OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1939, Page 9

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

MUNICIPAL BATHS I BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY. (To the Editor.) Sir. —In the past two seasons the number of children taught to swim the “crawl stroke” has been approximately 290. This was made possible by the organising of “the few followers of one particular sport,” the Masterton Swiming Club. Evidently “Another Ratepayer” has never been to the present “wash-tub” baths when they are in full use. Otherwise he would realise why we are “asking the ten thousand people” for bigger baths to carry on the work. The more we teach to swim the more room they must have to swim in. As to his mention of “collected bacteria,” does he know that in the plan of the new baths provision is made for the most up-to-date plant for cleaning and purifying the water every six hours. This is absolutely necessary in view of the increased popularity of the sp-called afternoon “ritual.” He also mentions that “kindred sports pay for their own amusement.” So do we. But he evidently does not know that we hand over to the Borough Council one-half of our season's net takings, thus not only popularising the baths, but. bringing in to the council a steady income. I am also Another Ratepayer, Yours, etc, H. DIXON, Club Captain, Masterton Swimming Club. Masterton April 29. WATER SUPPLY & BATHS (To the Editor.) Sir, —Re the account in Friday’s paper, as regards the water supply and tepid baths question, I would like to congratulate Councillors G. W. Morice, G. D. Wilson and J. Ninnes on their practical and sensible view in the matter. Surely it is apparent to any sane, sensible thinking person that Masterton is very long overdue for a new and adequate water supply. It is an absolute necessity, especially with so many new'houses and buildings, all of which are drawing water from the old supply. The last few summer months have proved that we have not an adequate water supply. Therefore if we have not enough water to supply indi, vidual units for every day purposes, we have not enough to supply, new tepid baths even if we had them. If our councillors keep to their present steady view I am sure the ratepayers will show them that we are far more ashamed of our poor water supply than we are of our baths. After the poll our councillors will stand advised as to what the ratepayers of Masterton really want and will be able to act accordingly. I do not agree with Councillor Kemp’s idea of borough expenditure. A successful borough is run much like the successful and financial marriage. It is not things we would like to buy my dear, but the necessities which must come first. I think a vote of thanks goes to Mr Mabson for all his work in the matter, and could he give us an idea of- the cost of the upkeep, should the tepid baths become an established fact? Hoping some pen more able than mine will take up this question for debate, I am, etc, “GIVE ME WATER,” BATHS AND SPORT (To the Editor.) Sir, —Reading between the lines of “Ratepayer’s” letters, one can see that he has his own interest at heart, and hopes to save the sum of Jd in the pound. In his effort to show that his and only his ideas are right he has succumbed to that terrible disease imaginitis. He informs us that kindred sports pay for their own amusement and benefit by their independence. Well, well. So the cricket club, athletic club, tennis club, bowling club, etc., built the Park and pay for its upkeep. How nice! Speaking of other sports bodies benefiting, would they not benefit by the hot showers, etc? Ask the harriers, just in from a run, how they would like a hot shower and warm bathe, hockey players, footballers, golfers, wrestlers and badminton players, etc. It is pleasing to know that “Ratepayer” admits that at the baths there is “collected bacteria” breeding. Yet he does not see the necessity for new hygienic baths. —I am, etc., GET FIT & STAY FIT. A DEADLY MENACE (To the Editor.) Sir, —The recent case in the Gisborne district, and the Paekakariki Hill tragedy brought nearer under local notice, demands for some drastic means of better coping with the easy issue to irresponsible youth, and others, oi lethal weapons disguised under the category of sport. A strict observance of firearms issue as regards revolvers (even war souvenir weapons being registered) has proved an excellent check upon chance predatory inclinations of some users of them to destroy human life should it stand between them and their otherwise easier arrest for misdemeanors, but dismally fails in its objections if any mere youth can swagger about the countryside (as swagger they do) with a deadly pea-rifle, or other small calibred gun in his untutored possession, of as great, if not greater menace to the public at large by reason of the silent nature of its discharge, apart from its bullet-trajectory flight being well beyond the immediate .range of the object intended to be hit. or killed. These so-called sportsmen of the small bird, tin can, signpost targetcer post whose trail, every roadside well advertises, are a standing disgrace to all mankind for allowing such things to continue for so long a time. If “Little Willie” is so fond of hi-: pea-rifle, and parents are so fond of “Little Willie.” let him and them sign a death pact between themselves, and not between him and them and the world at large. I am. etc, “LOVERS OF BIRDS.” Masterton, April 29.

POST OFFICE COURTESY (To the Editor.) Sir,—A word of applause to the men behind the counter in the Post Office. As one in the queue on Friday, I had time to admire their efficiency and courtesy. No matter what pressure of work there was. they put it through with a cheery word and a smile. In many cases their- clients looked anything but meek and mild. They seem to overlook the fact that these men did not create the situation, but were just doing their job. I am, etc, C.J.B. Masterton, April 28. OVERSEA EXCHANGE (To the Editor.) Sir,—Re the free exchange. We arc told that compared with 1914 wages are 176 per cent, export price of dairy produce 111 per cent, meat 148 per cent and wool 101 per cent higher than in 1914. That may be quite true, yet it is quite misleading, because then our pound was worth 100 per cent of its face value. Today sterling has fallen to about 54 per cent of its value in 1914 and our pound has been pegged 25 per cent below that, so that now our pound is worth only about 41 per cent of its value in 1914. It now comes about that wages are 28 per cent, dairy produce 55 per cent, meat 40 per cent and wool 59 per cent less than in 1914. Is it any wonder that all our industries, especially farming, are in a bad way? Then how can a further depreciation of our currency remedy the evil and harm that the high exchange has wrought? They told us five years ago that high exchange was the sure road to prosperity. We have been five years on that road. Where is the prosperity they promised us? Were they really so ignorant that they did not know that depreciation, which is the inevitable result of a high exchange always has been and always will be the surest and quickest road to bankruptcy and ruin? And now when the exchange is to be free and all restrictions on the depreciation removed, is it not absolutely certain that the free exchange will prove an even quicker road to national bankruptcy, ruin to our industries, and starvation, hunger and death to the poor? That will be one way of settling the unemployment problem. Especially if we have a war at the same time. There is only one way of saving the country from this disaster and that is for Parliament-to meet as soon as possible and pass an amendment to the 1934 Finance Act deleting the clause which stipulates that if the exchange is raised again the loss is to be borne by the Consolidated Fund. That will stagger those who are looking forward to making fortunes out of the raising of the exchange. Last time they got away with about £l9l millions and £2O millions had to borrowed in London to pay it, Yours, etc. H. C. THOMSEN. Solway, April 28.