OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 August 1939, Page 3

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

UNEMPLOYMENT (To the Editor.) Sir, —Your correspondent L. B. Maunsell states in his letter that it was not his intention to start an argument on economics, as he does not care what people think of his scheme. In the first place a scheme to be successful must stand criticism and Mr Maunsell should not resent it. By quoting an extract from an English paper he does little to support his argument as the conditions in England are not the same as here. England can afford to build up her primary industries as she can provide a market for them, which will not be to the advantage of the primary producing industries here. Since, however, your correspondent suggests that all he wanted to achieve was to encourage others to offer solutions of the unemployment problem, I will suggest another way, even though it does involve economics. Your correspondent will agree that it is a case of “cause and effect’’ and it would be more profitable to devote our energies to discovering the cause than to treat the effect.

The placing of men in primary or secondary industries does not offer a permanent solution to this problem as is proved by the fact that with the exception of Germany, Italy and Russia it is world-wide. There is no need for me to explain why there is no unemployment in the above countries, except to point out that with the exception of Russia the problem is still there, although those that were employed are now wasting energy making munitions. If we are to treat unemployment as a source of cheap labour—and 10s per week is very cheap labour—then I am afraid we shall go backward rather than forward, and in those two last words are represented two schools of thought. I wonder to which your correspondent belongs? I am signing this letter, not because I desire publicity but Mr Maunsell seems to dislike pen names and it will also save his having to start his letter with the word “anonymous.”— Yours, etc., J. S. DRING. Masterton. July 31. SCHOLARS & SKATING (To the Editor.) Sir, —As a parent of a present-day pupil of the Wairarapa College, I would like to question the authority of the Principal of the College, in that he is restricting the pupils of the College from attending the local rink. I was under the impression that once my son arrived home from school he was under my jurisdiction, but I am led to believe that several pupils have already been caned for this offence. If my son wishes to attend the skating rink with my permission, I fail to see why the Principal of the College should interfere. Skating is indulged in the world over, and is considered a healthy and invigorating sport.—l am, etc., “KEEP FIT.” Masterton, August 1. The substance of the above letter was referred to the Principal of Wairarapa College, Mr-G. G. Hancox, who said he had no comment to make on the lettei- of an ananymous correspondent. Parents, of course, have every opportunity of getting directly into touch with the College authorities in regard to any matter affecting pupils. —Ed.