CORRESPONDENCE

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 22 July 1913, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE

« , (To the Editor). Sir, -On opening your issue of the 18th inst., I find that one signing himself'' Anti-Socialist," has made an attempt to describe what he thinks a discussion or debate on Socialism would lead to. With regard to his statement that Socialism is the cause of the present upheaval in labor circles, he is certainly entitled to his opinion, as also are those who consider the cause is due to the present system. We are now in an age of enlightenment, and whether'the ideals of Socialism are practicable or impracticable is a question that must be decided by each person for himself, and this cannot be done until the person knows what Socialism is. I venture to state that many of your readers are in need of enlightenment on this subject, and j are not so well informed as your learned correspondent, " AntiSocialist." The thanks of these readers is therefore due to the progressive spirit which prompted the Debating Society to find a place for Socialism in its long list of subjects. If it is true that the Utopian ideals advocated by the Socialist are impracticable, and have been the main cause of the Waihi strike, then what is required is not that the doctrines be obscured and thus unknown to the masses, but that these doctrines be brought into the limelight, thoroughly discussed, and consequently proved to be impracticable and worthless. Then those who will be in tlje fortunate position of being able to attend the forthcoming lecture will be able to guard against this monster "Socialism." It is therefore( advisable for as many as possible to attend this lecture/ and even " Anti-Socialist" may gain some knowledge by doing so.-I am, etc.,

Interested.

(To the Editor.) Sir, -In reply to your correspondent's (" Square Deal".) letter asking for a meeting of the Te Puke Athletic Club, and for an acconnt of the Secretary's stewardship, permit me to say, for the information, of " Square Deal," that I gave an account of my stewardship at a meeting of the Committee prior to my leaving for Australia, and that I do not feel.disposed to call a meeting of the club at the instigation of a writer who is apparently ashamed of his own name. But perhaps he hasn't been christened ! Now, Sir. I feel sure that when the Club desires a meeting the members will, like gentlemen, request their Secretary to call one.' If your correspondent has anything further to ventilate, I shall bo only too pleased to hear from him, provided hat he is prepared, to sign his name like a man.—l am. etc;, J. F. Wintle. ' - ,