LETTERS TO THE EDITOR,

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16642, 14 March 1916, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR,

SANITARY PRECAUTIONS. SiE.—ln Saturday's Daily Times I see it is proposed to suppress tho sweeping of tho contents of the shops out across tho footpaths—a practice which is said to bo a breach of tho by-laws. If it is, what kind of a breach is tho council itself committing when it deposits on tho Lerth about 100 loads of street sweepings, containing all the filth and disease imaginable, out of tho gutters of our streets, and when it does so within about 50ft of tho houses opposite ? When the house-to-house inspection is toeing made it would only be an act of justice to property owners if this source of danger were removed and tho place disinfected. —I am, etc., March 11. Lancet.

DISEASES AND THEIR CAUSES. Sib, —The appearanco of infantile paralysis is alarming and serious, but will do some good by stirring up the authorities and others to have the many insanitary places in the city cleaned up This is well, notwithstanding it is something after the manner of locking the stable door after tho horse has got Free. But there is much more to be done than that, good as it is. It has been suggested that, the horse-fly carries the disease, and that it has been fairly common in New Zealand for tho last 30 years, but that disease has not been those years with us, but the horse-fly has. We want to know not only what carries the disease, but what causes it. There is the bed-rock difficulty, but thoughts suggest themselves. All diseases arise from tho breaking down of some of Nature's laws. The animals which live according to what Nature has taught them are not troubled with diseases to anything like the extent that mankind is, and much that troubles them is because of man's interference with them. In these days of what we call civilisation and progressive science is it not strarure that diseases and troubles increase and always keep ahead of us? In your issue of the Bth inst. it was stated that "a curious form of sickness amongst children has just appeared in Wellington." So it will always be until wo return to a more natural way of living, eating, and drinking._ In ages past plagues and other serious diseases troubled the peoples because they d'id, not appreciate the benefit of plenty _ of fresh air and because they lived in insanitary houses and cities; but _ after many years of fighting against these things and against ignorance there came a great improvement. Why not also with the present diseases? This must come, however, on the lines of prevention, not of cure only. It is well known that good health is the best preventive against disease. How do we get and keep good health? "Hygeia," writing in " Our Babies'" column, says children must be fed', etc., on what are known to be she best lines for health. But how few pay any heed to these things? I trust [ that the fear of disease will cause more to learn from those who have made a study of these things. Mothers are cautioned against allowing their little ones to go about in cold weather, particularly with bare knees —a practice which I have read is the cause of at least three diseases, throat trouble being one of them. Yet. because it is the .fashion, this practice is followed at the risk of disease. Similarly with foods and 1 drinks. I am convinced that most diseases are tho result of tho use of so many of the unnatural foods and drinks of our day . Our flour' is too fine and the bread indigestible, and so with most of the many " manufactured" things we use as food. Alcohol,-tea, cocoa/ and coffce aro all stimulants which are injurious, as they undermine the nerve system. Good, clean water is what Nature provided and intended ue to drink, and even if it is not as clean as we would wish, yet, if our blood is clean and good through the use of natural foods, we have little need to foar. I speak from experience of many years. Raw cereal and vegetable foods roduce the white corpuscles in our blood that are the disease resisters, , but very few people will think of using raw foods, ae they prefer what is cooked spicyl and tasty. Tobacco smoking is another prolific cause of disease. Its use is against common sense, and admittedly a dirty habit. It often causes more harm to a man's progeny than to himself. I was told of a farmer who, wishing to rear good,-healthy cattle for prize-taking, refused to give all his milk to the factory, but kept enough to feed his calves, knowing thpy would do best on natural food. Tuberculosis in the herdfe is no doubt caused by the small resisting powier they have through their having been fed on skimmed milk and pollard instead of on full milk, ae provided. Yet we call that progress. It is neither natural nor progressive, nor yet is it common sense, as applied to man or beast.—l am, etc., Natural Foods. St. Clair, March 11.

