LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25179, 17 April 1945, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Prison Life Sir, —I have been reading with much interest the series of articles "Inside the G'aol" which have been appearing in the Herald. Three or four times the allowance of meat, double the ration of sugar and butter, steamed pudding twice a week, regular issue of rice—Rice! Just think of it, rice—four good blankets, to say nothing of sheets, washed every week, bread only one day old. Just think of that!—at Christmas and Easter. Oh, boy! Oh, boy! Please tell me how I can'get in there as a permanent boarder. P. J. Smith. Sheep's Feet Sir, —I wish to point out to "Animal Lover" that I have found time spent on trimming sheep's feet very profitable and that most farmers for their own financial benefit keep their sheep's feet in good order. Had "Animal Lover" been an experienced farmer he would have noticed the state of the sheep's feet in the saleyards before he bought them. In my 40 years' experience on a farm I have never seen foot rot go any further than the sheep's hoof and have found that a long drive on the road was one of the best ways of conditioning sheep's feet. Sheep Farmer. Takapuna Subdivisions Sir. —In reply to a series of inaccurate statements made by your correspondent, "The Oracle " may I be allowed to mention that although as a mere matter of form the Housing Department does forward schemes of subdivisions, the council has no power to compel the department to alter the plans. It must be borne in mind that the department's schemes of subdivision are all in accordance with the principles of modern town-planning, that the department only pays a portion of the rates on the land until houses are erected, and consequently it would be unwise for a local body to reject plans, especially owing to the acute shortage of houses.

As regards the Bayswater property quoted by your correspondent, the department refused to make provision for vehicular access to Norwood Road, contending that- a through uoad was contrary to modern town-planning, as regards residential areas. To get over the difficulty and prevent continuous delay 1 advised the late council to approve the scheme plans and purchase a private section to give the necessary access. This was my own idea and no suggestion came from Bayswater residents, as your correspondent asserts. The council cannot dictate terms to the State and if a policy of obstruction was embarked upon the department would allow sites to remain vacant build elsewhere •John Gciniven, Mayor of Takapuna. Manpower Questionings

Sir, —Many thanks for the leading article on manpower. It is most opportune and should give the authorities "furiously to think." The ultimate destination of the reinforcement draft now being impressed is exercising many minds and should be answered without equivocation or delay. One aspect I wish to enlarge upon I understand, but cannot prove, that nearly 100 apprentice engineers are about to be called up. I know of some in my locality who are under orders. This is to be regretted and shows lack of knowledge of the requirements of the merchant service, as quite a number of these youths are training as marine engineers.

One apprentice engineer with only about three months to complete his apprenticeship has had his appeal turned down. For almost the whole of his time served he has been employed, and is still so employed, on urgent war work, especially repairs to ship's machinery, working long hours throughout, studying and attending evening classes for his third marine examination as opportunitv offered.

When he requests that he be allowed to finish his apprenticeship he is informed this is impossible, as the merchant service is not a combatant force! The 8.8.C. has just reported Mr Bevin as saying that in proportion to its numbers, the merchant service had lost twicie as many men as any of the other three fighting services. Merchant shipping is of paramount importance today and will be for many years after hostilities end, transporting food, etc., for the starving millions. Many engineers now serving will leave the service when the war ends. These must be replaced by trained younger men who will not be available if now drafted into the Army. Curly Strips.