“PLATO’S” FACTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19637, 25 July 1935, Page 9

“PLATO’S” FACTS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —“Plato’s” breezy welcome is -a I pleasant -contrast to the grumpy petulance with which my letter was : possibly received ‘‘in a -certain place, j An argument, however, can only pro- J coed on a basis of adphlted fact, and until ‘‘P-ftto’ 1 produces the proof that I he doubtless has for his assertions 1, flnd.it difficult to make much progress, lie wishes me to explain “why the depression did not -cease some five years ago when the Arbitration Court was abolished and- wages dropped by an average of 20 per cent.” I am afraid that preoccupation with the age of plenty caused me to miss that abolition of the Arbitration Court. You never know, however, what Parliament is up to, “Plato” would oblige with the ex-aot date. But here "Plato” :Is in a position to promote "the gaiety of nations" (an -activity In whioh I cordially support him) to the extent of some really first-class fun because some really important personages have overlooked this abolition business, too t - In a column almost adjoining "Plato’s" letter Mr Bromley, of the Unemployment Board, regrets that the board’s . style Is cramped "in certain industries governed by awards”! Will "Plato" write to Mr Bromley pointing out that the Arbitration Court does not exist, and let us have a copy- of Mr Bromley’s reply? Then a new judge has recently been appointed ' to. the Arbitration s Court —a court dead these five years! Also the 'Court of Appeal has reoently devoted quite a lot of consideration to the clauses of -an Aot which it, will be a delight to know is dead. \VIB “Plato" make a truly original contribution to “the gaiety of nations" by pointing out to Mr Justice Page and Sir Michael Myers the faots, and publishing their reply? “Plato" also says .wages dropped an average of 20 per cent. I did not know the drop was so great as this and would appreciate a reference to the figures from Which he gets his average, I would also appreciate a reference to figures' showing displacement by machines of “dozens daily” which would appear to be of the order of 10,000 pop year. On “Plato’s" argument an unemployment wave should bo -continuously growing at that rate. If It is the figures should .show it. When these facts; which “Plato" has made the ground of an argument, are established I will be In a position to proceed.—l am, etc., DOUGLAS SEYMOUR. Hamilton, July 23, 1935.