CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1916, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

WiKE.U'.n-IE AXD ITS ENVIRONMENTS. fc the Kditor. Kir,—(Permit me space in your vnluablo paper to reply to a few of the gross mis-statements contained in your issue of the lfltli instant, under the heading of "Play the Game." I give a most emphatic denial to the assertions of the writer. I have never to my knowledge, wittingly or otherwise, passed Roy 11. Gunn as he states. ] did not attend his "send-off" because I was neither asked to go nor contribute to the function. I have always subscribed to any movement in the district that has come under my notice. On the evening of Gunn's entertainment I sent an invitation, by my son, asking him to spend an evening at my limine with me and my family prior to his leaving the district. He promised to do so, providing he had the available time at his disposal. Now, 'Sir, I leave your readers to sum up between the foregoing and the personal and insolent epistle of tlie writer herein mentioned. However, notwithstanding his unkind and foolish letter, I have the greatest respect ami esteem for young Gunn, and T feel sure he will yet realise and admit that he wa s unwittingly duped by associates who are not, in lily opinion, fit to walk in the lad's footsteps. The letter of W. J. Freotli is only of passing notice. His reference to me could only come i'lom a writer suffering from the effects of a "swelled head." Concerning my two sons, one has enlisted, and doubtJess the other will do likewise, and here let me advise those—and particularly those that are not blessed with conj to fight their part in this frightful war—to do less ,r barking" and put more of their "help and alms'-' into the many 'demands that confront lis in this great struggle. The writings of "A Pukearuhe Fool'' appropriately furnishes your numerous readers with the true characteristics of the writer, who ie well ■known and recognised for his '"lvt-be-low-tlie-belt" tactics. Your correspondent's childish mention of the local dairy factory and school can be more easily accounted for by the ''twister" himself, and tile Mo'kau riding and Farmers' Meat Co. assertions are so utterly nonsensical and 'devoid of truth that I am astonished that such a reputable journal should afford space to such a «cribbler as "A Pukcurulie Fool."—1 am, etc., J. W. 11. MARTIN. Pukeariihc, 21/10/WJ. ECONOMY AND BEER. To the Editor, Sir,—ls the war still on or hare some of the powers that 'be forgotten the fact? It seems so. Our so-called National Government is lamentable. We have the Hon. the Minister of Munitions advising the people to retrench, women to avoid luxurious clothing, men to 'be careful of picture shows, and generally economise. What humbug! How many of Mr. Myers' liquor bars are closed? flow much less beer is lie brewing? Oh, yes; economist in all tilings but liquor! Then the silly tax on butter! The total saving for an ordinary family will work out about !)d per week—that, is, provided they had put butter up to Is lOd a. pound, but they had not done it. Let the National Ministry follow Canada, Russia, France and the rest of our Allied brethren, and then if the liquor bars arc closed most workers can easily pay 2s a pound for butter and not feel it. I'll guarantee that most of the squealers spend more in beer every week than they do in but* ter, and their children get none of it, and very seldom their wives.—l am, etc., C. D. SOLE. Stratford, October W.