NATIONAL SHIRKING. Sir, —Mr James reply, being merely a recapitulation of his former arguments, did not appear to draw further correspondence on this Nor did your reiteration in subsequent articles throw any further light on the subject. The arguments advanced in both have been fully met by Mr Bonar Law in your cables in the meantime. . He demonstrates conclusively that it is not in money that Britain needs assistance, but in the products which money will buy, neccssary for thb succcssful carrying on of the war. Hence our clear duty to the Empire is to stimulate the production of thes& necessaries to the utmost. Along with this is the obligation on the part of each of the oversea dominions to provide for the economical and financial interests of themselves, and in such manner as will provide for and absorb again the large number of returned soldiers who will be unfitted for their former occupations. Your leader on "Financing the War" prompts my present letter. I agree with your view as to raising on internal loan, but consider it should be"used for the purposes indicated above. Britain does not require capital. She is making vry : good investments as a financier at the present time. On our part we will, as borrowers, have the interest to meet out of our national income— i.e., our exports. These, however, may fall in value, and our aim should bo to maintain and increase the volume. This is a national duty, and accompanying this, but above and beyond it, is that of providing for our meii who are returning incapacitated and unfit to resume their forma: mode of life. The demand will bo for some form of outdoor occupation, which will enable men to live, and the majority will require some form of assistance. This could beet be met by the Government acquiring large blocks of good land adjacent to all the centres, and subdividing them into farms, i'armlets, fruitgrowing areas, etc., of |rom five to 50 acres in extent; and financing them through the established Government departments for this purpose. Cutting up a large run or two will not help, sinco the men who are able to finance this class of property will be of the class who do not require national assistance.

If your leaders were devoted to the advocacy of raising a substantial local ban for this purpose, yoo would, I consider, serve a great national cause, and both directly and indirectly servo the Empire. Tttie need is on us now, and will continually grow and become" accentuated, as men continue _to return in larger numbers, having, in aiding the Empire, lost both the taste and capacity for their former mode of life. They will not want charity, and should not be obliged to beg for work; and any form of provision made for them should be on the lines that will afford them self-respect and independence, provided they will work. We shall no doubt have a considerable numebr with whom it will be difficult to deal with in any form; but that does not obviate our duty to those who are worthy of assistance. And the-time to begin to make provision is now, sinco the State machine moves slowly. Who among us can predict the wastage of 1916. in view of the reports of the nature of the conflict and the destruction causcd by modern weapons of warfare ? At prosent there are large accumulations of wealth lying unproductive in Now Zealand owing to the timidity of the owners. Under present conditions the owners will not invest it in ordinary channels, but would no doubt respond to Government security. Will the Government rise to its opportunity and its national duty before tihe pressure, arrives? Or shall we be left to wake up when it is too late, and when we have the irten on our hands, having failed in foresight, and loft our provision for them to chance, because of our propensity for national shirking?—l am, etc., Pbogh.ess Mosgiel, March 6.

STREET NOMENCLATURE. Sib, —Or Green, at the last meeting of the City Council, persisted in moving the confirmation of the resolution for the alteration of the names of streets, and did so in tho face of a largely-signed petiton in favour of the retention of the present name of the Main North road. I ahvays understood that the ratepayers electcd their representative to give effect to their views, and it is an admitted fact that 95 per cent, of the residents in the Valley are against the proposed alteration. When Cr Green'talks of giving his whole lifetime to pubKo affairs, and also says that no other man in the Valley or in the City of Dunedin has done moro, then, that being so, I think he must now be entitled to a well-earned rest, and allow some younger man, who, it is to be hoped, will prove a worthy successor, to take his place in local public life.—l am, etc.. Watchdog. March 13. I

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MINING LAW.

