THE WAR EFFORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24327, 18 June 1940, Page 9

THE WAR EFFORT

TO THE EDITOR Sir. —In your issue of June 13 I criticised Mr James Begg’s application of the terms “ treachery ” and “ betrayal of our Allies ” to New Zealand's war effort. My previous letter of June 7 was written and posted before the psper containing the report of Mr Begg’s speech had reached me, and, as Mr Begg’s speech was not even mentioned in that letter, his statement to-day that “J, G. Gow contributed about two. columns of comment” upon his speech .is one of the many inaccuracies of his letter. In my criticism of Mr Begg’s “ treachery ” and “ betrayal ” speech I produced evidence that not only New Zealand’s, but also Canada’s and Great Britain’s war efforts had been stifled by the Chamberlain Government. That I “took to task.” not Great Britain; but the Chamberlain Government, was so explicitly stated that it must have been clear even, to Mr Begg’s intelligence. The concluding words of my letter were: “. . . it is up to all men of goodwill to cease party political bickering and to support whatever constitu-tionally-elected . Government is in power until it has been proved that such Government is not pulling its weight in the Empire team which Mr Churchill is leading.” . Unable to refute the statements in my letter, even after he had distorted them and twisted them, Mr Begg, with characteristic arrogance, to-day makes a.virulent and abusive personal attack upon me, ip which he has the assurar to question my loyalty to the British Throne. To reply to all of his false assertions would take up more of my time than I am prepared to waste upon Mr James Begg. My answer to all of his innuendoes and questioning of my “longing for Hitlerism” and my “loyalty to Russia is to tell Mr Begg that actions are more important than words. To prove_ that my loyalty, although I am a Socialist, is at least equal to that of Mr James Begg, I am prepared to submit to you, Sir, or to any arbitrator of Mr Beggs choice documentary evidence to the effect; — , , 1. That my record of voluntary military service, dating from 1896 and including active service in the last war, is at least as honourable as that of Mr James Begg. 2. That, in spite of my pitiful mentality ” and “ distorted mind,” and of the fact that “J. G. Gow has not yet used your columns to advocate a greater and speedier war effort.” I had been thanked by a Minister of the Crown' for having made constructive proposals regarding our war effort long before Mr Begg made his famous “ treachery ” speech. 3. That, apropos of Mr Begg s query “ Will J. G. Gow come along and help to get things done? ” by voluntary monthly contributions to the War Fund I have been giving a greater proportion of my total assets than Mr James Begg has. . „ This is a straightforward challenge which even Mr Begg cannot sweep aside with a tornado of personal abuse. Let him accept it. or else admit that his bluff has been called by a Socialist. — I am, etc.. J. G. Gow. Tapui. June 14,

TO THE EDITOR Sir. —“ Sursum Corda ” has not accepted my invitation to communicate with me regarding any case of hardship caused by the action of some company with which I am associated. It is a pity, because there is no general rule that can be applied. Some companies with which I have the honour to be associated are paying certain sums to the account of men who have enlisted, and some are assuming responsibility for superannuation payments. but it is not possible to lay down any general rule. Some _ companies make no profits from which to make payments. I do not recognise the company to which “ Sursum Corda” specifically refers, but would be pleased to discuss any case with him. In conclusion, may I say that directors of companies are in a very different position to that of private employers? They are not dealing with their own money, but with money belonging to other people.—l am. etc., James Begg.