Dear Sir,

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 20, 2 November 1945, Page 4

Dear Sir,

Letters to the Editor must be j clearly written on one side of *) the paper only and where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be- included for reference purposes. The Editor reserves the right to abridge # amend or withhold any Setter or letters.

WHITHER BOUND HUMANITY

Sir % —A letter written by a Mr Darrau in a recent issue of your paper aroused ray interest not because of - the soundness of the arguments used, for I believe that fundamentally tliey were unsound but because it was-an example of an unfortunate trend that has become apparent in conitemporary political thought. That trend is to consider the political past more to be desired than the political future. We are at the gravest crisis in human history the war was only a prelude to real "up. heavel and many of us are reaching back into the past for the answers to the problems, of today sooner than face up to the need of providing an entirely new solution based on new political conceptions and theories. Afraid of figures unable to find the moral courage necessary for the acceptance of new ideas we turn desperately to the pages of history lor help ? failing to realise that though all fundamental hrmanproblems are not new each decade of social progress demands' new methods of solving those problems. It is that moral weakness that brought Fascism into tlie. world. All of us who endeavour to escape from reality become potential enemies of civilisation. No matter what arguments we may use to prove our rights to such escape each argument becomes- a weapon in the arsenal of reaction with power to destroy the future and our children who mu&t experience it. So that I would say to Mr Darrau. and to all who think like him that it is far easier to die than to live. But ii tbey have any desire to jus_ tify their existence let them again analyse the arguments; they have used, endeavour to create a new attitude, of mind in regard to social developments and lastly let them try to co-operate with the rest of mankind in the tremendous task of creating a future greater than the past. Yours etc. S. MAYOW.

REDUCE THE RATES

Sir— A Borough- Council could ultimately quite easty become selffinancing by operating a Credit Department which would function in a similar manner to a Savings Pank. ihe. tremendous advantages which would accrue by implementing a Credit Department can be readily realised when it is clearly understood that money is only a simplified means of exchange backed by public confidence. To facilitate the functioning of such an establishment it would be advisable to establish Current as well as Saving Accounts. As an in_ ducement for ratepayers to invest 3. special discount on the rates could be granted. Once such a system is operating it would be possible to develop a self-liquidating system of finance for financing all old and new projects without going into further debt. The Savings Accounts would act as a stabilising factor by being on fixed deposit. Each depositor would receive a pass-book as well as a number of transfer vouchers and cash order forms. Under such a scheme the amount collected by way of rates would be substantially reduced. It would only be necessary to collect sufficient to cover the interest charges plus operating expenses. Actually these expenses could v :c offset by a small book-keeping charge for the service rendered thus it would be possible to make even the * operating costs ol such a scheme self .financing, should it be considered desirable. Any of your correspondents who may be interested are cordially invited to point out any defects. Yours; e l t<* s LOWER RATES..