PERHAPS THE CLIMATE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1938, Page 6

PERHAPS THE CLIMATE

(To the Editor) Sir,—The Clerk of the Court has spoken—our climate in inclined to kill. Now, as every one knows, climate affects the individual. I remember when a youth visiting a theatre where a play was staged on an imaginary tropical island, and the hero found that whenever he happened to disagree with a native, out came a dagger, and he remarked: “What a climate.” Now let us examine and find the effect of climate on we Mastertonians. We, of course, are too refined and would never think of the dagger, but I fancy I remember a poet writing: “Some kill with a look, and some with a bitter word.” Now one of our gentlemen who occupies an exalted position in our midst freely reminds us of our lack of interest in public affairs. We attend a meeting, and thinking ourselves of more than average intelligence, may ask a question. In reply we get the bitter word or, shall I say, too clever a reply. Consequently we don’t go again. Our Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet are told, when they visit us, how badly in - the past they have treated us, and when they are here-how do we treat them? To the Prime Minister a voice from the back says “time’s up,” and to the Minister of Public Works, and in the writer’s opinion, and I have never yet voted Labour, there has been no better in the history of the Dominion, how has he been treated? I would refer you, Sir, to the comments of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors, and let us examine for a moment the remarks of these leaders of education, who introduce political bias instead of sticking to their job, and not trying to instil disrespect in the minds of the boys and girls toward one who, to say the least, has given them a wonderful college. These governors are leaders, and as such should display publicly a dignity worthy of their position. Mr Donald is reported to have said “that he had never held the Minister in any great respect;” and Mr Nicol: “It made me think there must be some good in all bad things,” and your paper, Sir, says (laughter), surely this is a misprint, and you mean (tears). Then the chairman, says “Even a worm will turn. Leaders of education are they?, but don’t blame them, Sir, it is the effect of the climate. —Yours, etc. —SNOW ON THE RIMUTAKAS,