PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

expressed by correspondent whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write in ink. It essential that anonymous writers enclose their proper names as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with, their tetters will not appear. PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE (To the Editor) Sir, —I often wonder whether the Labour Government really realises that we are at war. Judging from the Public Works estimate in the Budget, I am convinced that the Labour Government is all out of step as far as finding the necessary money is concerned. There is no doubt that Mr Fraser is aware of the seriousness of the position, as evidenced by his broadcasts, but the Budget does not tally with the sentiments he has expressed. If any Labour supporter can tell me that a £IOO,OOO building for the Marketing Department and the £70,000 wireless station, to name two extra vagent items in the Auckland Province alone, are essential, then I say there is something wrong with New Zealand’s war finance. Surely expenditure in New Zealand should, be cut to the bare minimum to save the burden of the cost of this war falling on our children. The supporters of the other political party in the House are made to dd their share —and they would do it more willingly if a really United Government were installed to watch all interests—but supporters of the Government are apparently allowed to carry on as usual. The coalmine strike is indicative of the unfortunate attitude of many supporters of the Government.—l am, etc., FAIR PLAY. Hamilton, July 3. WHEN SOLDIERS RETURN (To the Editor) Sir, —Whatever opinions may be held regarding the politics of Mr J. A. Lee, it must be admitted that he is working assiduously for the good of soldiers on active service and after they return from the war, and in that work he deserves whatever support can be given him. His Bill, if it became law, would be a boon to soldiers and would take a great deal of sting out of the sacrifice which the voluntary or conscript soldier has to face when he enters the armed forces. Memories of what happened after the last war should cause the people of New Zealand to resolve that they will plan more carefully on this occasion. Many of our soldiers after the last war suffered great hardship as a result of their being placed on farms which were hopeless propositions. The soldier who has seen active service is deserving of greater sympathy and assistance than the average civilian realises. Many cannot understand why a soldier should not be thankful for his release from arduous military service and settle down gratefully to a civilian occupation. It should be remembered that the soldier has been uprooted completely from civilian life and thrust into the hurly-burly of a strange new life that makes a different being of him. His sense of values is completely changed and he becomes the victim of a strange restlessness. That unrest will pass eventually, but it takes time, and it is during the period of transition that the soldier needs the sympathy and support of his country.—l am, etc., NEW ZEALANDER. Hamilton, July 3.