OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1939, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

IMPROVING THE TOWN PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ADVOCATED. NEED FOR MEN’S CONVENIENCES. (To the Editor.) Sir, —May I presume to make three suggestions to our civic authorities for the improvement of the general welfare of the citizens and visitors to Masterton: — First, the urgent necessity of making right angle pedestrian crossings at the two intersections ,of Queen Street at Perry Street and the Post Office. A few minutes’ observation by our council should convince them of the great need for these, before a serious accident occurs. Secondly, in the published monthly report of the Abattoir Committee, stating the number of cattle slaughtered each month, if a more detailed statement was made giving thetnumber of cows and bullocks, and ewes and wethers. This would be appreciated by all except vegetarians. Thirdly, to draw attention to the need for men’s conveniences. For the benefit of visitors and country friends, also for the storekeepers themselves, it is quite time that one should be installed. I am, etc, INTERESTED BURGESS. Masterton, May 9. SMOKING AT MEETINGS (To the Editor.) Sir, —May I be permitted to endorse a lady’s speech and courage in protesting against smoking at public meetings. A member of the Trust Lands Trust described the absence of the public as “disgusting.” I suggest that ladies and men who are non-smokers who would attend meetings public and otherwise might more aptly apply the word “disgusting.” At a. recent meeting I walked up to the chairman at the commencement and told him ladies objected to the smoke-filled room. He gazed around and answered: “I think the majority wins.” The easiest way to be popular —no thought of consideration for those who were within their rights. Who wants to go to those Trust Lands Trust meetings where they talk grants and platitudes to one another and steep themselves in nicotine. A few beers added and it would develop into a smoke concert or competition to be doped. Too long have , people gone to these meetings to gaze at statues of “Hold the Fort” type. Disband the members of the Trust, appoint a manager Given front street offices and a capable staff, he would, I am sure, make the presence of the Trust felt and create public interest. Surely people and societies who require assistance should not have to keep knocking at the door. Thanking once again the lady who objected to smoking at meetings. I am, etc, CITIZEN. Masterton, May 9. SAVING & SPENDING INCIDENCE OF HOSPITAL. RATING. (To the Editor.) Sir, —In the “Wairarapa Times-Age” of April 27 is an article headed, “Ability to Pay; Incidence of Hospital Rating; Farmers’ Union Views.” .Mr H. Bennett, it is reported, moved that the present system of hospital, rating is entirely inequitable and this conference urges that the contribution be based on income as in the case of the Social Security Act. Mr Mawley, who is chairman of the Wairarapa Hdspital Boaijd, said: “We definitely are, of the opinion that hospital rating should be based on the ability to pay.” Now, Sir, by the above, I take it that a person who saves his money, has to pay the debts of the person who spends everything. Now, take a person who spends say 5s a week in smokes. In forty years, with interest and compound interest, he will have lost, I suppose, £1,500, and a person who drinks and gambles, I do not know what they spend, to say nothing of the time they lose. If it is a (farmer or business man, he cannot look after his business. (Of course, I think Mr Savage says you must spend and nobody is,-going to be hurt. It is going to be all right). If Mr Bennett or Mr Mawley has sons I wonder if they are advised to spend, spend, spend, for the careful bally fool will pay their debts. There is no doubt it is drinking and fast living that helps to keep the hospitals loaded. Who has made New Zealand? The careful man or the spendthrift? The spendthrift’s money has gone up in smoke and guzzle. The Government has got the duties, and they are fairly heavy. The careful man, especially if he is a successful farmer, brings thousands of pounds into the country every year, and finds employment for it is hard to say how many meh. How many men are in their graves through drink, including some of our very best public men, in this last forty years? I think it is bringing politics into the Farmers’ Union. I have been a member for, I suppose, 40 years. If this most unfair thing is carried, I may pull out. —I am, etc., ONE OF THE BALLY FOOLS. Masterton, May 9.