OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1943, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

DAIRY PRODUCTION (To the Editor.) Sir, —There is no doubt that dairy production is declining in New Zealand and this at a time when never 'before was an increase so urgently •needed. We have heard the authorities in England begging us to do our best to maintain production, and Mr Nash has stressed on us the millions who are on the verge of starvation in the downtrodden countries which the Allies must help to feed after the war. The latest warnings come from Sir H. Batterbee, in Dunedin and Masterton recently, and with all respect to this gentleman we take notice of these warnings, but they are not sufficient. It is co-operative action we want, quickly, and plenty of it. We could, I maintain, within a few years arrest this production lag and increase again by 30 to 50 per cent. We must, we are not human if we do not strive to do all in our power to feed those who will be starving before this war ends and after.

I have submitted my plans to responsible parties to lay the foundation of increased production, but my suggestions have been ignored and we still carry on in the same old apathetic way. Money must not be spared when it comes to cultivation of the soil and vast increases of food. The starving can eat food but not money. I respectfully suggest that the Government ask the Minister of Agriculture to call together all farmers who are interested and talk things over, find the best methods of attack and then, less talk, roll up our sleeves and get going for the sake of those, who, in the future, will be thankful for the food we offer.

The war situation is much brighter and we can say the dark days are behind us, but there is still much to do. .Never was the term so true: “God’s Own Country.” New Zealand is untouched by the horrors of war. Let all sections of the community show their appreciation, work in harmony and do all in their power to bring relief to those who have suffered.—l am, etc., “FARMER.” Masterton, December 15. EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS (To the Editor.) Sir, —I was very interested to read the reaction of the headmasters of two of our large 'primary schools, to my remarks made at the College break-up function. I wish to assure Mr Coddington that my statement was not based on “feelings or instinct,” but on actual facts, and referred not only to Masterton but to the Dominion in general, and I still maintain that arithmetic, spelling and writing are not up to the old proficiency standard. It is also apparent that Mr Farrell was not present at the function, because I made it quite clear that what I desired to see was a closer co-opera-tion between the theoretical and practical sides of education. I think all reasonable persons will agree that too much of either is not desirable, but a healthy combination of the two would be the ideal, not for the purpose of making profits for, and the protection (of, the big industrialists, bankers, etc., but in the interests of the child. I thank the two headmasters for their contributions to the subject and hope that parents will give more thought; to the education of their children in the future. Thanking you for your valuable space.—l am, etc., A. OWEN JONES. Masterton, December 15.