CORRESPONDENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20107, 14 May 1935, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE

NEW ZEALAND'S SILVER JUBILEE GIFT To the Editor of “ The Timaru Rerald ** Sir, —All the countries comprising the British Commonwealth of Nations are making gifts to the King in honour of his Majesty’s Silver Jubilee. I am aware that there are many causes deserving assistance particularly at the present time, but so far as New Zealand is concerned it is in accordance with his Majesty’s pleasure that all moneys collected for the King’s Jubilee gift in New Zealand are to be devoted not to a gift personal to himself but towards the object of assisting the various forms of cancer research in this country for the relief of the many sufferers from this scourge. The King is patron of the British Empire Cancer Campaign, and the Duke of York founded the branch in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government has given £SOOO as a foundation for the people’s Jubilee gift, but no Government can with dignity or propriety press the people to give money to meet the Sovereign’s desire, even when he diverts it from himself to a noble cause. The response in New Zealand, which rightly prides itself on its attachment to the Throne, so far has not been sufficient to dispel the fear that New Zealand will compare unfavourably with Canada, any of the Australian States or South Africa. The larger donations can be sent to the Cancer Society Head Office, 212 Lambton Quay. Wellington, but it has become evident that people of slender resources, the great majority, are reluctant to take their mite to the money order offices ready to receive donations throughout the Dominion. For the credit of New Zealand, and to meet this difficulty, I trust that all large offices, factories, shops, workshops, societies and family circles will at once open a subscription list so that as many loyal and grateful subjects of King George as possible can give an individual shilling to honour the King and help themselves, thus making it more convenient that the total sum subscribed on each list can be paid in to any Post Office and a receipt obtained. —I am, etc., J. S. ELLIOTT, M.D. Wellington, May 10. HOARDINGS IN TIMARU To the Editor of " The Timaru Herald ” Sir,—l feel that I must range myself with “Another of the Younger Generation” in his stand against the criticisms levelled by “One of the Younger Generation” against hoardings in Timaru. “Crude, glaring advertisements” seems a very harsh and dogmatic way of describing the posters in question, especially before they had been displayed. I feel sure that if your correspondent would examine the hoardings in Timaru with an open mind, he would be bound to grant that many of the posters displayed are works of reputable artists, and further, many of them advertise pictorially beauty spots of New Zealand, with very little reference to the advertiser’s product. These facts, coupled with the undeniable benefits gained by the community through medium of work supplied and money circulated should more than offset any supposed detrimental effects. Further, it is perhaps not generally known that the Borough Council derives quite a considerable income by way of hoarding rentals. 1 am ' 6tC ” 1935. Timaru, May 13. .BACK COUNTRY RUNS To the Editor of ” The Timaru Herald ” Sir, —In your issue of the 10th inst. appears a letter criticising Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., on the subject back country runs. The letter is signed “Tasman.” Knowing Mr T. D. Burnett as I do and disagreeing with him on many subjects, I consider he is without his equal in Canterbury in the sucessful running of a high country station. As to his figures with regard to Mount Cook Station, I do not doubt them. What is more, they apply to the bulk of the high country of Canterbury My own figures and those of other stations, which with knowledge I can speak, bear out Mr Burnett’s figures. With regard to “Tasman s caustic remarks re “the deteriorating and disappearing runs whereon they graze their now (alas) tiny flocks,” I should like to refer “Tasman” to an article headed “More Merino Ewes” printed in the papers recently. The main text of this article is that our Merino flocks in Canterbury have dropped from two million to one million in the last 25 years. The halfbred and Corriedale have taken the place of the Merino in some cases, but a large factor in the drop has been the deterioration of the high country. This last factor has taken place, however “Tasman” wishes to argue. For instance, Godley Peaks (or “Mistake” as it was once called) carried 17,000 Merino sheep some years ago, to-day it carries from 10 to 11 thousand. Now, sir, as to the effect of this drop in our Merino flocks in Canterbury. The people it most directly affects are, of course, families such as the Burnetts who have held their runs since they were taken up, but, if I may say so, it has a far greater effect on Canterbury as a whole, as it has depleted our Merino

