LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3003, 14 February 1917, Page 8

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A MENACE IN OUR MIDST Sir, —Will you allow me space to make a few remarks and suggestions re the above. 1 There is in this Dominion a class of people who are enjoying public benefits and privileges which, by their un-British actions, they are not worthy of, for instead of them trying to advance the interest of the Dominion and improve it, they are continually trying to cause trouble and strife amongst the workers of the Dominion. I am surprised that the real honest worker, lias anything whatever to do- with them or aid them in' the least, and I wonder at an intelligent body of workers such as the railway employees recognising them by sending delegates to their conference. We have the result of. their conference last year in the waterside trouble now. They should no treated as labour outlaws, and as a worker I will take great care that they, do not gain any of their objects with any assistance of mine. I tliink it is quite time to take action to curb their power, for it is useless trying to satisfy them. Our electoral laws in New Zealand, as well as Australia, are on a wrong basis altogether, for thrift and industry -arc not encouraged. In both countries there aTe a large number of loyal and law-abiding subjects who have been residents 40 or 50 years, who have never cost the country Is. by their misconduct; but they have no more power at the general elections than theso labour agitators, and to remedy this and encourage thrift and industry I would suggest that every ratepayer wlio pays ss. or upwards in rates per annum should have, an additional vote at the general and municipal elections. If this was carried into effect, in five years there would bo several thousand additional ratenayers throughout the Dominion, for there would be an inducement to become a ratepayer. I ask ratepayers' associations, farmers' unions, and chambers of commerce to take this" matter up and get it carried into effect, which I strongly believe would ho in the best interest of the whole Dominion. Thanking you in anticir>!>tion. —I .am. '.etc., A LOYAL BRITISH WORKER. Wellington, February .12, 1917.