THE PROPOSED CARNIVAL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 230, 21 June 1915, Page 5

THE PROPOSED CARNIVAL.

(To the Editor). Sir, —I have read with intercet the report of the patriotic' meeting recentlyheld in the Town Hall, and as a resident of the outlying districts, I would _ like to enter a protest against, the proposed carnival. In the first’place, I am not st all clear about; either the necessity Or desirability of, Taihape raising money at present for the- wounded, or dependents mf the fallen. The country as a whole owes a deep debt to these men and should do its duty by them, providing liberally for them and that ns a matter of duty and not charity. I would like to know whether the money being raised all over the country at the present time is going to be included in Government grahts and pensions or paid in adthereto. If the former, it moans that the wining portion of ftcolimunity are doing a work that is the duty of all; if the latter, it means that the Government will not be doing its duty .or the necessity would not exist. Some years ago, a large procession of unemployed carried a banner through London inscribed "Curse your charity; wc want honest work." It was the manifestation of an independent and manly spirit protesting against their treatment by the nation, and I consider that those whom we wish to help would be quite justified in this instance in adopting, a similar spirit. I am well aware of the excellent spirit that prompts this and similar undertakings—the spirit that wants to do something to help those in need —but I mainain the method is wrong, .and I consider those wishing to do something would have been better employed bringing pressure to bear on the Government to at once impose a war tax, say, on exports to start with, while prices are good, instead of leaving it to the future with their unknown condition. Besides this, to my mind, a carnival, . is quite out of place at the present time in view of the heavy casualty lists daily coming to hand. I have no wish to see iocople going about with long faces,iiout under such circumstances we do-not get up entertainments to cheer up our bereaved friends, and a carnival is. a mighty poor way of expressingg sympathy with those whose friends and relatives have fallen.

There is also something of the ludicrous in the decision of the meeting, as reported in your paper. The Mayor was applauded for his excellent speech urging self-denial upon all —the form of self-denial decided on being a car nival?

It is with considerable reluctance that I write in this strain, as I am well aware that it is much easier to criticise than do anything worth while, but this is a public matter, and I trust yon Will be able to allow sufficient space for this protest. Thanking you in anticipation. —I am, etc., D. G. GORDON, Taoroa, 10/6/15.