OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1939, Page 5

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

(To the Editor) Si r —What is Masterton doing regarding “Emergency Precautions?” Has a committee been formed in this town 9 If so, have they done anything yet—or are they still thinking about it? Towns much smaller than Masterton completed their emergency precaution organisations months ago and are ready for any eventuality. Various local organisations are ready to offer their services for this purpose —have they been asked? Who is responsible for this matter in Masterton?—l am, etc.. “BE PREPARED.” Masterton, July 21. THE FARMERS’ UNION (To the Editor) Sir,—Like “Dairy Farmer,” I and thousands of others are fed up with the “Sheep Farmers’ Union.” Summed up it is all political wind, with one object in view solely—to damage the Labour Party. How about the person who a few years ago advised all the sheep farmers to go right out of cattle? Any farmer worthy of the name knows perfectly well that cattle are necessary to keep the pastures right. May I suggest, Sir, that we small farmers get out subscriptioh lists and pack them off to join “Dad and Dave” at Snake Gully. I will ask them this: How many thousands of pounds did they subscribe, although so hard up, to defeat the Laboui- Party at the laist election. Like “Dairy Farmer,” I will conclude by telling them to save their wind to blow up their motor tires.—l am, etc., DAIRY FARMER NO. 2. Greytown, July 20.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—l entirely agree with your correspondent, “Dairy Farmer,” when he suggests that dairy farmers should have a separate union to represent their interests. It is to be regretted. that the official heads of the present Farmers’ Union will persist in backing Up the wrong tree. It would be an advantage if they could be persuaded to concentrate their activities on the problems that today confront the sheep farmer, and to leave the dairy farmer alond. The persistent opposition to the guaranteed price is not coming from the dairy farmer, who will remember the hit-and-miss methods of the past. I venture to add that were a vote tak'en, it would prove in no unconvincing manner what dairy farmers really think of the present system, which the Minister of Marketing truly . states gives stability and security to the industry.—l ain, etc., SET AND SATISFIED. Matahiwi, July 21. DEFENCE ENROLMENTS (To the Editor) Sir,—l think it would be interesting if the local enrolments for the Territorials and Military Reserve were published weekly in your paper. Are these figures available? While on the subject, why is it that the Territorials are being issued with two or three sets of uniforms—pretty blue ones, etc? These blue uniforms are' useless in time of war —and probably cost twice as much as the serviceable khaki. Yet, the men on Reserve, Class I, who can be called upon . to bring the Territorial forces up to strength, get a piece of rag to wear on their arm. What about scrapping the fancy dress stuff —and giving us a uniform? —I am, etc., CLASS I. Masterton, July 21. Information on the lines suggested by our correspondent has been pub-1 lished at frequent intervals. Since June 3, the enrolments in the Territorial forces in Masterton have totalled 85, made up as follow: Mounted rifles, 18; light automatic platoons, 46; medium machine gun platoon, 10; transport drivers, 9; snipers, 2. Only three more snipers are required for the local units, although further enrolments are still invited, as vacancies occur by reason of transfers, etc. It is of in i terest to note that at Woodville, eleven men of Territorial age employed on the Railways there, joined up in one batch. Enrolments in the National Reserve in Masterton to date total 232, 19 of that number being recorded so far this month. Information on any aspect of defence matters will be given to enquirers at the local Defence Office. CARTERTON’S FOOTBALL JUBILEE (To the Editor) Sir.—On behalf of the Carterton Football Club’s Jubilee Committee, I wish to thank you for the great assistance rendered to us throughout the whole of the celebrations, by placing the columns of your paper at ,ur disposal. That the weather was inkind to us was no fault of your paper, but the bad weather made the difference between a profit and a loss. i'o the many old members of the club ,vho, through the bad weather, did not put in an appearance, and who would like to purchase one or more copies of the Jubilee souvenir book, if they will drop me a line 1 will send one out. Once again thanking you, Sir, for your great publicity. —I am, etc., BERT McKENZIE, Secretary Jubilee Committee. Box 1, Clareville, July 21.

drive a wedge between the Chinese and the Russians, not only to cut the linos of communication between them, but to secure a flanking position igainst the Soviet army in Siberia. Thus far, Russia has not accepted Jap an’s challenge. It has always been China's policy to play off one country against another. In her present strait*, ■the would, naturally, accept help from any source which would offer it.