PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21158, 6 July 1940, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are re- i quested to write in ink. It ii> essential that anonymous writers j enclose their proper names as a j guarantee of good faith. Unless i this rule is complied with, their j letiers will not appear. FIRES IN NEW ZEALAND (To the Editor) Sir,—lt is about time the Government of the day followed the lead of the British Government and interned enemy aliens. By its failure to broaden the basis of government to administer the sweeping and necessary powers recently granted it the Government has shown that it has failed to grasp the true significance of the situation. Party politics, apparently, are of paramount importance to the members. But surely it must realise by now that there have been too many fires in New Zealand to run any more risks. The fires have done too much damage to valuable commodities and factories in war-time to be mere coincidences.—• I am, etc., ALARMED. Hamilton, July 5. WORK ON THE WHARVES (To the Editor) Sir, —Following the wharf-workers’ refusal to complete loading an overseas vessel with vital food supplies the absurd and lavish praise given to these men by various Government members in Parliament recently is placed in its right perspective. For sums reported to be up to 10s 8d an hour—so help me—they sometimes consider working a little longer to feed the soldiers who are fighting 24 hours a day for 7s a day. Then again when it suits them even the high overtime is not sufficiently attractive. I am one who if transport could be arranged would willingly leave here after work at 5.0 p.m., have tea in the conveyance on the way up, w r ork and load the ships free as long as I could be returned in time for work at 8.0 next morning. Of course I could not stand the strain every night, but when the question was urgent I would be available. If a register were opened in Hamilton I am sure there are many others who would offer their services free to see that Britain and our soldiers are properly fed. If this were the case no man would be required two nights in succession.—l am, etc.. WORKER. Hamilton. July 5