Mao’s Health

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31084, 13 June 1966, Page 12

Mao’s Health

Sir,—The President of China is praised by “PJ.A.” This may be a case of “love afar is spite at home.” Until recent times China was not interested in modern methods. Only when it became apparent that by adopting what is, in effect, a war economy did she become enthusiastic for world domination. Man, like everything else in nature, is subject to natural law. The most powerful is the tribal intinct. Christianity, which stands for human brotherhood, will no doubt bypass war. It is, however, not prohibited even in the Scriptures. Unless, however, the present era of Christianity can protect itself evolution could be delayed indefinitely. —Yours, etc., T. M. SHAW. Westport, June 9. 1966.

Sir, —“P.J.A.” seems to be in good contact with Peking. Or is it more likely that he just swallows the Peking line? All this nonsense about loving Chairman Mao makes me feel like vomiting. How can any New Zealander be so blinded, and to what purpose? Having seen many countries in many years at sea I know from experience that a man will have to steam to find such good living as the Kiwi has. A Communist in New Zealand is either a blind fool or just a trouble-maker trying

to further his own ends in the chase after something for nothing.—Yours, etc., R. H. JONES. Westport, June 9, 1966.

Sir, —“P.J.A.” may not be wise to place his hopes for the continuity of the Chinese revolution in the longevity of Mao Tse-tung. It is possible that the Chinese will learn the art of replacing worn-out organs with new ones, but, as "P.J.A.” knows, it is the people and not great leaders who in the long run make history. Mao Tse-tung’s philosophical WTitings “On Practice” and “On Contradiction” (both written before 1938) reveal an admirable intellect, but I am, notwithstanding, certain that today there are many people as able as he, certainly in the U.S.S.R. and probably in China. This, of course, stands to reason, as the U.S.S.R. is technologically and politically a more advanced nation with intellectuals and workers integrated in a way which China, with her long tradition of scholar-gen-try, will not achieve if her intellectuals, workers, and peasants cannot agree.—Yours, etc., M.N.R. June 11, 1966.