Sra, —In your is-gue of March 10 rafonence is made in your mining column to certain remarks uttered by a West Coast stipendiary magistrate while administering the law in connection with a mining privilege, and if his remarks are correctly reported I think the mining community lias jiist grounds for complaint. Miners and others -associated with this much ir.aligned industry aro entitled to a fair deal, and have every reason to expect that the law will bo administered without prejudice. The magistrate's re marks amojiit to intimidation, or {rractiaally a threat to tho miner to make the best terms ho can with tho landholder rather than Tiring disputes into court. Ho quite overlooks tho fact that ho has nothing to do with making laws Regulatiqps are framed for his guidance, and ho is presuming a good deal in making such remarks as those referred to in the paragraph in question. Tho fact of tho matter is that ho knows h(, has a Government entirely sympathetic with tho landholder. For many years past the mining industry has been sadly neglected by (hose in power, and anyone cloaked with a little official authority is permitted, and apparently encouraged, to administrate as many " kids" as he may consider desirable.

Unfortunately, it is many long years since we had a capable Minister of Mines in sympathy with the industry, an industry which has tremendous potentialities if reasonable care, and intelligence were devoted' to its development. Such sums of money as Parliament has grudgingly allocated for mining during the last 10 or 15 years have been so foolishly expended that it has been of little or no benefit to the industry generally. Here aro a few examples:—-A sluicing company with a fairly large capital was formed to work certain ground, but found, after allowing for vendors' interests, etc., that moro capital was required to carry out the preliminary work of installing pipes, etc. Instead of the shareholders being called upon, the strings were pulled and 10, a loan of £10,009 was obtained from} the Government. Dozens of other companies under exactly similar circumstances are compelled to struggle through as best they may or burst. Another instance: D. Ziman and Co. : purchased, or in some other way, secured, an area on tho line of lode adjoining the north boundary of the Blackwater mines where tho reef has been developed and profitably rained for years without Government assistance. Messrs Zimari and Co. recognised from indications on the adjoining mine that, in order to develop their mine and incidentally enrich themselves, they must sink a shaft to a depth of 800 feet. The Government was appealed to, and a subsidy of £5000 vas granted. These are two examples out of many exactly similar which I could quote, and this is called assisting the mining industry. Go up to the head of Lake W&katipu—l think it is in the constituency of th© late Minister of Mines —you will find the scheelito miners working under all sorts of disadvantages, even to the extent, in some instances, of carrying tho ore on their backs down tho mountain sides In West Australia, the Government would erect public batteries and treatment plant, and help to foster and encourage such an industry. I would suggest that the Government boring plant miirht bo profitably employed "in prospecting tho deep loads that are well known to exist in many districts in New Zealand. The black sands of the West Coast contain millions of pounds sterling in gold. Hero is room for experimenting for a treatment process. Mr Seddon made a splendid start in tho right direction when he engaged Dr Bell and staff to make a geological survey of our mineral belts, but unfortunately the work was* only partly accomplished. When the Government has any money to spare to assist mining, I would suggest the erection of a small crushing battery and up-to-date treatment plant in connection with our School of Mines, where prospectors and others may have bulk samples from lodes treated instead of having to send thfem to Australia or rely on unsatisfactory assays. —I am, etc., ' W. F. S. Dunedin, March 13.

GALLOWAY SUBDIVISION AND LITTLE VALLEY Sir, —Under the above heading, the Daily Times of the 7th inst published an account of a large meeting of the Alexandra branch of the Expansion League, held on the 3rd. The fact that 30 members were present, many of whom joined that night, is somewhat suggestive of the meeting being a bit packed. A motion that the Minister be urged to set apart 1400 acres —though Mr Bodkin spoke of 900 acres as the approximate available area—for closer settlement in Little Valley was carried without dissent. Now, Sir, I would crave space to let a little daylight into this matter. It will be noted by anyone knowing the locality and the requirements necessary for success that no word seems to have been said with regard to water for irrigation purposes. Some time back an endeavour was mado to dispose of tho water rights of a defunot mining'company to the prospective settler for the samebloclc of country, and, to my mind, it would appear to be a case of "now or never," as the Galloway runs are about to be subdivided.

