CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3821, 21 July 1928, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To The Editor). Sir, —On reading over “Old Timer’s” letter, I have come to the conclusion that it was a post mortem on some sheep in Australia, blit I am no more concerned about what happened there than I am.with the fact that the name of a person who contested a seat last election as the official Labour nominee, and whose name is also mentioned to contest the Manawatu next election, helped * to break the slaughterman’s strike • some while back. I do not think any the less of him for that, as lie was upholding his right as a Britisher to think for himself, and express his thoughts by action irrespective of the cry of “Scab” by such as a “Old Timer.” What one may do in that land of political corruption, where jobs and seats in Parliament are bought by the highest bidder, will not be tolerated in this country, which, no doubt, “Old Timer” is aware. It is as I pointed out last Thesday, that the bogey of “Scab” is keeping the men shy of starting work. During the course of my business I have opportunity to converse with many of the flax workers, and I am assured by them that they are willing to start, but for the opposition of the officials of the Union. I also know that there are those in this community who preach the - doctrine of Socialism, who openly boast they pay no rent, pay no butchers, in fact, pay no one. They are the parasites who are having an ill effect on those toilers of the community who are struggling to keep the wolf from the door, to keep their wives and children clothed and fed, and who go short, because the tradesman asks for cash. Is it not a fact that, a large number who try to pay cash have also to pay for those who do not? As for what was written years ago, I bother not, but what I am concerned about is the necessaries of life, and, because such as “Old Tinier” are allowed to hold sway 7, they are likely to want. Short shift should be given his type and the community would be better off. The workers should wake The position only needs a little thought. Is it not better to accept the sliding scale and commence work at once than pile up debts with prolonged idleness. Personally, rather than see my family go short, I would take what I considered the best offer and as a Britisher I would be upholding the axiom of liberty, on which we pride ourselves. I think somehow “Old Timer” is one oj*. those individuals who only takes his coat off -when he desires to use his eaterpiller advancement. Yours, etc. A LAYMAN.