PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20995, 23 December 1939, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents, whose letters art weloome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write in ink. It is essential that anonymous writers enclose their proper names as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule la soft* plied with, their letters will not appear.

CONFUSION OF ADDRESSES

(To the Editor) Sir,—l would advise the residents of Fairfield and the locality to see that they get their friends to address their letters correctly. They address them “ 1 Bridge Street ” instead of “ Number 1 Bridge.” I have readdressed dozens of letters. I am, etc., J. MOODY. Hamilton, December 22.

“GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE”

(To the Editor) Sir, —A few weeks ago a statement was broadcast from Germany in the course of which, among other things, the following was heard: “Two bankrupt islands in the Pacific declaring war on Germany.” How this was taken up by the National Party and Press in an attempt to belittle the Government would lead one to think great minds think alike, Hitler and Hamilton, or Nazi and National. The scene changes from the Pacific to the Atlantic, where we hear with pride of the fight in which the Achilles, manned by New Zealanders, armed and paid for by New Zealand, outmanoeuvred and outfought Hitler’s modern cruiser with results already known the world over. We loyal New Zealanedrs say to our Government, “Carry on in your fight for democracy and freedom.” I read a report of a speech by Mr Doidge recently, and his reference to supping with the devil with a longhandled spoon caused me some amusement, also sympathy 'for the member for I understand Mr Doidge’s policy is longer hours of work and lower pay. Now, sir, my advice to Mr Doidge is to go to Hitler and Stalin, and I think we New Zealanders can assure him that his desire will be achieved.—l am, etc., PROGRESS N.Z. Te Pahu, December 21.

ARREST OF COMMUNISTS

(To the Editor) Sir, —At the present time a number of the Continental countries are at war and we are told that the war between Britain, France and Germany is in the interests of democracy and has as its ultimate aim the destruction of Hitlerism and all that it implies. We know that the Nazi policy has been one of ruthless breaking down and suppression of free speech, free press, trade unionism and all that which is meant by the word democracy. We in New Zealand are expected to take part in this war and to assist the British and French leaders to achieve what we are led to believe is something in the interests of the people. If the object is to overthrow Hitlerism and to make Europe, which of course includes Germany, a freer place for the people, how can the French action of arresting the Communist deputies be reconciled with the general war policy? If democratic rights are to be made secure, how can the people believe such when France has taken that action against constitutionally elected members of Parliament? For many, many years the workers of New Zealand battled for increased democratic rights, and always there have been cries for free speech, free expression of opinion and the right to read and study whatever one feels inclined, provided such is not obscene. Yet we find the employees of the Otahuhu railway workshops supporting the action of France in arresting the Communist deputies and in banning the circulation of Communist literature and praying that the Government of New Zealand will do likewise. It does not matter whether one supports the Communist Party or not If we are to support the right to elect w homsoever we think fit as representatives of the people, if we are to support free speech, free press, free expression of opinion and the right to live our lives as we choose, we cannot possibly support the action of France in this matter, because for one tting it is directly opposed to qur own ideals and for another it is one of the very things for which we condemn Hitler.—l am, etc., W. A. HAYWARD. Hamilton, December 21.

POLITICAL CONTROVERSY

(To the Editor) Sir, —As one who has played part in the political controversies carried on in your columns, I feel called upon to make a few remarks on the proposals for the declaration of a political truce during the duration of the war. In the first place, the assumption that criticism of the Government's measures during a war evinces a desire to thwart its war efforts and to lessen the full vigour of war efforts must be rejected as a slander and an absurdity. The people of New Zealand cannot become dumb if, in the opinion of many of them, the war measures of the Government include factors strengthening the general socialistic attack on their ancient rights and liberties. Such silence would be a sign of a base surrender of their citizens’ right to criticise their Government, and a slavish acquiescence, in measures revolting to their ideas of citizenship. The Government cannot expect all citizens to remain silent if they consider conscientiously that their rights and privileges are in danger. That would be too great a dereliction of their duties as free citizens. If the Government really desires a political truce, it should not only give a pledge, and keep it, not to utilise the war for the purpose of furthering its policy of socialism, but should put a term on its war legislation and regulations—say, one year after the declaration of peace. It takes two sides to maintain a political conflict, and to make and preserve a truce. One side cannot do all the taking and none of the giving. Under present conditions a real political truce appears to be not only impossible but objectionable. In his broadcast last night Mr Savage was very indignant with those who say that the country is bankrupt. But if some statistician or economist went thoroughly and scientifically into the question, and lound that a country, if not bankrupt, was in financial difficulties, would he be expected to keep this knowledge from the public, because there was a war on? The Government and its supporters would evidently consider the publication of the results of this research as an unpatriotic act, aimed at impeding the prosecution of the war. That is ridiculous. I have before me as I write a financial bulletin containing tables of figures showing the rapid development of our finances during the last two years. For example, in 1938 the State had 4.65 millions an deposit in the Reserve Bank; in 1939 its deposit was 1.79 millions; in 1938 its overdraft at the same bank was 4.78 millions; in September this year the overdraft had increased to 20-81 r-Jl-lions. It seems to me that, according to the Government, the people publishing these figures should be regarded as throwing spanners into the machinery of war efforts. If the question of a political truce is to be settled, it cannot be oc the condition that there can be absolutely no criticism of the Government or of the effects of its policy.—l am, etc-, A. WARBURTON. Ngaruawahia, December 18.

THE MARCH OF HMZ

(To the Editor) Sir, —The approaching celebrations of the Centennial bring to mind another important event that occurred about the same time. This event was the saying good-bye in England to their respective families of sisters and brothers. These truly Christian ladies that concern us at the moment decided to come to New Zealand, which was not very far advanced then. Their destination was the Waikato Heads, where there had been purchased a property for the establishment of the Mission Church of England. One lady was the wife of the Rev. Maunsell; the other was her friend and companion. They were coming to assist with the teaching part of the mission work. The mission then was very near the mouth of the Waikato River. On the high hills all along for some distance the remains are still there of large pas or fortresses. These enabled the Maoris to signal from one to the other if there was any trouble about. We visited this place the other day and had a good look round. Old Mrs Thompson, a Maori, has a very good garden all round the old chimney which still stands—all that is left of the mission building, except some cactus plants. A few chains away there is a small granite stone, erected many years after her death, to tha memory of Catherine Maunsell, died 1851 at the age of 37. My friend who was showing me round the place said she lived only about seven years at the most in this country. She is laid away among a number of soldiers and one or two settlers who passed away about that time. The original mission property was not very large and the missionary people were hard pressed for food at times. It was decided after the death of Mrs Maunsell to shift quarters to another site some miles nearer Tuakau, but still close to the river. This was a much larger property and very good land. They farmed it and grew wheat, oats and other kinds of grain, erected a flourmill on a small scale and ground their wheat. Their surplus they disposed of in Auckland. The assistant teacher became the second Mrs Maunsell. She passed away some years afterwards at the new mission station. There was a real effort by some members of the family within the last 20 years to locate her last resting place. All their efforts were in vain. It was their intention to erect a memorial to her memory. Unfortunately the spot where she rests is lost for ever. Thus two very good Christian people sleep a few miles apart on the banks of the old Waikato River. The flourmill was driven by a large water-wheel.—l am, etc., WAIKATO HEADS. Hamilton, December 22.