RUSSIA AS AN EXAMPLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21989, 26 June 1933, Page 10

RUSSIA AS AN EXAMPLE

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —"Patriotic Mother” writes: “It is hard to believe that a bishop should be in sympathy with any idea that has its foundation in Russia, a country of heathen barbarism, etc.” She then suggests: “ That the Soviet wants to force: every nation to adopt its ideas of religion, etc. Such an insult to God, Christ, country, and one’s own manhood and womanhood should be wiped out with the most drastic measures.” In reply to these hard words, I may just say it is a fact nevertheless that we do happen to have bishops and other lesser gentlemen in the Church, and some have been kicked out because, like Christ,of old, they put the case too clearly, and in the future will be crucified, just as “Patriotic Mother ” wishes to happen to me. If it is an unpatriotic act to hold up the methods of a country that is forging ahead and making the welfare of little children a first care, and that of women next, and that of men last in her system of social economy, against our unpatriotic methods here, where private ownership and control by the few hold sway* and this necessitates profits and dividends first, even if little children and women and men also go hungry, then I am unpatriotic. If this is to insult God and Christ, our manhood and womanhood, then I cannot help it, but I shall continue as long as I am allowed. Then “ Patriotic Mother ’.’ puts in a plea for religious instruction, etc. There is nothing to prevent her from starting such instruction right here and now. I would suggest for a start .she teach her children “That it is an unpatriotic act to do anything to anyone else that we would not like to have done to ourselves. I believe if this were instilled into our children and grown-ups we would not need very.much of any other sort of religious instruction in order to become good citizens and thereby set an example to. others to ■ follow. I would also agree that that paragraph be hung up iu all schools, and that a lesson should be taught from it every morning. The teachers would also no doubt see some points in it, if some of those who taught me are a sample. G. Steel says he would not touch poisonous matter for fear of being contaminated, etc. I take it from this that lie refuses to read or analyse any other side than the one which suits him, and which he is convinced is right, notwithstanding any other evidence. Let me just here state a case: Suppose G. Steel was selected to act. on a jury, and after the Grown- prosecutor had put the case against the prisoner, G. Steel said, “That will do me, I am prepared to bring in a verdict of guilty, before the defence had stated its case. Would a judge stand for this? I think not. So, if G. Steel refuses to investigate the case from sources for and against, he can never, in my view, be a safe person to deal with any case. Then lam asked Why don’t I go to Russia instead of staying here and trying to turn this country into a Soviet Republic, etc.? Iu the first place I have no; spare cash just,now to pay for the passage. I do not care particularly whether we establish a Soviet Republic here or not, but, being a Socialist, I want .to see Socialism established. This means that in place of private ownership and control by the few for profit, etc., we, all of the people, will establish common ownership and control by all in the interests of all for use. I deny that Russia’s objective is to attack anyone.' I stated in my previous letter that Russia bad learned by bitter experience of anti-Soviet intervention, and she is not taking any future risks, Japan’s action to-day is aided by Britain, and Britain’s Embargo Bill was the signal for Japan to go ahead. Speaking lii the House of Commons, in March, _ Mr George Lansbury, Leader of the British Parliamentary Labour Party, disclosed that Conservative members of Parliament told him that they would welcome a war between Japan and Russia as a way, out of European difficulties. The “stolen rolling stock” is only used by Japan as an excause, and iu may lead to war. I am, etc., P. Nemos’. June 23.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I was pleased to read a letter in this morning's Daily Times by “ Patriotic Mother " supporting G. Steel, and I would like to endorse all that she says. It is indeed reprehensible that a bishop of the Church of England should take up the attitude towards the Soviet Union that has been taken by the Bishop of Waikato. In the first place, the Russians murdered the Czar and his family in a most diabolical manner —a deed that can never be condoned —as if he were responsible for the sins of past Czars. We might just as well blame eur present. King for sins committed by past British Kings. Then again they have murdered and exiled all the intellectual members of their country who could not see eye to eye with them. Now they expect us to follow in their footsteps. That will never be. Britain is going to remain Britain as long as humanity lasts, and all the demons of Hades will not prevail against her, and those who are living in this country under the protection of the Union Jack and fondly hoping to see Britain go under can take particular note of this. Why do not these people who are always eulogising Russia go there. They are wanted there, goodness knows, to educate, feed, and clothe the poor unfortunates who happen to belong to that benighted country. Russia stands for retrogression, Britain for progress. I would like to see the Bible back in the schools again. I remember that in the eighties our schoolmasters opened the schools with the Lord’s Prayer and gave a short Scripture reading, and I, am sure we all benefited by it. The Bible is the foundation rock on which the British Empire is built, and if we neglect it we shall assuredly suffer. All parents and teachers should instil in our children a sense of patriotism and loyalty to our Sovereign and Constitution and, above all, of loyalty to God. If we follow these principles our great Empire will still go on and conquer, not by the sword, but by the brotherhood of man. —I am, etc., Patriotic Father. Green Island, June 23. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-—! consider G. Steel deserves the thanks of the whole community for his letter to you in to-day’s issue of the Otago Daily Times. Now, Bir, why should good, loyal, lawabiding citizens have their feelings hurt by the rubbish contained in the various lengthy letters yon publish from the pen of Mr Neilson? I endorse every word of Mr Steel's letter, and I think it is long past the time when yon should refuse to print Mr Neilson’s opinions. What this country needs , most is some lessons in contentment, rather than examples of discontentment. —I am, etc., June 23, 1933. A. Gillies. [This correspondence is closed.—Eu. O.D.T.]