War Work And Golf

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 285, 31 August 1942, Page 6

War Work And Golf

Sir, —May I be permitted to correct a few mistaken ideas of “Caddie” in your issue of August 27? The golfers he selected for his criticism are engaged in an essential industry and work very long hours every day of the week. Once a year they hold a tournament and since the war have donated the takings to the patriotic fund. - With regard to where they obtain their petrol I would suggest that .they receive their quota in common with other motorists and club together to take five or six in a car to the golf course this one day in the year. The explanation is very simple to one who-stops to think. “Caddie” talks of putting such a valuable area under the plough and sowing potatoes. Evidently he is not of the land or he would know that there are many properties in Wellington more suitable for growing potatoes. He also overlooks the present shortage of seed and would make it more acute for householders who now have to fill in a form to get a small quantity of seed for their own garden. It is a wonderful suggestion to plough up a golf course while so many members arc serving in the Armed Forces overseas. Only a "person dwelling in security a long: way from the firing line would think of such a thing. It is the noble idea of take it out of the other chap, but leave me alone.

“Caddie” would apply Hitler’s method and conscript anyone indulging in sport on a fl'uesday, for, as he says, Tuesday is a work day, and everyone must observe it or be conscripted and have their sports grounds dug up and planted in' spuds. No explanation. No appeal. Charged with using petrol honestly obtained and aiding and abetting in a golf tournament for patriotic purposes, I am, etc., CADDIE MASTER. > ,

Palmerston North, August 27. [“Tee” (Lower Hutt) has replied to “Caddie” in similar terms.]