CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1865, 17 August 1918, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir—Your correspondent, E. G. Martin, in Thursday’s issue, accuses another borough employee of having “a bee in his bonnet.” I should judge from his letter that quite a number are taking refuge in his, and they have been busy with their weapons. It is very unkind of anyone to differ from Mr Martin in respect to Labour and its principles, and I’m sure his many friends will sympathise with him in his distress. His reference to the attempt to belittle him is quite touching. Everyone knows that he is the “big chief and champion” of Labour in this district. Has he not represented Labour interests at the various conferences in the great centres ? When I remember the things it is with some diffidence I approach my task: that of criticising the “great man’s” letter. First of all, I gather that, had Mr Martin been able to save sufficient capital to invest in a farm he would have done so, and thus would have had his holiday.' A little lower down we read that it is not one of Labour’s principles to buy a farm and stock it with cows, thus competing with the regular milkman. Hoes the great exponent of Labour principles believe in monopolies, and, moreover, wouldn’t he allow another man the right he claims for himself had he sufficient capital ? How absurd, too, for him to talk about a man with a few acres carrying on other work besides. Where would such a one arrive, Mr Martin, if he. depended on three or four cows? Of course, nothing less than about 300 acres would afford an outlet to Mi- Martin’s enexgies. He tells us he is working seven days a week. It is a great pity if such is the case. I believe, Sir, that the new holder was put up at the gas works partly with the view of remedying that state of affairs. (Cost a heap of money, too.) Further, there are two men at the gas works.- Could they not manage in some way, now they have double storage capacity, to take turn about, or is it “infra, dig” for a manager to do such work? Next I come to E. G. .Martin’s reference to the trip to France. I’m surprised, Sir, that you did not censor that portion of his letter. Ho talks glibly about that trip which has meant death and destruction to so many of our brave lads, and has brought sorrow and misery to so many homes in New Zealand. Has Mr Marlin anyone there? I think not, or he wouldn’t have made such an ignorant remark, fu the meantime, I don’t see anything to hinder his making the attempt to get to France. The way has been open, I believe for the last four years or so. The Government would no doubt grant him financial assistance (provide for his wife and numerous family), thus relieving him of those obligations, which appear to oppress him. Finally, E. G. Martin should-bo the last to accuse another person of bluster. —1 am,etc., NERTOR.

(To the Editor.)

ftir. —In the latter part of Mr E. G. Marlin’s letter, which appeared in the last issue of the ‘‘Herald,” he remarks that Mr T. Mitchell had the road job secured a month heforn leaving Ihe sanitary work, thereby doing .others (how many others'?) out of a permanent job. In my opinion it was heller for (he Council to get a man they knew to he reliable than to employ perhaps a total, stranger, and I’ve never heard I hat they regret having retained Mr Mitchell’s services. As he never left the employ of the Council, there is nothing extraordinary in his being transferred from one department to another. With-all deference to our worthy gas stoker, let me tell him lie is wrong about the matter being settled a month beforehand. The matter was not settled till a few days before Mr Mitchell actually started work. That I can vouch for, —I am, etc., ALBERT GEORGE HUNTLEY.