CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Star, Issue 20137, 30 March 1929, Page 16

CORRESPONDENCE

EVOLUTION IN SCHOOLS. TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —The Rev. Mr Fraser is at, it again, and gives your readers in the ‘ Star ’ of Tuesday evening, and will, if he keeps his promises, give a much larger circle, an example of how far astray ianaticsim can lead an educated man. Mr Fraser speaks of the “ sentiments of the vast number of the people of New Zealand ” which are disregarded. Allow me to assure the reverend gentleman that the vast majority of tho people of this country have little or no idea, certainly no clear idea, of what evolution means, and as wo have not yet come out in barefaced acknowledgement of 11 government by ignorance” (however much that may really be a characteristic of democracy), I am entirely unable to see why tho sentiments and declarations of “a vast number ” or “99 per cent, of the people,” who are no authorities on the question should weigh with our educational authorities. Since when has it been considered desirable to consider the scholar’s likes and dislikes when matters of fact and knowledge are concerned?

Tho evolutionary conception of the universe is only “ highly controversial ” insofar as fanatics have endeavoured to make it seem so. An agitation in support of a “ flat earth ” theory could also bo made a highly controversial one if, as is now the case, there was a prospect of vociferous fanaticism impressing ignorance and politicians. . If this controversial nature, assuming that it were true, if evolution was a fact, it is the last ground upon which a pious opponent should oppose it, since the belief or series of beliefs to which he gives credence, and which can broadly be termed Christianity, are undoubtedly the most highly controversial in the world to-day, and have been since that belief existed. Nor can it bo argued that this controversy is the result only of those’naughty, had Atheists, like myself, who null persist iu using their own common sense, because rbe most bitter divergence of opinion and hottest controversy, is among tho Christian sects. A century or so ago tho record of those controversies was written in blood, and even to-day only the secular powers keep many creeds from ono another’s thonts. Mr Fraser is on very dangerous ground whenever he rants against evolution, hut annihilation awaits him when ho objects on tho score of controversy. Show that there is controversy among those who know best, among scien--‘Lts, and we may take notice, not before. Mr Fraser lias much to say which is in the nature of wearisome repetition, but the people who .‘are sufficiently interested in the question should beware that - these mentalists ” do not in their noisy protest steal a march upon us as they have in that home of the bigot—tho TJ.S.A.—I am, etc.. E.W.E. March . 28.

THE FLOODS, TO THE EDITOE. Sir. — I’ read with a little surprise and disgust a statement made by the Rev. V. G. Bryan King at a meeting of the Blood Relief Committee. Pie is credited with saying; “Linoleums should not perish with a little water. Much of the (linoleum has been perishing lor ten years.” I would very much like to know what experience Mr King has had of linoleums being under water for two nr three days. 1 would point out to him (I) that though dean water may not injure them to a great extent the silt and sewerage matter which remained in the majority of the Hooded houses most certainly did; (2) that linoleum which lias been down for some time (but certainly not perishing for ten years or anything like it) and which would have lasted for a number of years it left on the floor, when taken up to allow the muck accumulated on it and on the floor underneath to be hosed away, dries and cracks like a chip. Mr King has perhaps lost sight of the fact that the linoleum in question has to be replaced, but perhaps he can inform me of a process that will restore it to its former condition. Mr J. S. Douglas informs us that “ personally he is more than pleased with the work of the social workers and others. On behalf of the sensible citizens of Dunedin ho can say that they are proud of the work being carried out.” Perhaps in many cases this is correct, but in some cases the householder has to answer a running fire of questions, some of them humiliating, and then receive very little, while others seem to have no difficulty in getting plenty of everything. Along with a number of others I think a representative from each of the flooded areas should be on the committee, as several persons have told me in conversation they would sooner do without.than push themselves forward. In conclusion, 1 might point out that the publicity gained through being on the committee may prove a boomerang, as others besides the sensible citizens have a veto at the forthcoming election.—l am, etc., Oxb of tub Flooded. Harbour terrace, March 2fi. TO THE EDITOH. Sir, —The people, are beginning to realise their position ro the flood. Some say to plant out trees on the wiitor--shed. T consider the best is manuka scrub, which will grow on the very poorest of soil, and planted closely together will absorb an enormous amount of .rain. Also I wish to emphasise to the city councillors to do their best to prohibit fires on the watershed. At Pclichet Bay yon have a very small stream, but after a few days’ ram it is a creek, and if the scrub is gone thou you will get a river, with what result? All that has been reclaimed! ; arid made into valuable property wilt be useless. At last night’s meeting some talked of a tunnel for the Leith and some bringing outside engineers, even from Holland, Before the construction of the Leith Canal we had no floods, although we had rain in my recollection of as long as six weeks on end. It has | been found that at the turn of the tide i the Leith Stream subsides, which proves that the outlet is blocked. This is to be expected, seeing that the tide is, and is always rising, above the outlet of the Leith. To get Over that difficulty the Leith outlet should be raised above tide level.—l am, etc., . Unknown. ■ Opoho, March- 27. 10 THE EQITOB. ; -Sir, —The report of the meeting of the Reii«£ Cssiaiittce which was held last Thursday morning affords me an opportunity of replying to the criticism of its members in respect to what was said by the recent cleputaton from the Dunedin Leith Flood Protection Meeting. I attended the meeting in the Albany street hall, as one of the many who had suffered as a result of the flood ,a.nd was appointed to the chair. As chairman, 1 particularly requested that no harsh criticism be offered; and whatever suggestions might be made should be or a constructive and protective nature. At the meeting of resolution registering appreciation of the work of the Relief Committee was carried with, acclamation. The meeting delegated the 'chairman, secretary, and J, TV. Munro, M.P., a. member oi

