LATE CORRESPONDENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20542, 18 February 1935, Page 8

LATE CORRESPONDENCE.

“ Narrow Views.”

Dear Sir, —I would like to remark on the aptitude with which “ En-Zedder’s ” champion has chosen his nom de plume, “ Stay In Your Own Backyard.” And this, I take it, is precisely what the correspondent has done since Newton watched the apple drop. It really is a pity that the person did not refrain a little longer before “ chipping in.” He might then have reconsidered his views and, possibly, have refrained altogether from expressing them. I mean, it is hardly likely that any person, other than one temporarily afflicted, would deliver himself of the extremely childish and narrow views expressed in his letter in Friday night’s issue of the “ Star.”

For instance, “If the correspondents (meaning ‘English’ and ‘Proud of It’ and myself) don’t like the country they should run home.” I may point out that our complaint is not with the country, nor its inhabitants in general, but with people such as “ En-Zedder ” and his colleagues who give a bad savour to the New Zealand atmosphere. Their letters may give visitors the impression that all New Zealanders are as narrow and bigoted.

“Stay in Your Own Backyard” even introduces a point of economics into a controversy which he describes in his opening error as “ the much-discussed clothing question.” Would it be unkind, do you think, to indicate that in the big majority of instances, it is the better man that holds the job and that the Englishman in a job is helping to support the incompetent that he has displaced. And please, where did the hardy pioneers come from ? I see, a ongst the rest of the rot that “ the English are detested everywhere.” By such is “ En-Zedder ” and Co., I quite believe, but their “ everywhere ” must cover an area no larger than their “ own back yards,” Yor it is obvious that they have never been outside them. I would like to thank “ English and Proud of It ” and “ English Lass ” for their support and for their defence of Home.— I am, etc.. MADE IN ENGLAND. Grocers’ Picnic. Dear Sir,—Could not the grocers choose a less inconvenient day for their picnic? I was one of the unfortunate ones who quite overlooked the fact that Saturday was the day of the grocers’ picnic, and when I came in to town to do my usual Saturday shopping I found all the grocers’ shops closed, of course. I wasn’t the only one, either. I’m sure I saw twenty other women go to the same grocer’s shop and they were disappointed, too. It wouldn’t be so bad to miss on Monday, or Tuesday, because we could shop next day. But when I miss buying the groceries on Saturday it means that we have to go short on Sunday. I suppose it is all right for people who have credit accounts, and who have the grocer calling for orders. But I’m a cash customer and can’t be bothered with a man calling, because I’m tempted to buy things just to make it look worth his while to come. It doesn't matter to some people—they can get out any time to do the shopping. But I have to use Saturday morning, when my ten-year-old girl can look after the other children. My husband works every day and on Friday nights. It seems to me that the grocers will benefit and so will we, if the picnic day is changed from Saturdav.—l am, etc., MOTHER OF FOUR.

Plea for Convalescents.

Dear Sir,—After reading in your paper of the large amount of cash in hand for improvements to the Rhodes Convalescent Home, might I suggest that the committee responsible should add a little more comfort to the women’s quarters—the free patients, I mean, from the hospital. I was up there last winter and had about five heavy grey, mostly cotton, blankets. They were a dead weight on the body and gave no warmth. Women patients are not allowed to lie on their beds in the afternoon, yet the men may do so. What is the most important thing in proper recovery? Rest, of course. To lie down in the large dining-room is no rest, as others come in and out, talk and leave doors open to slam. The corridors do need heating and the modern way would be cheapest and most lasting. I also suggest washable and more frequently changed covers for the cushions on the sun porch and elsewhere. This is most essential where so many sick people are. The men’s dinners in winter time could be a little bigger. Hoping some one responsible will see this and mention the same to the committee.—l am. etc., EX-PATIENT.