MEETING OF PROTEST.

Evening Star, Issue 21750, 19 June 1934, Page 11

MEETING OF PROTEST.

TO THX EDITOR. Sir,—lt is time the unemployed took action to give some of their leaders the sack. Neither the unemployed nor anything they, are connected ’ with can succeed so long as they come out with wild talk. Instead of talking about what they saw in Russia and sooner being in hell than be in Mr. Coates’s shoes, they might do some good if they would fight some of the things that are the cause of the depression. It is a common thing to read of the big rents they have to pay, but when do we ever read of any of the Communists trying to get the high rent' bogey remedied ? We have Labour men on the Dunedin City Council, but as for fighting to improve the condition of relief workers the electricity charges are about as useful as Mr Geddes would be in the place he would prefer to be in instead of Mr Coates’s shoes. I have as much sympathy for the unemployed as anyone, and I am worse off than a very great lot of them; but I cannot afford to get drunk four times a week nor attend race meetings. It is a puzzle how some of the unemployed manage to live; somebody has to go short, and it would be a good idea if the so-called leaders would take no notice and put their own house in order. As for Mr M'Arthnr preferring. Russia, I have very little to spare, but would give my share to assist to pay his passage back to Russia. The sooner _ we can get some of the things remedied that are the cause of much hardship the better. Amongst them are high rents, the milk charges,' high cost of electricity, and, about the worst of all, the presence of Mr Coates as a Cabinet Minister. So long as we have Mr Coates leading the country we can never have the confidence to open out trade to absorb the relief workers in steady jobs.—l am, etc., A Victim. June 18. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Your correspondent, “ Unemployed but Not Communist,” should be sure of his statements before be writes. Neither Mr Geddes, Mr MacArthur, the Unemployed Workers’ Movement, nor the Communist Party had anything more to do with the Biadket lane depot than the late Mr Rasputin, of notorious fame. Personally, 1 have never been on the executive of any of these parties or handled a penny piece of the workers’ money m my life. So much for your correspondent’s innuendo. Your correspondent says: Why did they not keep going? Quite easy to answer. Because so many were, like your correspondent, content to sit back and criticise their fellow-men who are out to better their condition. Another thing your correspondent might learn when he accuses anybody of anything, he should be brave enough to sign his own name. Your correspondent says the depots have treated us very fairly. Well, the mayor, for whom your correspondent is so solicitous, does not, nor at least some time ago did not, say so. Would your correspondent be surprised to know I spoke to an elderly single man on Friday at 4 p.m. and he told me he had not yet had his breakfast, and that was a common experience with him? I can produce this case any time you like. Blow could it be otherwise with 10s a week minus levy? Once more, your correspondent says if the Communist Party got the funds God help the unemployed. Well, fourteen years ago I got a pamphlet telling me New Zealand was the wealthiest country in the world. Now I am told it has the biggest debt in the world, and the Communists have not been in power, but United and Reform. Where has the mony gone? Your correspondent has more assurance than 1 have, as I do not claim to write for the unemployed. I have never spoken for tho section your correspondent belongs to, who are quite satisfied. I was asked to speak by a section who have a desire to see their wives and children better fed, housed, and clothed, and who are capable of more than solving the mystery of a double chart. In conclusion, I thank your correspondent for his kind wish. When I was in Russia my King and country needed me, and would not let me go. You see, it only cost 12s a week to pay me. However, I hope the fund will prove a success. 1 he last time

it was tried there was just enough raised for a single fare to Oamaru, which was handed to the Dowling street depot, so, after all, I have been some use to the unemployed. I was quite brave enough at nineteen to leave my mother’s apron strings and travel the world. I would recommend the process to my literary opponent. He might find, as I found, that his country is not superior to all others because he was born there—an outlook that many people have who know remarkably little of even their own parish.—l am, etc., C. S. Macakthur. June 19.

SALVATION ARMY SAMARITAN DEPOT. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —The Samaritan relief depot is being taxed to the utmost. Weather conditions and other circumstances have made these food depots like, wells and springs in the desert. Mothers with small children and homes desolate find how quickly winter weather intensifies their distress. During the month, of May 825 persons were interviewed.. Of these 741 were materially assisted, representing 3,103 in the families assisted. We were greatly encouraged by numbers of parcels of clothing received during the month, enabling us to make many warm and comfortable. _ It is marvellous how our stores diminish and disappear and keep us always working and asking for more. We hear and investigate so many pathetic cases daily that without the help we are continually receiving it would be impossible to assist so many and so transform sorrow into joy. Please continue to help the Samaritan hands keep busy dealing out blessing to the sorely tried and needy, and may God reward you!—l am, etc., Hannah L. Coombs (Samaritan Officer). June 18.