the City Council, and the llarhoui Board to wait on the deputy-mayor and express the feelings and wishes of that largo and flood-affected audience. Tin's wo did to the best of 'our ability, but it is possible that our enthusiasm affected our judgment, in the use of language. However, before retiring, I, as chairman, again voiced tho appreciation of tne work of the Relief Committee. At tho invitation of tho deputy-mayor, I attended at tho depot, and after an inspection of tho card system and a talk with Mr Moreton again praised the work of the committee. .Irrespective of what my own feelings or opinions might have been, .1 was bound to adequately and-correctly state the case for the meeting. There was no intention of criticising the relief workers, and, if any words of mine have hurt their feelings, I sincerely apologise, it was Cr Munro’s suggestion, not mine, nor the meeting’s, that my committee should be represented on tho Relief Committee, and, in view of the fact that we represent a large Hood-affected ;area, it appealed to mo las only reasonable and right. When asked as to my willingness to act, I readily agreed. At the invitation of tho relief workers I attended at the depot on Wednesday afternoon, and, after discussing several aspects of the work and difficulties of the workers, expressed my appreciation of their work, and advised that I would be willing to assist to tho utmost of my ability. This is what Mr Moreton veterred to at the meeting when reporting that he had had a. talk with me. A relief worker, who is also a member of the committee,confessed to having made the remark objected to —viz.. “What do you want—a. gold watch? ” His excuse was that it was not intended seriously, but unfortunately it was not regarded ns a joke by the applicant for relief. In face of tho fact that the relief workers find it necessary to be on duty fourteen and fifteen hours daily, it were reasonable to expect that any reinforcement of their ranks would he welcomed. As that avenue of service is now closed, to my committee, I have no alternative lint to use your columns to bring before tho responsible body the personally investigated cases of extreme hardship : Mr and Mrs G . ages seventy-two and sixty-six respectively, receiving a pension of 17s (3d weekly, reside in Castle streets in a threc-roomed cottage (rent, 9s weekly, but Is per week deducted for keeping the drains dear). Tho cottage possesses no modern conveniences. The landlord, a we)l-Jcnown citizen, called for rent on March 2,'), and collected £1 12s, despite the appeal of tho old folk for relief. The food left them destitute, only having 3s left. They did not receive any coal until the 26th. a week niter the food, and the assistance given consisted of two pairs blankets, two mattresses, and some unsuitable clothing. The water rose to above tho level of the dado in tho kitchen. Mrs and Miss C- reside m Castlo street (rent, 11s for three rooms). This invalid lady and daughter were marooned for two days. The water was not less than 3ft through tho house and deeper outside. Mrs C ■ was not long out of hospital, and was in need of comfort and rest. The relief afforded in this case consisted of two single mattresses, ono pair of blankets, and three bags of coal. 'Die coal was not delivered until Monday, tho 25th. The facts stated in respect to these eases can bo verified, and fuller particulars furnished on request. Rent books are available for inspection. I, can supply quite a number of such cases, but the two cited will suffice for the time being. 1 am not criticising tho workers, who have done wonderfully well but condemning the methods (or absence of methods) employed to dispense relief tu the sufferers. L know no class, no politics, no creed iu this time of dire calamitymy chief concern is for the people whoso homes hare been inundated, and who have suffered losses that cannot be exaggerated through no fault of their own. Tho responsibility of this shocking calamity will bo sheeted home to those who are morally and legally culpable. I deprecate the remarks of the Rev. V. G. Bryan King and Air F. \V. Mitchell, but am sufficiently Christian and generous to attribute their unworthy insinuations that I am using the regrettable’ disaster for publicity purposes, to the fact that they arc extremely tired mentally ami physically on account of working fourteen or fifteen hours a day. [ cun assure Air C. Todd that I have given of my money and time, despite the fact

