THE ALEXANDRA CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26783, 28 May 1948, Page 6

THE ALEXANDRA CONFERENCE

Sir, —“ Rags ” accuses me of running true to type, but I owe allegiance only to New Zealand and not to any political party, and consequently my opinions are not dictated or biased by petty party politics. The thoughtless remarks expressed by “ Rags ” are unfortunately of the kind which are retarding the progress of Otago. For unless the wholehearted support of the community is behind Central Otago's claims, no Government recognition will be forthcoming. And unless the Government recognises Otago’s potentialities we will continue to struggle in this stagnant pool of nihilism. " Rags ” attempts to justify the railcar service of the north. Let me point out that Palmerston North is served by at least eight expresses daily, and yet a railcar service is deemed necessary! The North Island passenger travels in the best steel carriages and rides behind electric engines through the tunnels, while the Central Otago passenger travels in the oldest “ match boxes ” that will still go and gasps his weary way through countless smoke-ridden tunnels. Recently I travelled to Alexandra and had to add the cost of a dry-clean for my suit to the fare. I agree that this line is unprofitable. hence the necessity to replace with cheaper, faster and cleaner railcars. Since Dunedin's trams and buses are operated at a great loss would “ Rags ” advocate their running only an alternate days and bring them on equal footing with his country cousins? I think not. so his reasoning is very foolish. My forecast of doom for the Labour Party at the 1949 elections is not without cause. Previously Labour has ridiculed references to it as being a Socialist party, but now the curtain is up. Labour goes to the polls as the Socialist Party, artd therefore Its slender grasp will assuredly slip. . Since the writings of Engels arid Marx are the basis for both Socialism and Communism, it is obvious that both are wedded to the same ideas. Mr Semple’s crusade against Communism is certainly noble, but he only attacks the Communist gutter and gangster-like methods of approach. H' does not criticise the actual workings of Russian Communism. If he did it would be futile to support the Moscow Legation.—l am. etc.. Ace of Hearts.