What Our Readers Are Thinking

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 19, 1 August 1949, Page 4

What Our Readers Are Thinking

Though their views on all subjects are freely published here because we believe it our duty to uphold the public’s right to freedom of opinion, our correspondents’ opinions are not necessai’ily shared by this newspaper.

BOROUGH POWER SITUATION Sir, —As a resident of Whakatane I should like to express my thanks to the Borough Council and members of the deputation, which waited on the electricity controller, for their efforts in trying to get a greater allocation for the town. I think they have done their best and one cannot expect any more. Although most of us must consider this part of the country is getting a “raw deal” it appears that we won’t be able to do much about it until November. The action of the Council in. removing restrictions is an admirable scheme because it now leaves it to power consumers to save. I shall do my best to save and I hope every other person on the borough supply will do the same. • I would suggest that the borough electricity department have the consumption figures for each week published regularly in the Beacon so that consumers will be able to see how their own rationing efforts are proceeding week by week. Vnnrc; pfr* ONE WHO WILL SAVE.'

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING

Sir, —After all that has been pubished for and against conscription certain questions remain unanswered. ,

Where are the unmentioned millions coming from to finance the plan? I know Mr Nash will have an answer after the vote, but surely the taxpayer has a right to know additional burdens he is shouldering before he votes. At a time when a large proportion of Jhe world’s population still go hungry and the problem of malnutrition is still unsolved, the question is whether this army of youth would not be more profitably employed during the next two or three years in producing those necessities a hungry world is clamouring for. Then they would be the age to form a serviceable army: Nor must we lose sight of the fact that hunger is a potent cause of unrest and strife. We are told that defence is so urgent that it could not wait until November, but must be dealt with immediately. Yet, the force to be raised for “defence” is a boy-army, under promises of non-combatancy until of age! When war comes, it will come ‘ suddenly. With only a boy-army trained, will our leaders say to the enemy: “Go away, and come back in three months’ time”? Or will they do the only other possible thing, and throw in their only army, boys or no boys, while frantically endeavouring to train the men? In the face of a life or death crisis and no other army we can expect no other course, promises or no promises. Such a thing has happened before. If the matter really is urgent, why not train the suitable age now? What does, this plea of urgency really mean? Light on these questions would be appreciated by Ymirc; pff* RETURNED SOLDIER.

Sir, —We wish to avail. ourselves of a little of your valuable space on the eve of the referendum which is to take place on Wednesday. The N.Z.R.S.A. embrace a membership of approximately 120,000, 70 per cent of whom are men of World War 11. At the recent annual Dominion Conference it was unanimously decided to pledge full support in favour of Compulsory Military Training. The local Branch of the R.S.A. after holding an emergency meeting are unanimously of the opinion that it is imperative for the defence of the country that this referendum be carried. We consider it the urgent duty of every person in'favour of the issue to register their vote. To assist voters an advertisement is appearing in your paper setting out names and phone numbers of our representatives to be contacted should anyone wish for arrangements to be made for their transportation. During all wars, the people of this district have loyally supported the fighting services with their generous gifts and donations and we are sure on this occasion of such a vital matter.that every person will exercise their rights and cost their vote which we earnestly trust will be in favour of Compulse ry Military Training. Strike out the bottom line. Yours etc., D. S. WILSON, For the Executive.