that, I am a heavy sufferer on account of tho flood. As I was one of the chief distributors of “ comforts to our soldiers during tho Great War. and assisted in organising the League of Loyal Women, I claim to have had some litttie experience of work of this nature, and am still prepared to assist the committee as an “ outsider.Mr Douglas’s reference to " the sensible citizens of Dunedin ’’ was as unfortunate as the statement attributed to Cr Scott that tho ratepayers of Dunedin are not civilised. Sense- is not tho monopoly of a. few, but is an inherent commodity possessed more or less by every individual in the community, and in ns far removed from “gushing sentiment ”as one polo from the other. I sincerely hope, • sir, that in tho days to-be every earnest effort will be made to alleviate the suffering of tho people, and xhat adequate reparation shall be made by the authorities; also that immediate precautions will lie taken to prevent, a. recurrence of such a shocking state of affairs.—l, am, etc , Geojrgk P. Cuttrtss, Chairman Dunedin Leith Flood Protection Committee. _ March 30, 1920.

TO TUB BDITOa. _ Sir,---in reply to Hcv. V'. G. Rryau King■ and others apropos the remarks and decision of the Flood Relief Committee, I ask for space to state the real facts. In the first place, Cr Douglas, as chairman, has performed a volte face. When the deputation met him he said he was prepared to recommend that Mr Cnttriss and myself be added to the committee. However, he did not tell his committee that wo said the whole question of relief had too much of a charity appearance about it, and gave instances where people had been insulted. I have in my possession reports of cases which were grossly neglected, and will in time make them public. . At the outset wc pointed out that the Relief-Committee were doing work which should have been carried out by the City Corrncil and Harbour Hoard. Wo still maintain that the Relief Committee is being saddled with corporation responsibilities. I now r come to Mr V. G. King’s sneer about seeking publicity and municipal honours. Since when did MiKing claim the right to, toll me or anyone associated with me what actions we should take? I made a public statement at the mass meeting held in the Albany Street School that I would not be a party to using these meetings for political purposes. In any case, who appointed Messrs King and his colleagues as our Relief Committee? Were the City Council (as such), tho Ratepayers’ Associations, .the. Chariunions consulted as to who should constitute that committee? I think not. /

The Rev. Mr. King’s statement re table Aid organisation, or the trade linoleums is just another proof of the niggardly manner in which these matters are dealt with.

