MY DAY TO GROWL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 71, Issue 6142, 28 September 1945, Page 5

MY DAY TO GROWL

ABOUT THIS AND THAT LIFE’S VICISSITUDES —AND ITS PLEASANTRIES (By A. Growler) First of a.l I would like to join with those who have offered congratulations and best wishes to the Kihikihi Presbyterians on their attainment of the diamond jubilee of their Church’s establishment in that pleasant hafljflet. It is an important milestone rrot only in their history but in the history of a district already lich in historic associations. The event just celebrated should be a reminder of what we owe to all the early pioneers who fared forth and endured struggles, disappointments, and hardships unknown to presentday citizens (members of the armed forces who served overseas excepted). No wonder they felt the need for worship, and they were not ashamed to confess their need for Divine help, guidance, and pity. Among those present at the celebrations were several who could look back over the long years, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to meet them. I salute the good Presbyterian folk of Kihikihi and district, and trust that the God of Bethel Who has led them over the past will continue to lead them in the days that lie ahead.

I was privileged to attend the above-mentioned function, and I would like also to pay a tribute to the hospitality of the people of Kihikihi and district. It was in marked contrast -to the aloofness of the people of Te Awamutu, who have no time for strangers. They may welcome the passing* visitor, but not those who have lately come to take up residence here. Quite a few, particularly men, have spoken to me in similar strain to what I am writing. The hcmely welcome and invitations of hospitality in Kihikihi were therefore all the more appreciated and enjoyed.

There are three very worthy appeals that are being launched or are in course of activity that call for comment. The first is the orphans’ appeal. Even in these days of selfishness little children still appeal to the hearts of everyone, and I venture to say that those who have no parents give a special tug at our heartstrings even more firmly. Mrs L. G. Armstrong, who has been the official organiser and collector in chief, is again on deck. In a chat with that good lady it w*as learned that 'it would be appreciated if donors sent in their donations before the actual day of the appeal. By doing so they would help greatly. I feel sure that the response will be in keeping with the well-known generosity of Te Awamutu. While it may be thought that social security should provide in a greater measure for the orphans that idea should not allow the wells of human kindness to dry within the human breast.

Ere another growl appears sales of health stamps will be in full swing, and here again I commend such to the public. Portion of the revenue from the sales goes toward children’s health camps, at which children of parents in poorer circumstances spend a pleasant and recuperative holiday. Local district children go to Port Waikato in January, and there they luxuriate and rest in ideal surroundings. The stamps themselves are a good investment, and previous issues are to-day fetching high prices. Business houses can help by buying them for ordinary mail purposes, while Christmas postings should also bear the stamps. The placing of the stamps on overseas letters and parcels will add to the value and interest of the gifts and letters. Buy health stamps—not once, but often. Thank you !

The other day I met one of the executive officers of the Plunket Society, and she told me that that worthy organisation was in need of a car for the use of the Plunket nurse. As was pointed out, the district is growing to such an extent that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Plunket nurse to cope with her work without better means of transport. The committee has decided to make an all-out effort to raise sufficient money by the end of the year to provide the greatly-need-ed car, and therefore appeals to the public to give the generous support that has been forthcoming in the past. The object of the appeal to give a more efficient service to a large number of mothers and young children is one that should appeal to everyone. A car fund has been established, and to date £65 is in hand. The public are again urged to support this other worthy appeal, and if all will subscribe as liberally as they can there should be no reason why the Plunket nurse should not have a car available for her use at the end of the year.

Where are we heading ? In view of the world-wide unrest, discontent, greed, and utter selfishness the question is a fair one. It is only a few weeks ago that the majority went mad and wildly celebrated peace. We call it peace, but in reality it is far from that desirable description Strikes are the order of the das, particularly in countries ruled by Labour Governments. Whatever the faults of our Government are, no one can deny that it has given a better spin to the workers than any other Government; yet it has failed to satisfy those who receive the benefits of a Labour Government. It would be amusing were it not tragic to read of the children’s strike at Pukemiro. It is a tragic state of affairs when parents are (teaching their children the easy way of life. If you can’t get all you want, go on strike. Of course, it has to be remembered that these children’s fathers were taught by Peter Fraser and- Co. to adopt the strike weapon, and the latter pupils have been so apt that they have qualified for matriculation in that aspect. Australia, with a Labour Government, is the scene of one of the biggest strikes in jn&ny years, and the Prime Minister

there openly admits that the strikers and the unions are not only his bosses but above the law. What a pass to reach I What an omen for the new world order so much heralded ! At the rate things are going at the present time the sacrifice of thousands of valuable, promising young lives has been in vain. To put it mildly, we. speaking of the masses, are not proving worthy of that sacrifice. In all sincerity I say, “ God help us 1”

A good deal is heard about housing. People are desperate for dwellings, and are castigating the Government because of lack of those dwellings. As iagainst fthat there /are thousands of people in New Zealand who are dying (to use a popular phrase) for the day to come when new cars will be on the market. To my way of thinking it would be far better to put the £5OO and more that a new car will cost into a house. It would appear that personal incentive an 4 desire are gradually slipping into the discard, and more and more we are looking to Governments to provide those things that our parents and grr,ndparents provided 'out of their meagre wages. Wje are becoming a flabby, decadent race, and have not a quarter of the grit and self-help that our forebears had.