PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20388, 31 December 1937, Page 7

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents, whose letters are we (some, but t** whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents ace request*-* to write in Ini. It 1* essential that anonymous write.** enclose 'h*!f proper names as a guarantee of good faith. Unles* this rule is compiled with, their letter# will not appear.

LITTER (To the Editor) Sir,—The “topic” about dealing with people who will leave litter about should be noted here. During the last j few weeks the river bank, always one | of the most enjoyable spots in Hamilton, has been disfigured by masses of j litter. One can see where various parties have had their lunch. There is usually a ring of paper and odds and ends to mark it plainly. About some of the seats the amount of rubbish left has been amazing. It spoils the attractiveness of the river walk, and is simply carelessness. —I am, etc., A PASSER-BY. Hamilton, December 30.

FLOATING SWIMMING BATHS

(To the Editor) Sir, —The banks of the Waikato are not shelved, except in very small areas, so that the enjoyment, of a (lip in the river is only for those who are strong swimmers. And yet many of us would enjoy one if we could have it with security. Recently there was a suggestion made by a citizen who had been ah,road that a floating swimming pool would meet the position. I think it would, and probably it would not be very costly to provide. In the coming year perhaps the Borough Council could ask the engineer for a plan and an estimate. My impression is that something along these lines would encourage swimming and be a real attraction.—l am. etc., BEGINNER. Hamilton. December 29. FOREIGN LOANS (To the Editor) Sir.—ln reply to the points raised by “Oxon” in regard to the recent London loan of £90.000.000 to General Franco, it is quite true that the “reputable” London papers will be searched in vain for that particular news item. Those granting the loan know very well indeed that the British public would not approve, hence discreet silence. The loan was apparently arranged without any publicity or the usual camouflage of calling for public subscriptions, etc. A quotation by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, given by “Oxon,” is interesting, showing clearly that the Chancellor counts for nothing. Naturally finance would not consult the Government. It made the loan and then ordered the Government lo recognise General Franco afterwards. Public opinion has been surprised at the action of the British Government in appointing a representative to the rebels of Spain, especially a Government that has rendered such ardeit lip service to non-intervention. There Is not the slightest doubt that the volte face of the British Government has been dictated by “the city” to ensure the service of the debt. One wonders how much longer supposedly intelligent men are going to allow themselves to be made fools of by hidden Interests.—l am, etc., R. G. YOUNG. Gordonton, December 28. (To the Editor) Sir, —-The statements made by Mr Young that British hankers had lent General Franco £90.000.000 is nonsense. Does he think for a moment that such a thing could he known So him and not known to the leaders of the British Labour Party? If it had been a fact, would nof they have brought 11 m matter up In the House of Commons? Would not all the prominent people who have expressed their sympathy with the Constitutionalists in Spain have made a very heated protest? Then is it not a fact that the British Minister some time ago denied that British arms had been despatched to Spain? Those who tried to get away with a few aeroplanes were promptly dealt with. Does Mr Young expect us to believe that Britain would provide the money to be spent elsewhere on munitions? The thing Is preposterous, and he cannot produce any evidence that the loan was ever made. Such a big transaction could not be covered up, for ft would be against the policy of the oountry. All the statement shows Is the capacity of Mr Young to swallow whatever he thinks will assist his cause. He will accept without question any vague statement that lie thinks bolsters up his anti-bunk obsession. Let him recall what Viscount Snowden said about the Governor of the Bank of England, and lie was not the sort of man any banker COUld put In his pocket or use like a pawn. And the idea that the British Government does what anybody dictates lo it is laughable. They do not believe it in England, and probably an) facts ■ well known there as they are at Gordonton. —I am, etc., C. BUSSBRIDGE. Hamilton, December 30.

NAPOLEON (To the Editor) Sir.—l should be grateful if Mr Morris would give me references for information concerning Napoleon's methods of finance. I want to look them up. I was amused by the quotations from the Duke of Wellington. It was rather a sweeping charge to describe him as “a thief, a liar, and a murderer.” I expect, if the truth were known. few statesmen could avoid the charges of theft and lying, and few soldiers could escape conviction for murder. Tliis. of course, depends upon the definition of tin* word “murder.** Napoleon was both a statesman and \\ Napoleon as a ” murderer ” hears a suspicious resemblance to the pot which called the kettle black. The statement that Napoleon’s whole life was a fraud is scarcely borne out by the facts. In any case, it is scarcely to be expected that an unbiassed opinion of Napoleon would emanate from one of his greatest enemies. Why did not Mr Morris quote Fox? Napoleon was the great champion of popular rights. Wellington was the stern defender of aristocratic privilege. Napoleon's works and the code of laws he introduced will remain as memorials to him long after the Duke of Wellington has been forgotten.—l am, etc., STUDENT. Hamilton, December 29.