Work For Defaulters

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 287, 2 September 1942, Page 6

Work For Defaulters

Sir, —In reply to the letter in Friday’s “Dominion” suggesting that the men in detention camps be put on earthquake repair work, I wish to say that men from one camp offered to do earthquake repair work without any wages, but the offer was turned down by the authorities. —I am, etc., AMAZED. Nelson, August 29.

Sir, —I wish to endorse the remarks of “Awaken Now.” New Zealanders have willingly accepted the heavy burdens of added taxation, curtailment of holidays, and longer hours, in order that our industrial front may be worthy of our fighting forces. But, sir! I am at a loss to understand why, in a time of national emergency, £2BOO per week of public money should be squandered on detention camps in order that 700 fit men and their guards may be maintained doing useless work. In addition, a large number of contractors are engaged constructing these institutions, whereas their labour could be better utilized in urgent defence work. Our Prime Minister has emphasized that all are in the firing line now,, whether civilian or soldier, so the detention of 700 meu, who have protested their willingness to assist the community in their civilian capacity, in safe camps, is a reflection on our common sense. Why not put defaulters into industry at their present pay, on a system of parole, and divert the money so released to other purposes? The time has arrived when "objectors’ ” camps are more than anomalies; they are intolerable. —I am, etc., UTILITY.