THE NAME OF "JOSEPH."

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1917, Page 7

THE NAME OF "JOSEPH."

Sir,—Many years ago it was pointed out to me that the writing of screeds such as the one under the above heading was one. of the great reasons why many thinking people do not use the columns of the press for the elucidation of tending to the betterment of our race. I know of a certainty that it has been the. fear of sarcastic comments from men with disorganised mental perspective that prevents many men putting on paper the thoughts which, vented through the natural channel provided by the press, would tend to the uplifting of the mass. The press, which can be made a powerful educative, factor for discussing important economic or other proposals, lias its value stultified by biassed individuals not caring to treat matters in a legitimate may, but descending to the unfair method/ of ridicule. I wish to assure Mr. J. 'O. Taylor that he might spare his efforts if he thinks that by adopting the time of ridicule he will deter me from using the avenue provided to deal with such a vital question for the advancement of Taranaki (nay, the Dominion) as is suggested by the "Wealth of Taranaki" article. Now, I am well pleased to belong to ; the tribe of Josephs enumerated (there may be some of them not up to the mark) as one of them was the father of Him of Whom I claim to be a follower, and that is an impossibility for those of Mr. J. O. Taylor's composition, for obvious reasons. I am pleased that my efforts regarding district chronicles have been so recognised as to deserve special' recognition, and I can assure any interested tnat no opportunity will be lost of advancing th# clains of Taranaki as a whole and my district in particular and will guarantee it is done in a legitimate way. I have received so many appreciative letters that I feel it would be ungrateful to refuse to carry on a work that fits in with my ideas of a man's duty to his fellows just for the fear of ridicule from men of J. O. Taylor's calibre; also, I have received many anonymous epistle i of a character which shows that outspokenness is resented by a few of a class who recognise that their day of exploitation is rapidly approaching its end, this being in the true sense a compliment rather than otherwise. Further, I may say that the title of "Professor" originated by J.O.T. is so aptly fitted to my economy that I thank him for it. He no doubt recognises that I try to carry out what I profess, and recognises a failure in himstlf in that respect. The wonder is that such a jaundiced mind should have thought of it. However, Sir, I decline to be a party to ask you to fill your columns by discussing important matters on the" lines laid down by J.O.T. and would ask the insertion of this over the first anonymous signature I have used in my life.—l am, etc., "PROFESSOR JOSEPH." Durham Road, April 8.