Public Opinion.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 296, 11 July 1929, Page 8

Public Opinion.

(A COLUMN FOR THE PEOPLE) m*. r-WS-'JESIDiJSnP

“A REGRETTABLE ACTION.”

(To the Editor) Sir, —It is markedly evident that you failed to sense the tone of the discussion at the Putaruru Town Board meeting on the earthquake fund or you would have omitted the suggestion in your leader that members were actuated by parsimony in refraining from making an official donation. The tone of the discussion, which was by no means hurried, was most sincere, and it was because of a deeper realisation cf the true position that your reporter was evidently able to appreciate that the action tar.cn was approved unanimously. You omit to mention' definitely that two members gave £8 Bs, yet you laud another member for no apparent reason. Further, the crux of the whole discussion is also conveniently omitted ; this was the gross unfairness which compels sufferers in a national calamity to rely at all on charity, also the fact that the incidence of donations from local bodies was most unjust. It is easy to be generous with other people’s money, and it is this easy manner of thought in times of stress which breeds suggestions of art unions and the use of school children for collections in aid of the sufferers. To some people this procedure is appalling and a striking commentary on methods of government which will never be altered by the attitude you adopt. By what means of logic you feature the definite suggestion that the Town Board’s stand will not make much difference I do not know, but it is certainly flying in the face of historical fact.

It costs nothing to pander to sickly sentiment but it takes perspicacity and a deal of will power to stand by a principle as members did. Had you reflected on the known propensities of the men you unfortunately slur, and the fact that two openly gave £8 Bs, you would have surely realised how completely you have missed the point of the whole discussion.

I might say that had every local body in New Zealand allowed its heart to rule its head when giving away other people’s money,, as one small body did, then the Auckland City Council alone would have contributed £4OOO.

In conclusion it is well for us to remember that the Government is elected to succour the people and the Putaruru Town Board to administer the town district, and it is largely because many leaders have failed to realise this truism that Bolshevism has arisen from the chaos which at times results. Personally I regret nothing but sincerely hope that in the near future sufferers in any such national disaster may at least be spared mental anguish in regard to their financial future by knowing beforehand that the State will automatically come to their relief. Unless a stand is taken, however, this will never be.—l am, etc., G. GILMORE GRIFFITHS, Chairman Putaruru Town Board.