SUMMER TIME

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 126, 25 February 1928, Page 13

SUMMER TIME

CORRESPONDENTS’ VIEWS (To the Editor.) Sir, —Heading the letter from "Antidope” on tho question of ‘‘Summer Time,” vno cannot help but bo struck by tho lack of any sensible argument or evidence against the innovation. If one may be permitted to answer a question our friend puts to Mr. Sidey, one may point out that at least one section of the community the measure helped, in addition to the “sports,” was the section (a pretty big one, too), which likes gardening and kindred pursuits. Personally, 1 have found it very valuable to be able of a light evening to go out and do some work. This has certainly helped production in the Dominion, a thing we are assured on all hands is very desirable. , In connection with the “facts” “Antidope” adduces, they may be tested by his assertion that the measure was copied from Germany. So far from this being the case, Mr. Sidey had introduced the Bill a long time before either Germany or any other country had tried the scheme out. It is now generally accepted as an excellent thing by all the prominent nations of Western Europe. After my experience of it during the present summer, I am strongly impressed with its advantages, and I venture to predict that a very large mass of the population of the Dominion will demand the measure to be made permanent, after their practical experience .of the blessing conferred on tho community by this beneficial measure. It was predicted, ere the Summer Time camo into operation, that the farmers would not be able to carry on under it; and yet tho Railway Department tells us that in not one case was an application made for alteration to the timetable. Now, all tho old (supposititious) troubles have been jettisoned, and the farmers apparently (or at least the opposed section of them) are now mainly troubled because of tho troubles the measure brought on their womenfolk and children! What a change of ground! 'Tho fact is, that the question of children going to bed in daylight is a much more pronounced trouble in Europe than here, for under Summertime there it is not dark for a part of the time until 10 p.m., and yet this has never been advanced as a strong argument-there. One of file southern farmers made some startling remarks about his losses with the introduction of Summertime; but until such figures as he adduced are amply vouched for, and all other sources of loss accounted for, I would be chary in accepting such a statement. How on earth Summertime could affect the milk-producing capacity of a beast, I fail to understand, but such a farmer, being more closely associated with the animal than I am, may be able to explain. Sir Trilby King, one of our foremost medical authorities, stands justified in his advocacy of the adoption of Summertime. He stated that it would be a valuable aid in the public health of this. country to use another hour of sunlight. De has been amply vindicated; the public health of our fair Dominion never stood higher than just now, as we near the end of our first experimental term. Let “Anti-dope” and his friends bring more solid material to the attack than that now being served up; Summertime has proved itself in its first trial, and is certain to be repeated indefinitely.—l am, etc., m L NORMAL. Wellington, February 20. Sir,—Reading between the lines of Mr. Sidey’s statement regarding his precious Summer Time Act, one forms the opinion that he hasn’t much confidence of its passing in the coming session. This Act should prove an object lesson to our politicians on the consequences of freak legislation at tho behest of persons with no practical experience of actual working conditions. As for Mr. Sidey’s assertion that it has been beneficial to tho health of the community, it is absurd. As a matter of fact, it has been most injurious, more especially to the very young. The trouble I foresee, however, is that this costly farce is going to be a big political question at the next election. I don’t think any country candidate will be prepared to support it, but the older order of politicians will be only too glad to use it as a side issue to secure votes, one that will take the people s attention away from legislature that really matters to the welfare of the country.—l am, etc.. ANTI-FADDIST. Sir,—Tour correspondent “Anti-dope” expresses himself in very strong language about the Summer Time Act, too strong in my estimation to bear any weight. The whole of his letter is nothing but a conglomeration of reckless verbosity, which is not evidence as to the benefit or otherwise of the Summer Time Act. Let me inform "Anti-dope” that the majority of the working community who. during their daily labours are confined indoors, are only too pleased to have a chance to get a little extra sunlight, and will strenuously oppose any return to the former conditions. To anyone having the welfare of their children at heart it is a great pleasure to see them playing about in the garden after tea instead of sitting in a stuffy room under artificial light. The statement that the struggling dairy farmers have lost a million because the clock has been put forward an hour is so ridiculous that no eno has thought it worth while to contradict it, and just because this has not been done your correspondent must needs jump to the conclusion that it is proved thereby. IVe hear a lot about the struggling dairy farmer, but he is not the only one who is having a struggle, and an extra hour of glorious sunlight is a great help to the poor city struggler, who can now get out in his garden in the evening and do a little work that takes his mind off his business troubles and so befits him for the next day’s work. This Act was not forced upon us. It was passed by a majority of the people’s representatives, and I am sure when tho time comes they will be instructed to vote for the continuance of tho Act. . . . Let "Anti-dope” quote facts, prove the loss to the farmers, how the Act is a prove i evil, and bow it is a wrecker of child life, and last but not least let him refrain from such remarks as those he made in his article about the dust-licking business, which has nothing to do with the question. There is nothing brave in slanging a conquered nation or blaming them when we follow their example, should it turn out bad that would be our own fault, but as this idea of putting the clock on has been in vogue for years before the war m the' northern timber camps we are only making the custom general, so why blame Germany?—l am, etc., ANTI-TOXIN. Lower Hutt, February 20. Sir, —In reply to the letter from “Anti-Dope,” may 1 point out to him that I am one ot the thousands of shop assistants, factory workers, etc., who have benefited considerably by the Summer Time Act. Previous to this Act by the time we were released from work, walked or trammed a few miles, washed, and had tea, it was dusk and too late to do anything outside. Now, thanks to Mr. Sidey, we are able to obtain a little of God’s fresh air, from which we are debarred during tho day, getting back to toil in the morning fresh and invigorated. Now here is something that “Anti-Dope” evidently doos not know. Previous to the Act, ninety per cent, of the farmers, as well as flaxmills, timber mills, etc., had their clocks advanced anything from three-quarters of nn hour Io an hour ahead of town time, and 1 know this from personal experience. Will your correspondent assuage my thirst for knowledge, and explain why this Act has cost farmers “millions of money,” and proved "a wrecker of every child life in the country?” I have only ono child, and he is certainly looking anything but a wreck. With the rest of my fellow indoorworkers, I lift up my voice and cry, “Good luck to Mr. Sidey."—l nm, etc., TDMPUS FUGIT. Masterton, February 21.