackenzie some time n<;o gave facts to the Government of 1000 Imperial troops in India and Burma who desire to settle here. He has received no information from the Government as to their being welcome, in fact he has received no news at all and consequently he is naturally advising them to settle in Australia. Away go 1000 immigrants! It is funny that while Australia is appealing for immigrants we are rejecting them. Ff these men are promised n welcome all will be well but at the same time remind them that they will have to wait until our hoys are rehabilitated. They prefer New Zealand to Australia. Why reject men who wish to settle only to hifve to start publicity Campaigns later? Christmas annuals and special literature on New Zealand should be placed in R.N.', R.A.F. and Army messes: 500,000 cheap descriptive pamphlets could * be' issued. Speakers should tour England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Mr Leigh Hunt's Association is to be congratulated on its tireless efforts. I disagree with him, however, in the plan to bring Ruropean war orphans here. British orphans should be encouraged. The luiropean countries more than any need their populations. The introduction of the American Immigration Quota is proof of the failure of mixing. Countries the stocks of which pioneered the United States were allowed most entrants. Let us benefit bv others' mistakes. What !NkXt ?