READERS CONSIDER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 35, 20 December 1950, Page 4

READERS CONSIDER

CHRISTMAS COMMERCIALISED Sir, —Is it not time that thinking people took stock of the commercialisation of Christmas? A latest example is one of the local bands which ground out a few carol tunes and then made a collection for new uniforms. Why not give us a good musical performance at some pther time and then pass round the hat? Better to sell their music than cashin on the prevailing spirit of Christmas, with which they cannot claim any connection. • Yours etc., E. D. M. BURGESS. Whakatane, December 15. RECENT ST JOHN AMBULANCE APPEAL Sir, —May we take this opportunity through yo.ur valued paper, to express the thanks and appreciation of the members of the St John Ambulance Association, for the warmhearted response that attended the recent appeal for funds. In the past, Whakatane has always liberally supported our organisation, and I am pleased to be able to report that the 1950 appeal was a record (over £300). This result will enable us to further the work of the Brigade and Association, in a manner even more worthy of the town and district than in the past, and on behalf of the association. We tender our sincere thanks to all our supporters, wishing them at the same time the compliments of the festive season and a bright and prosperous New Year. Yours etc., A. J. CANNING, Chairman. JOHN W. G. SMITH, Hon. Sec., St John Ambulance Assn.

ABOLITION OF UPPER HOUSE

Sir, —Iu your article on 4/12/50, the subject of discussion is abolishing of the Upper House. At no stage of New Zealand’s "'history has this country been so close to a totalitarian State as on account of ihis piece of legislation, though you don’t actually say so! But, with a unicameral and popular chamber there would net be room for public opinion (plus military control)! And how can a free country face this 1 with confidence. Then again referring to Mr Algie’s and the Hon. L. W. Galvin’s statements, they give cause for serious reflection. And when you mention the Indian States, they are practically dictatorships. However, if we are to have a change let it be an elected chamber, if our constitution is to be tampered with. Or let us go back to the provincial government with a House of Assembly, which would be a more economic proposition than the party political institution of the present day. This piece of legislation was taken without the voice of the people (a referendum). So what? Yours etc.. V/. BRADSHAW. Whakatane 13/12/50.

torily at later grazings. On soil with less organic activity the clumps continue to grow strongly for a longer period protected from grazing by the presence of dung. The topping is then necessary, but results in no waste of the feed as the cutter bar carries the grass just far enough to clear the offensive patch. Especially if slightly wilted the cut grass is quickly taken by stock. '. _

The use of harrows for distribution of manure is likewise conditioned by the ability of the soil inhabitants to remove and spread the dung. If farmers marked the, position of droppings some would be surprised at the rapidity of their disappearance and in these cases harrowing is not so\ necessary as where they last about a fortnight. Nowhere more than in the Bay of Plenty is it realised, that paspalum must be controlled if it is not to earn disfavour. Recent work in Australia has shown the greatly reduced feed value of seedipg paspalum, whilst it is well known that a ryegrass, white clover association can be completely replaced by sodbound paspalum if the riotous growth of tall heads is not kept down. The fact that a considerable body -of informed opinion regards paspalum as a weed is a direct reflection of the aggressive nature of the plant which is nevertheless the mainstay of North Auckland and Bay of Plenty summer production, It would appear then, that topping is generally worthwhile to prolong the growth of seeding pastures and no harm or waste occurs if the cutter bar is set to clear the feed that is normally eaten on a second grazing day.