From a settler's point of view, it is absolutely necessary at Little Valley to have water for irrigation. All available water is at present, however, held privately. First come the station rights, then Rivers's, and, again, this defunct mining company's rights out of Campbell Creek. I may state, to my own personal knowledge, that often times there is not sufficient water in the creeks to wash. the bellies and locks from the shearing shed, and both creeks supply the wool wash. Then, again, Little Valley is not particularly fertile. Most of the land is poor. The best, which is along the river flat, is freehold. Little Valley is situated about 10 miles from Galloway Siding (the nearest railhead), over about the worst piece of road to negotiate in New Zealand. It would cost 50s a ton to cart building or fencing material on to the ground. It is surely a poor argument that the runs can look after themselves. Little Valley is the only suitable place for homestead blocks between the Manuherikia River and the Serpentine, and should be kept for that purpose, in order to faoilitate subdivision. Further, in my opinion, no Bane body of men, understanding the position, would dream of alienating so small a portion to the detriment of the remainder. It seems a pity this energqtio body, with the high-sounding title, does not put forth its efforts in a better direction —say, to the conservation of the Lower Crawford and Galloway Flat, all commanded by Government water race and better suited for the purpose.

I may state I have known Little Valley and its surroundings for a quarter, of a century, and also possess a smattering jof the knowledge' required for fruit-growing. I have no axe to grind, but merely wish in good faith to warn prospective settlere of a few of the drawbacks of this area.—l am, eto , , iSqxjabe Deal.

STREET NOMENCLATURE. Sib,—After I had read in this morning's Daily Times what the City Council purposes doing in regard to the re-naming of streets, it occurred to me that we aro drifting fast into tile hands of strangers wj.io pay no regard to topography or geography in removing the finger-posts of the city. We have already two mural tablets on the bridge at the north end of George street over what may now be termed a roadway culvert in consequence of the water being used elsewhere. It is to be hoped small things will not be made less by the suggested, change in the names of streets, both north and south. —I am, etc., I. M. North-East Valley, March 9. *

ALCOHOL AND OTHER LUXURIES IN WAR. Sib, —With reference to the national economy crusade, what do you say to starting a self-denial society during the continuance of the war? —tiho denial to consist of denying ourselves 'the use of all manner of imported luxuries, much as alcoholic liquors, motor cars, dress fabrics, foods, etc. This would bo practical patriotism, and would test the patriotism of all those having some money at their command. I will venture an opinion and affirm the principle that no luxury is necessary for our well-being, and, further, that it would be well for ib, as a people, to practico self-denial. I am willing to join such a society, and to endure any self-sacrifico necessary for the well-being of our nation; also, to «'ve part, of my time to promoting tho idea.—l am, etc., Gordon Macdonald.

INFANTILE PARALYSIS. Sim, —The outbreak of infantile paralysis in tho north, and its subsequent appearance in Dunedin calls for the exercise of thtf greatest care to check its spread by both town and country people. All school committees have been warned, and are already engaged in a vigorous campaign of disinfecting, etc. It is the practice of a largo number of country school teachers to make weekend visits to town, presumably to attend classes. Now, a. grave responsibility rests upon school committees and teachers at a time like this, and while it may appear trivial to suggest that these trips may be a. source of danger, yet, among other precautions I do not think it would be a bad idea to discontinue thr»m in the meantime.—l am. etc., Oashtbi.

