“TO HIM THAT HATH..."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26629, 27 November 1947, Page 7

“TO HIM THAT HATH..."

Sir,—A word of advice for Mr R. C. Burgess and his flag-waving friends: Put your hand out and see if you are awake. Since extra Christmas rations fail to _ interest these people, we may presume that their share will mean just so much more for England. Personally, I believe the extra butter and meat could be better used right here in New Zealand. If these moaners really want to help let them turn their eyes to the East. On my way back from a period as guest of the'Japanese in a stinking prison camp I saw poverty and hardship beyond the power of words. Our own sufferings seemed moderate by comparison. If I am offered a chance, then my Christmas ration of lamb and fresh New Zealand butter would gladly go to these starving wretches. Meanwhile, I intend it to stay right here in Dunedin with my three young children, with whom I will be spending my first Christmas for five years. 1 am, etc.. C. J. McDonald.

Sir,—l was glad to see that Mr Burgess stated he was only giving his personal views on the matter, as I am sure he is in no oosition to state the feelings of the people on the question. The attitude of Mr Burgess is quite understandable when he is chairman of the Aid For Britain Committee, as he would have to set an example. The extra Bozs per family will not affect the Aid to Britain campaign in my mind. There is nobody starving in Britain, in fact, far from it, and what is more, very few English people ever buy New Zealand butter because they can buy better margarine at a very much The housewives who were interviewed were “townies” and are able to hop out and buv aIL their needs in the way ol cakes and extras, whereas the country housewife has to bake her own out of fhe present ration of butter Mr Burgess hit the ncil on the head .when he said, “ let us stop pretending. I am, etc., let y N ot Needed Overseas.