MR DORNWELL IN REPLY. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6385, 31 July 1882, Page 3

MR DORNWELL IN REPLY. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —" Civis'" reply to my letter of the 15th July, re national insurance, has pained me rery much, haying hitherto entertained the idea that his articles in your widely-distributed paper were not so muoh to " shoot folly as it Hies" as to enlighten, educate, and point out matter for serious consideration to your j numerous readers, My argument that early marriages and indiscriminate "multiplying" bring on much misery, and are the cause of many crimes, he does not dispute, but claims a set-off that not marrying early has the same effect, which I dispute. Anyone giving Major Atkinson's scheme for the prevention of poverty serious consideration must come to the conclusion that, if carried out, it must elevate the moral tone of the community, as it assuredly will lead to increased happiness and comfort. It will not make people lazy because they know they havo earned their insurance. Have you never observed, Mr Editor, that those who have the largest life insurances are the most thrifty, energetic, and industrious of every community? " Civis'" remarks anent the " horny-handed " are incorrect; for of all persons who are most likely to make use of our Hospital and charitable institutions it is the miner and' bachelor labourer, who in time of sickness has no proper home where he may be nursed, and therefore he should contribute before all others. The remark that imprisonment for debt has been done away with in New Zealand, and that punishing " loaf ers " who would not pay by imprisonment will not "wash." I say more is the pity that it was done away with. I am sure that bankruptcies have of late years increased to an alarming extent, and that the honest and respectable citizen has been cheated out of his well-earned income in consequence of such abolishment. I do not believe in imprisonment for debt myself; but I am of opinion that it was premature, inasmuch as the system of credit-giving is now so much in vogue. A preliminary to imprisonment for debt should be the " abolishment" of smalldebt courts. You, Mr Editor, and your staff should use your influence to encourage habits of thrift among the community, for with it comes contentment, and where the latter reigns there will be no crime. There is no doubt in

my mind that Major Atkinson's scheme_ is meant as much to inculcate such habits as it is

to prevent the future necessity of " poor laws," and that a very few years will make the nation wealthier. If your contributor " Civi3 " were personally acquainted with A. Dornwell of that ilk, lie would know that the advice of " Let every butcher stick to his block," and the insinuation that I was fishing for a cheap advertisement, was exceedingly gratuitous. No, no ! Mr " Civis," butchering is far too profitable that you should have any fear that " A. D. of that ilk " will set up opposition to you and become a, " penuy-a-liner." I say, in all sincerity, that I have no other wish at heart than to benefit and, if possible, elevate the community in which I am sojourning.—l am, &c, A. DOBNWELL. July 29th.