Mr F. W. Mitchell would probably like to test our metal. Very well. It he can prove that by act or deed wo have done anything other than that which we have been instructed to do by a duly called public meeting 1 will withdraw my name for co-option on to tho Relief Clommittec. If. he cannot prove this statement (and it is a serious ono to make on the ovc of an election), I suggest he withdraw from the Relief Committee find allow someone with an unbiased mind to take his place. Let me toll the public of Dunedin that I decided .months ago (long lief ore the flood) that I would bo a. candidate at the forthcoming municipal elections. - • I retract nothing I have said, and will go on helping these unfortunate people to obtain relief and justice irrespective of this self-ap-pointed Relief Committee. —I am, etc., I). MINXOCIv, Secretary, Dunedin Leith Flood Protection Committee. March 30. THE FAMINE IN CHINA. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In 1905 there was a famine in the northern provinces of Japan, and the New Zealand Government of the time (tho Seddon Government), iihmediately the news appeared in the Press, cabled £I,OOO to tho Japanese Government. That this .gift from the Government, as representing the people of New Zealand, was gratefully received and deeply appreciated by tho Government and people of Japan pvas shown by the presentation to New Zealand of a gold goblet or loving cup by the Japanese Government. ’ibis unique presentation cup is to bo seen at the Turnbull Library, Bowen street. Wellington. Tho following is an official translation of the Japanese “ Diploma ” that accompanied the presenltatinn, which was made at the office of the New Zealand High Commissioner, London;— ' “Tho Government of New Zealand, London, Faigland, is hereby presented with a gold goblet, as the said Government kindly gave in charity the sum of one thousand pounds sterling to relieve the poor on the occasion of a. had crop iu the Prefecture of Miyagi .and other two Prefectures, in the thirty-eighth year of His Imperial Japanese Majesty's reign. (Signed) Count A'rznn: Oc.vu,. First Order of ALerit. Senior Grade of the Second Court Rank, President of the Bureau of Decorations. Tho first day of February, the fortysecond your of His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Reign.

Again in 1923 there was an exceptionally bad earthquake disaster in Japan, and the New Zealand Government of tho time (the Massey Government) sent £25,000 as New. Zealand’s contribution towards the relict of the sufferers. One cannot help wondering ndiy the present Government lias not yet similarly responded to. the terrible situation in China, which is so immeasurably worse than either of the occasions referred to above. _ It cannot he because Now Zealand lias become poorer. The latest figures for our overesas trade show that last year’s “exports” were £56,188.481, and that thov exceeded our “ imports ’ (motor cars ami all) by £11.302,2]5. Wo cannot plead poverty. The Government has no valid excuse ter leaving the starving millions of North-west China to their terrible fate. Tho Chinese are just as much our brothers in the sight of God as arc the Japanese, and they also are our neighbours in the Pacific. It is to bo hoped that tho Government will do its plain duty into this important non-political matter, and thus set an example which, would probably bo followed by other Governments. Quite apart from Government action in the matter, the people of Now Zealand have an urgent personal duty to perform. The Chinese rcsidenls of Wellington have already subscribed and remitted over £30!), and. as most of the Chinese residents of Wellington aro Cantonese or Southerners, their generous help towards the relief of “Northerners” in Honan, Shensi, and Kansu shows a very fine spirit indeed. AVo European people have no bitter feelings to subdue before we can help tho unfortunate people of North-wc.-t China.

The necessity for “ help “—generous “ help ” —is indeed urgent. The three provinces affected hy the famine contained a, population of -'if, 154.000, and. according to a Press Association cable, tho official report of the Chinese Government's Public Health Ministry stated that the number of victims of famine in the provinces of .Honan, Shensi. and Kansu had reached a total of 16,000,000. Tho amount of suffering those figures convey is simply staggering. Just imagine the whole of the populations of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand being the victims of a terrible famine, and one lias a picture of the situation in North-west China. In a cahle message from Sydney of the 30th of January. Mr F. Ainsworth, formerly of the Asiatic Petroleum Company. on arrival from China that clay, stated that China was faced with the worst famine for many years, and that roots, loaves, and bark were being eaten by the inhabitants of the famine provinces, and be went on to say that it was likely that- 10,000,000 Chinese people, would perish of starvation. The official statement cabled from Shanghai on the 17th of_March shows that Air Ainsworth’s estimate has alrorHy been exceeded bv 6,000,000.' God help ns to realise our responsibilities in the matter. We refuse to allow the people of overcrowded China to find any outlet in the vast land areas ol the British Empire, and when dread famine strikes them it should ho our special duty to send help, and to send it quickly.—l am. etc., fiimwvx King. Wellington, March 2S.