THE PRINCESS THEATRE. Stb, —Your correspondent "Dunedin Visitor" is expressing the, sentiments of a great many who patronise the Princess Theatre when he objccts to the manner in which the "packer" annoys, everyone by his continual shouting and loud requests to people to "sit up closer." People go to the theatre to enjoy themselves, and also expect a reasonable degree of comfort, for which tJjiey pay amply. People do not like to be addressed as though they were a lot of sheep crammed into a pen and awaiting slaughter. People who go to entertainments have a right to obtain a decent seat without be.ing jammed into someone else's lap, and without being treated as a lot of school children might expect to be treated. And if it is necessary at any time to ask anyone to provide more room for another, the request should be made politely. Theatre proprietors should be allowed to 1 issue only a certain number of tickets and no and the same rule should apply to tram cars and other matters where seating accommodation is paid for by the public.—l am, etc., _ Also Annoyed. Dunedin, March 9. ■ [This matter hds been sufficiently discussed.—Ed. O.D.T.]

-THE WAIHEMO AND WAITAKI RUNtSI. Sib, —I have read your footnote to my letter of March 4 in this morning's Daily Times, and I think it very unfair to me and misleading to the public. I have no personal animus against Mr Bell or anyone else. In a deal with public land one man is as open to criticism a 6 another. Let me say answer to your note, " The actual reoords" are the same as put by your Palmerston correspondent and myself. Not one of my questions can be answered satisfactorily, and I fail to see the object of your note, if not to mislead the public.— I am. etc., H. Bayly. Palmerston, March 11.

["The actual records," obtained by us from official sources, show that it is our correspoadent who would mislead the public. Rune 109, 255, and 217 c, Waitaki and Waiheroo Counties, are the remnants of larger runs, totalling 128,000 acres,, which were held by the Bell family about '50 years ago. T!ho area of .these remnants is 15,110 acres, and the annual rental £205. It is summer country only,, and is dangerous— that is, it is liable to snow. It is used by the present licensee in conjunction with area of freehold. Without this freehold it could not be worked. The carrying capacity of the runs docs not exoeed SQOO sheep. The original runs carried 72,000 sheep, but all the best of the land went into small glazing runs many years ago. The 15,110 acres now held by the licensee are at the back of tho Kakanui Mountains, with no lambing, country, with no roads, or possible roads, and with no possible site for a homestead. They run from sDooft to 5000 ft above sea-level. The lease will expire on February 28, 1917. The Classification Commissioners carefully inspected the land last year, and decided to recommend that the run is not fit for subdivision, and, therefore, should' be re-let to the present licensee.—Ed. O.D;T.] ,

Sm, —Those who know Mr A. D. Bell, and to what good end he works his land and usee his money, and the fine influence he is, and has been, for good in Shag Valley, will have little sympathy with the letter in your pages, over the signature of Mr Bayly. Mr Bayly's tone gives him away. Mr Bayly is one who knows and has experienced how kindly and generous Mr Bell is and has been. The. writer of this letter stands for close settlement, but is perfectly satisfied that Mr Bell's holding is a fair and equitable one, and I agree with your footnote in its entirety. It would be a Godsend to New Zealand if such a man was settled: in every farming centre. I have known him 30 years, and often differed with him.—l am, etc., Honotir to Whom Honour is Due. ■

THE RAILWAY SERVANTS' DEMANDS. Sib, —Considering the liberal way in which, railway servants are already treated, and the very great strain upon the State owing to'this awful war, I do not think that'their present demands for increased wages will receive much favour with the already heavily taxed public. Besides the fact that the railway servants get higher wages than casual workers, together with a considerable number of paid holidays and free passes on the railway for their wives and families, the State pays very' substantial subsidies toward, their superannuation fund. Writing from memory, I think that the State paid about £50,C00 towards this fund of the railway servants during the last two years. The superannuation subsidies being based on the rate -of wages, the greater the wages the greater the subsidies tho State will require to pay towards the fund. Prom these facts it can be seen that poor workers, whose average wages do not amount to moro than about £2 per week, are indirectly taxed in order to augment the superannuation fund, so that many of its highly paid participants will be able to retire in comparative affluence. If the State can financially afford it, I think it would be more commendable to increase the comforts and meet tho various requirements of our brave soldiers and noble nurses who are working extremely hard, and risking their precious lives for a just, honourable, and philanthropic cause. Some superficial thinkers appear to regard tho State as an inexhaustible mint, perpetually coming superabundant millions of ponnds. They are habitually complaining about the high cost of living and the alleged abnormal profits that business men and others are making out- of the war and are fatuously advocating the conscription of wealth. Bttt I think that on inquiry they would find the cost of livintr to be Ices in New Zealand than in any other part of tho British Empire; that conscription of -wealth has been carried on cxtcnsivelv and unabatingly since the beginning of tho war; and that, owing to heavy taxation and various- anti-profit conditions, manjy business men and others arc malting less net profits than in pre-war times.—l am, etc.. An Economist.

