CORRESPONDENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20053, 16 September 1920, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

SMOKES AGAIN UP, 10 THE EDITOR. ~ notice from last night’s “Star'’ that there has been another nso in the price of tobacco, and I. am beginning to wonder whether wo shall not have to revise our views as to tobacco being a necessity and regard it as a luxury. The ever-increasing cost of the weed will soon place it amongst the articles which the wealthy alone can purchase. Of course, the increase is not duo to any profiteering by the retailer. It is brought about more by the greed of the two big trusts, than by any other direct or indirect means. The trusts having a monopoly put the price at a figure which will further swell their lingo profits, the middleman gets his cut, tho retailer, of necessity, must sell at a prico which will allow him a margin of profit, and the public, as usual, gets it m the neck. lam expecting before long to read that the increased coat of tobacco will bo made a demand by tho worker for an increase in wages. And why not, if tobacco is admitted to bo a necessity? It may not be so recognised and then, to a section of tho smoking community, it will become a case of a reduction in consumption or an entire cessation of the nso of tobacco. And this brings to my mind a thought: What about a strike of tobacco users? That is to say, a decision to stop smoking for a period. If such were feasible would it not speedily bring about a reduction in price? I think so, as similar action in other directions has shown. But if the proposition were capable of accomplishment, the question naturally arises ■—Who has sufficient energy and "enthusiasm to engineer a brigade of smokers tog oon strike. —I am, etc., FORTY YEARS’ SMOKER. THE RANFURLY SHIELD. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I think lam correct in saying that Wellington have held the Ranfurly Shield since 1913, and apparently the Canterbury selectors have presented it to them for another year, because it is easily seen that they have not done their duty with regard to picking the best of Canterbury. The full-back; Evans, is practically tho only man to fill that position, although lie will have to improve on last Saturday’s game, as ho will find some of tho Wellington forwards almost equal to Beilis (Wanganui). M’Lcod, Wilson and Ford comprise the three-quarter line, tho latter being the best although not yet up to his reputation. The other two arc unreliable; it is a wonder the selectors did not drop Ford in, place of Parker and so make a circus of the three-quai-ter lino, because with M ! Rood's “ jinky runs,” Wilson’s “juggling” and Parker’s “ goose-step,” tho public would be highly amused. On liis previous “rep.” games Fitzgerald is not worth a, place, although ho has played exceptionally well in club football, and still may be all right at second live-eighths. Of course the talk of tho town is the noninclusion of J. M’Comack, who has been chosen a.s second emergency. I saw this man play both in Dunedin and Christchurch, and 1 honestly think that ho is the best centre three-quarter since die late 11. G. Deans. D. M’Cormack at first five-eighths is the “daddy ” of the backs, and_ onco again will bo left to atop the majority of forward rushes, although he may get a little help from Sandman were ho at all fit. 1 doubt it, as about seven weeks have elapsed since “Sandy” donned tho jersey. The forwards are fair, although I would like to seo Hasell and Jackson replaced by Ellis, Hobson or Turpin. Tho latter would be very useful against tho lofty Wellington forwards; with, regard to Hasell, whom the selectors hare put in ns hooker, a mistake has been made. I have played with him, and must admit that ho hooks well, but ho only chinos in patches, probably because he is too old to foot it with the younger players. Now, if ever (hero was a chance of Canterbury obtaining the much-coveted shield, it was during the season of 1020 had the selectors used their heads. But this season’s selection have been a disgrace to Rugby football in Canterbury.—l am, etc., DINKUM SPORT. (Our correspondent will know by this time that Southland anticipated Canterbury’s intentions in regard to the Ranfurly Shield. —Ed. “Star.”)