PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21346, 14 February 1941, Page 7

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents whose letters are welcome, but for whoso views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write in ink. It U essential that anonymous writers enclose their proper names a* a guarantee of good faith. Unices this rule is complied with, their letters will not appear. LABOUR TROUBLES fTo the Editor) let read with i"‘ere»t the Mr 7 M j* etired Civ “ Servant” and ° ne cann °t grasp the fact that both these correspondents run Off on side issues and leave the main issue alone. It is not a quesL°” ° £ years of experience, or the benefits accruing from trades unions, , an y- ** is the fact that we are at war to the death, and delay and labour troubles in circles immediately concerned with our war effort. Neither of these gentlemen can approve of what is being done in essential industries today “Retired Civil Servant” does not Wisn to deal with the political part of the subject, but I fail to see how we can keep out of it when the whole business is intertwined in the matter. My evidence is recent experience in Auckland, and that is enough to go on without releiring back to a period that cannot be compared with todays events I am, etc., „ KING HENRY V. Hamilton, February 13. OPEN BRETHREN OPINION (To the Editor) ®' r ' —1 would like to point out a rather grievous error in your report of appeals by bonscientious objectors in today's Times. In your report ol the Open Brethren who appealed, you quote me as saying “there was not lull agreement among the assemblies.” TV hat I did say was that there was diversity of opinion among the individual conscientious objectors, some feeling more free than others in regard to their attitude towards military service. The assembses as assemblies were not mentioned In this respect. The assemblies’ attitude was defined in the memorandum as quoted by you in your report, and there was no intention on my part of conveying any other impression.— I am, etc., GEORGE H. WABD. Hamilton, February 13. FREEZING UOKKS —WHARVEi (To the Editor) Sir, —I have read with interest "Retired Public Servant’s” and Mr Moody’s letters. However, I do think it is time they both followed Mr Churchill’s example. Surely the least we New Zealand, ers, “wharfies” and included, can do is to assist Britain by exporting as much of our primary products as possible. There are many people willing to sacrifice a weekend’s pleasure to relieve the rationing of food in England, but few would be tempted to hand over a week's wages to the “wharfies” for one day’s work, comprising eight hours only. Why should our waterside workers and “freezers” receive up to approximately £2 a day when our soldiers and the men and women of England are receiving so much leas for far harder work—not a 40-hour week either and no overtime paid? We will all have to do a great deal more if we want to win the war. I for one would willingly work for less than 7s a day if I thought “Retired Public Servant” and Mr Moody

would do the same. The former, of course, has no need to worry about working, as his nom-de-plume suggests.—l am, etc.. WORKING GIRL. Hamilton, February 13. BUSES FOR SOLDIERS (To the Editor) Sir, —I thoroughly agree with your correspondent, “Indignant,” whose letter appeared in the Waikato Times of February 7, complaining that the petrol restrictions imposed do not allow busqs to run week-end trips for soldiers arranged for by the Y.M.C.A. at Papakura. with the cooperation of the Army authorities, to enable the men to visit their homes while on leave. I agree this is a great injustice to the soldiers and those belonging to them. All too soon these men will be far away in distant lands without a chance of being with those near and dear to them, and it is not too much to a. c k that while they are here every opportunity should be given them to visit their homes on their short week-end leaves. The soldiers are being denied transport to their homes while at he same time numerous Sunday excursions to seaside and other places are run for those on pleasure bent. “Indignant" draws attention to thousands of cars consuming many gallons of petrol taking people to races all over the country. The Government, of course, makes money out of races. Granting the advantage to the Government, this is no excuse for making the soldier and those near and dear to him suffer. He should and must have a fair deal. My only son being an early volunteer and now overseas, the question of soldier transport does not affect me personally, but common justice demands that the soldiers going overseas should be the very last to have petrol restrictions put upon them. —I am, etc., SOLDIER TRANSPORT. Hamilton, February 13.