THE BOYCOTT SANCTIFIED. Sib,—My card will show that lam not a likely advocate of the boyoott,: especially among the waterside workerSj who have lately caused much trouble, in Australia particularly, by refusing to load and unload certain goods. But I should like to suggest .to those leaders of the waterside workers who delight in those things and understand them better than, I do a splendid outlet for their latent energies in the very direction they do understand. All present waterside boycotts hamper the right arm of the Empire and-delight and profit the German foe. Suppose we try one that would _do the exact opposite? Let every waterside union in New Zealand and -Aus ,tralia pledge itself and its members to refuse to unload a single ton > erf goods from any German ship after the wax, or to put as much as a box of candles aboard one, the penalty of transgression by any membei to be peremptory expulsion from the fold. Let them join up tne camera 5 unions to enforce the great decision. If, notwithstanding these powerful and (this time) loyal arrangements, goods from German ships get as far as our railway trucks, and we have a Government in power too weak to refuse to back in the trucks for the -purpose, let the railway authorities at lfeast charge special freight on all such stuff, as they already do,, for instance, on Australian.coal. But the waterside and carriers' unions could easily render even that possibility a dead letter. Are they going to shoulder bags of sugar and stack oars of iron under the arrogant direction of what Mr Belcher calls " brass-bound " members of the nation that, in pursuit of its hideous objects, is daily strewing land and sea With the murdered bodiies of British women and children? Such ' meek acquiescence for a few hours' hire is not what we have learned to expect of them,- even in the past. Remember th\ Lusitania 1 _ ' An example like this by New Zealand and Australian workmen would spread like wildfire to every corner of the Empire. It is conceivable that paralysing th.e stupendous effort that Germany has already perfected |in advance to recapture her Tost trade, and once.more lay us undler dailj tribute to build ud her army and navy for another orgy of blood and bestiality among our peaceful lands, it may even avert another frightful world catastrophe in the time of, our children and of theirs. That it is easily possible all experience shows us, for in the past all such boycotts have been domestic among ourselves, and when they have failedl it has been because our people themselves were determined that they should fail. Where is that determination to come from when the waterside workers and carriers "down tools", as the German interloper ties up to the wharf? '' Tho Governments. of British dominions would have nothing at all to do with it. Treaties, whatever they might be, would have just the same value in the circumstances supposed! as the regulations ; stuck up in the Harbour . Board sheds have in the face of a strike to-d'ay. It would 1 not be Government ' action at all. Germany could not even protest; there would be no meek Britishers' on the wh&rves ready to take the orders of German exploiters, and there would be an end of it.

" Now, then, presidents, secretaries, and members of unions, whose mates and whose sons and brothers have fought amd bled oh Egypt's sands and have been slain in thousands on the slopes of Gallipoli by barbarian hordes, egged on to: butchery by a frenzied Emperor to save his endangered throne, are you .going to do your little bit? You understand the job, every last dodge of it. You cam do it for us. Yew can make Germany tremble by the news you will "do_ it: it will be flashed oyer every cable in the world. Yoa have said downright, thousands of you, that you won't work with Germans; wfll you eaiy that you won't work under them? Call your meetings, and 'efc us have yor answer." —I am, etc., Delenda Est Gebmahia.