THE MUNICIPAL ROLL. JO rUS EDITOR. —hhc present municipal roll, according to Mr F. Jones, is a. disgrace to the city. That may he; but, if true, it is entirely duo to a dreadful apathy on the part of the thousands bespeaks of as being eligible to vote but arc not on the roll. They possess the privilege; simple application renders it effectual; yet it is viewed with brutal indifference. As one who has had not a little to do during the past eighteen years with the preparation of the roil I may say that no effort is spared in Town Hall circles to induce people to exercise their right to vote, and invariably the exhortations fail - the pump sucks. In illustration of this, some few years ago, tinring the customary procedure known as purging the roll prior to the ensuing election, the town clerk discovered that no _ fewer than 6,000 citizens with the residential qualification had failed to vote, and in accordance with tho then custom they were duly struck off. Subsequently each and every one ol these had posted to them a circular explaining the position, coupled with an intimation that.renewed application would ensure restoration. And the result of all this trouble? A beggarly 400 replies. Tables were also placed at

street corners to secure further applications, 1,600 being obtained. Of these only. 1180 or so had the energy to turn up to vote on polling day. Could the staff have done more? Under the circumstances, what would Mr Jones have done? As to the confusion in tin- nmnE ■ the many spoken of by Mr Jones who fail to appreciate tlio difference between tlio municipal and Government rolls, it may briefly be said that electors characterised by such a humdrum mentality get the degree of representation. they deserve. Is it seriously suggested that if it bo possible to inculcate a civic spirit on the part of those thousands now absent from the roll, a belated criticism a couple of days or so before the closing of the supplementary roll is likely k>°prove efficient? Squaring elusive electors demands a much more active policy than this, and as a first step to a clearer view of the whole position I would suggest that Mr Jones seek enlightenment from the returning officer, Mr G. A. Lewin. The municipal roll is not a disgrace to the city.—l am, etc., Voter. March 30.

MOSGIEL TRAIN SERVICE, TO THE editor. Sir, —“ Fed Up ”iu to-night’s issue revives a "halt-century” old grievance over this disgracefully unsatisfactory service. Botched and bolstered up by the high officials of the department, the service on this suburban lino, which, with a double track, ought to be one of the best in the dominion, both for the department as a revenue earner and for the public convenience, is absolutely the worst. There is actually no railway service to Mosgiel proper; trains run to a wayside station at the foot of Saddle Hill, erroneously called Mosgiel Junction, because it does not junction, although the department has a line running into Mosgitd. To stifle an agitation to have the trains run into Mosgiel proper, the department subsidised handsomely a motor bus service, which thus gets a present of the fares, plus the subsidy; the public patronage accorded proves conclusively the substantial revenue which tlxe department subsidised to divert from its earnings. While the department has effectively killed its own revenue, it has equally stifled the development of Mosgiel, which, with a double line, should have taken the overflow from Dunedin. Bated on the unimproved value, a modern bungalow (valued about £1,000) and a quarteracre freehold is rated from £2 to £4 per annum, as against anything from £9 to £l3 in Dunedin for an eighth of an acre and a similar house. If tlio Minister of Railways has as much backbone and as sound views as the Hon. Mr At more it is possible we might get reformation from the past official-rid-den, stupid, and unpayable policy. Mr Atmore—more power to him—stated to a deputation at Wellington on February 20 that " on all questions of police a decision .should bo reached by the Minister himself. An expert in an executive position was a positive danger.” Now, Mr Taverner would do welt to step up to Mr Atmnre’s convictions, for in no department is the need so great as in a commercial concern like tlm railways. For the past sixteen years this department has been riddeti into bankruptcy by the theoretic high, official, with a constant succession of Ministers who did not understand the first thing about railway business policy, and simply drifted under the shelter “of ray responsible officer.” The department runs the wrong time-table to Mosgiel, and runs the wrong trains. They should bo run at the times the public want to travel, and at fares that would either compete or kill the motors, instead of huge lumbering trains travelling when no customers offer. Light motor or petrol trains, ■at a quarter of the cost, taking half the time, running through non-stop, would servo the public, and tremendously increase tlio revenue at a lower cost. The present manager is department trained, run after at a high cost, to cover up the tragedy of the Railway- Board management; consequently bo is likely to suffer from excessive swelled head, and it, remains to be proved whether Mr j Taverner is made of the stuff capable of handling this “positive danger," as Mr Atmore describes it.—l am, etc.. Loxr Disgusted. March 27.