ewe flock; the foundation of prime Canterbury lamb. May I ask, sir, why it is that during the past few months our New Zealand papers have pointed out the grave danger that Australia is to our fat lamb trade? Has not their almost unlimited supply of Merino ewes for breeding first cross ewes given us something to think about? In conclusion, may I point out to “Tasman” that the day T. D. Burnett and his family have to put a price on, let alone sell Mt. Cook Station, God help the rest of the sheepmen in Canterbury.— I am, etc., BRUCE N. MURRAY, Godley Peaks. Lake Tekapo, May 11. P.S.—May I also point out, sir, that it is easy to attack a man and the industry in which he Is engaged, under a Nom de Plume. THOUGHTS ON THE MAYORAL ELECTION To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald " Sir, —Kindly allow me space to ask who was it who defeated Mr Benstead for the Mayoralty? Was it the candidates who were standing in the interest of the so-called Labour Party, or were they standing in the interest of Mr Satterthwaite? Now, sir, If Mr Benstead and Mr Satterthwaite had been the only candidates for the 1935 mayoral, it would have been an election well remembered for the better man would have won. The final results now show: Votes for Mr Satterthwaite 2969, against 2968, or a majority of 1 .vote in favour out of 5937 electors. Sir, I would like to see Mr Benstead come out in the general election against the sitting Member, for it w r as nothing but the Labour candidates that lost the mayoral for him. I am hoping to see Mr Benstead a candidate for the election, let it be any party. Hoping to hear he is nominated at an early date. —I am, etc., WEST END. Timaru, May 11. THE POTATO MARKET To the Editor ot “ The Timaru Herald ” Sir, —There are no doubt quite a number of farmers and others who are keen to rush their potatoes on the market, but as a visitor from Auckland and other places in the North Island, I would like to state that the North Island is solely depending on the South Island this season for its potatoes. A few consignments of 10,000 bags or so may quieten the market for the meantime, but it will be a long time before new potatoes are available. Before that time, the people of the North Island will be lucky if they can purchase the old potatoes at about £l2 per ton f.o.b. —I am, etc., SUNNY NORTH. Auckland, May 10. LABOUR IN TIMARU To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald " Sir,—The debacle of the Labour representatives on all fronts at the Timaru municipal elections, augurs well for the chances of a strong Government candidate against the sitting member for Timaru. People realise that “fancy” schemes will only embed us further in the mire, and that the only path to recovery is by vigorous efforts along proved lines. It is pleasing too, to know that Timaru residents will not have party politics thrust into municipal affairs.—l am, etc., OBSERVER. Timaru, May 9. STREET CORNER HOARDINGS To the Editor ot “ The Timaru Herald " Sir,—The chairman of the Automobile Association is to be congratulated on being a strong man of unbiased, independent opinion, when approached by the whim and cry of scare-mongers whose object is not always public safety. It is logical to conclude that no street corner or intersection is of itself dangerous, until rendered so by offenders against the local by-laws. When motorists reach the Borough terminus, ex Timaru, in either direction, local restriction ceases. But some motorists observe no restriction in the outer area of the Borough, and regard Newman Street as their rightful 35 to 50 miles an hour speedway. Upon examination it is found that the hoardings in question are set back some 20ft. approximately from the comers, and it is considered by the unbiased, that their presence acts as a deterrent or silent policeman to traffic, having the effect of forcing road traffic going out by Marchweil Street to take a wide turn, thus keeping on their correct side. Many big firms have many such signs in almost every town and city throughout New Zealand, and they select the most suitable places. The local bodies concerned confine them strictly to commercial areas before granting a permit. Every sign erected is somewhat adversely commented upon, chiefly by those who are affected by anti-advertising hysteria, but commercial interests have to be served as well as private interests, and their agents also help to make up a community. I should like to ask: Is there any by-law to prohibit a person on approved application from building a two storey building on a corner? The members of the Timaru Borough Council are broad-minded men, having the whole public to cater for, and they must regard with suspicion a much solicited attempt on the part of a few to obtain their ends unproved.—l am, etc., TRAFFIC OBSERVER. Timaru, May 11.