M.P., RACEHORSES, AND THE WAR.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4533, 6 February 1942, Page 5

M.P., RACEHORSES, AND THE WAR.

Sir, —I have been somewhat amused by some correspondence, by “War Effort First.” I note “War Effort” sets himself up as an authority as to what a man is to do with his property. Since when was “W’ar Effort” made judge over other peoples’ actions- ? I have been a Justice of the Peace for fifty years next May, and during the whole of my experience I have never come across any law, either moral or legal, where it is stated to what particular purpose a man must apply his money. One man may apply it in purchasing racehorses, another in buying a launch, another may invest in real estate or, in other words, every one to his fancy. From what has come to light, this appears to be a case of a fool steps in where an angel fears to tread. Now we are told that this M.P. has invested £14,000. I take off my hat to him! Now, sir, will “War Effort” tell us what amount, if any, he has invested in war bonds. To be told what we must do with our money is to me gross impudence, until the question is put to us. I do not know either “War Effort” or the M.P., but I don’t like to see a man make himself look foolish. I may be wrong, but I read through “War Efforts” remarks a vein of personal ill-feeling. If that , is so, then newspaper columns . is

certainly not the place to ventilate such. I shall be anxiously waiting for “War Effort” to furnish us with details of any amount he has invested in War Bonds. Then we may be able to judge the reason of his entering upon correspondence upon the question. The Government has made the amount of contribution to this purpose so small that there is not much excuse for not being a contributor, and, if he is not a contributor, he should become one at once or shut up finding fault with others. I am not a racegoer; have never been upon a racecourse in the whole of my life; have never made a bet on a race, so I cannot be accused of being biased. To reply to “War Efforts” letter fully would take up too much of your space, which may be wanted for other and more profitable purposes.—Yours, etc., J.T.S.