PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21082, 8 April 1940, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write in ink. It is esse ntial that anonymous writers enclose their proper names as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with, their letters will not appear. FINLAND AND OTHER THINGS (To the Editor) Sir,—May I, through you columns, express my apology to “Open-Mind-ed” for any slighting reference he may have read in my letter. One is sometimes apt to say more than one intends, especially in a political discussion. However, to consider his letter. As his query regarding the invasion of Finland has been fully and ably answered by “R. 8.” it is surely unnecessary to repeat the facts. Also, the significant point is that Finland’s economic and industrial life has not been violated in any way, so it seems rather incongruous to regard the brave little Finns as rising phoenixlike from their ashes after their splendid martyrdom. Heroics may be a cheap way of gaining public sympathy, but that does not alter their nature. As to the “harsh and bitter” terms imposed on Finland, I appeal to “Open Minded” to study the five points in question. Anything more easy and tolerant would be hard to imagine, especially with the Versailles Treaty in mind. He asks me not to “trot out the old excuse about Finland being used as a jumping-off ground.” Reminds me of an amusing episode which Bernard Shaw related last year to the Fabian Society. He had been asked by one well-meaning lady what were the aims of the Fabians. After Shaw had patiently explained its Socialist basis, she replied, “Socialism? But that’s rather out of order, isn’t it?” And the moral is?—that repeated repetitions of a statement may make it trite, but that doesn’t alter its truth. It seems pointless to discuss Socialism with “Open-Minded” for, like all its critics, he answers all detailed evidence and backing in its favour with blind generalities, always in the long run tracing back to the same thing—human wickedness and unworthiness of anything better. However, let me ask him these questions: (1) Is he prepared to have society carry on in its present form? (2) If so, can he abolish war, hunger, poverty, unemployment, etc., under it? (3) Is so, how? (4) If he has an alternative form of society (give details). These will suffice for the present. I trust he will not reply by stating that man doesn’t live by bread alone, for, as he surely must admit, without bread man does not live at all!—I am, etc.. H.S. Hamilton. April 5.