CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1866, 20 August 1918, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —Whilst considering the advisability of coming to this country, we applied for, and received, a considerable amount of information from the High Commissioner - , from which we gathered that New Zealand was a “perfect paradise” for workers of all classes —far before (he Old Country; At Home we were rather familiar with the drapery trade, and wei - e mueh shocked to find that in a certain emporium in this town no seating accommodation was supplied for the young lady assistants. The old shop has been burned down, and another erected, hut still no seals. Isn't there a Shop Assistants Act here, Sir? Wo thought that there was. Where arc the inspectors? The hours here arc not loqg, and tho work not hard, but there is nothing more tiring than standing about, and it causes much unnecessary suffering in a ease like this. Sir, you may do what you like with this, but don’t you think it lime something was done to remedy the matter referred to? —1 am. etc*., BOX & CO. Buxton, August 19 th, 1918.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —When I wrote condemning the tactics used by Mr T. W .Mitchell when he made use of my affairs and private business to bolster up his case, I did not anticipate having to counter others who seemingly would follow his lead, and I still condemn those tactics, moreso as I find that he intended to use my affairs weeks ago. He told othfers; Why did he not tell me as well. He was at the works a day or two prior to the Council meeting, and has met me several times previous as well. Then I could have stated my reasons for working my holidays to him. No doubt I ought to'have done so in any case, and copied his principles, or have got that professional apologist, “Nestor,” to do so. My fricnq

Mr Huntley must not think Hint he knows any more about what happened than others do, for he does not say how long he worked by himself, nor how lone' easual labour was employed prior to Mr Mitehell startini'' on the road, and as he stated that the matter was only settled a few days previous, he hacks me. where he would make me wrong; for he does not say how long the negotiations were carried on. Was that, not hanging the job up? My friend also asks how many would have competed? Well, is it not logical to assume that those who were employed temporarily would have had a shot at it. I think so, because one G. Caddy was very disappointed about llje matter at that time, as he was one of (he temporary men at that time, and further, 1 understand that the Council meets once a. month, and the Council of that time offered Mr Mitchell one shilling a day more to take the road job on. Am I not right, Mr Huntley?' I may also say that I have not heard of the Council being dissatisfied with Mr Mitchell’* services, nor did I mean to convey that impression, as the Council are quite capable of judging whether their employees or anv one of them are putting sufficient energy into their work. As to “Nestor’s” remarks, there are only one or two worth replying to. He wants educating. He says there am two men employed at the gas works, for which compliment, I being one of the two, I hasten to thank him, as that is the only sensible remark he makes. But his knowledge of gas works affairs is as large as the squint-hole in the gate used by inquisitive people who would discuss what goes on beyond the gate without making sure that I hey know what they are talking about. Surely last month’s gas report would have enlightened him why the new holder was erected. I suppose he knew ir was storage, because gas is put into it. He forgets that extra storage means extra work, for where before it was erected twelve charges were sufficient, it now requires twenty per day. His remarks to the manager is beside the question, for the manager has his work to attend to outside, and does not finish till ten at night, and seven days a week. As to censoring my remarks in one passage of ray letter, well, when I go I shall regard it as a trip, not a funeral, but the law says I must go in my turn. I would not break the law, as it would not become the dignity of a big chief, and besides, how could *‘Nostor” run the bally show without my great and varied experiences gained at those conferences lie mentions, for if his letter is any criterion of his mental capacity, I think he would lind himself where “Nestor” once ran —well behind the leaders. “Nemo me impune laeessit,” and I mind my own business. Thanking vou, sir.—l nra, etc., E. G. MARTIN.

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —I was much impressed when I read the literary effort put forth by “Nestor,” and I really think it a shame that such an intellectual should prefer to hide his identity. I am sure he will agree with me when I say that he is entitled to be classed among the illustrious writers who have preceded him to realms beyond, and he may also agree with me that his mental capacity is second only }p his logical reasoning. No doubt were the world inhabited by such learned and bomeric creatures as he there would be no need for such institutions as Parliaments, universities, and other scientific and educational institutions too numerous to mention. When, I picture to myself this (omnipotent individual sitting upon a throne, representing the amalgamation of all that is learned, I ponder and ask

myself, is it Justice? for he as one who knows would no doubt re-cast mankind and make learned citizens of them. And when I think of the names that are inscribed on Lab-oux-’s scroll, I further wonder why they have not been erased to make room for that of the most illustrious “Nestor.” Ah, but if he would only come forth from the obscurity in which lie revels, I am sure that even his nemesis, E.G. Martin, would cease to use his sling upon him, and would also do homage to this discoverer of the age, and admit that old King Solomon was hut a mere puppet in comparison with the genius that is exhibited by this all-high-est, noble and all-conquering “Nestor.” Why anyone could he so bold as to dare question the marvellous intellect displayed by him is beyond compx'ehension, and could he but hoar I lie praises that arc being chanted to his august personage, I am sure his vanity would know no bounds, that he would rise up in all his might and majestic power, and, with his mystic Labour wand —no, I never said “bluster” —overwhelm am! swamp (hem. Yea, comrades-, obliterate them who would dare question his powers, and if those 200 acres were only as productive, or as good and useful a commodity and blessing, as that gx’eal panjandrum “Nestor’s” cranium is of producing watermelons, then our dreams of Utopia would be realised, and even Albert George could cast aside his shovel, turn Topsy out, and become a member of the great choir that would sing the praises of that great panjandrum who masquerades under the equine title of “Nestor.” —I am, etc,, PERICLES.