PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20253, 23 July 1937, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents, whose letters are welcome, but for whose views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write In ink. It is essential that anonymous writers enclose their proper names as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with, their letters will not appear.

THIB FREEDOM.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I must welcome Mr Harry Woodruffe as a recruit to the small, forlorn band of citizens who make a fuss and annoy our paternal rulers when they see their personal liberties being deliberately filched from them. Next election will show us plainly enough the real reasons for the nationalisation of radio services. Opponents of the Government will not be able to get a word in edgeways.

The reoent case in which a man was fined £5 and costs for daring to try to sell his own property is another striking example of “legalised slavery” and a foretaste of what Is to come—suppression of freedom in all directions.—l am, eto.,

A. WARBURTON. Ngaruawahla, July 20.

THE SPRINGBOK MATCH.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —As a dairy farmer, I would like to know who was responsible for arranging the time of the Springbok match In Hamilton. It appears that no thought whatever was given to the thousands who are engaged in dairy farming and who would have attended the match had the time for same been round about 1 p.m.—l am, eto., G. V. CARRYER. Rukuhla, July 22. (To the Editor.! Sir, —In reply to “Disinterested’s” letter of July 20, why look to Mr Fow and Mr Caro to set the ball rolling? There are many prominent business men In Hamilton who could, If they would, do a lot towards granting a half-holiday for the workers of Hamilton In order to witness the great maten of the year. One of them was quite willing to grant his staff a half-holiday, but secured no co-operation from others.—l am, etc.,

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. Frankton Junction, July 21.

ALBERTA AGAIN.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The cables state that “after conferring with Douglas advisers,” the Premier of Alberta is taking certain steps with a view to paying the provincial debt in full. Now would It be possible for the supporters of the Major here to tell us who the advisers are, where they oome from, what authority they have, and If they really do represent Major Douglas? It would be a good thing to have these matters stated now, so that when the later developments come they can claim definitely any debt reduction made or be responsible for any further flascoes.

Last time the Douglasites took any interest In Alberta trouble came quickly. The Major is said to have received his fee for acting In an advisory capacity, but did not hold the position long, and was asked to give it back. Correspondents rushed Into print to assert that the Douglasites never had anything to do with Alberta; that the Premier would not take the advice tendered, and so was solely responsible for the subsequent troubles. Well let us accept all that. It has passed, but can we get anything authoritative that will make the Douglas advisers responsible for whatever Is coming? Mr Aberhart has conferred with Douglas advisers, and as a result is going to deal with outstanding bonds. Can we take it for certain that, at last, this is to be Social Credit finance from the true school? Does the movement hank on this now move? Will it accept responsibility for the outcome, not financially, of course, hut as a real exhibition of the new finance? Last time the Social Creditors got out of Alberta rapidly, denied that they were in any way responsible, hated the very name of Alberta. Well and good. Are they now willing to accept the responsibility for the debt-repayment plan, whether It succeeds or fails? — I am, eto., CANNUCK. Cambridge, July 22.

THE GUARANTEED PRICE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Not long ago the Minister of Agriculture complained that farmers were not providing him with sufficient evidence of the cost increases that were alleged to have taken place. Now that Ihe costing committees of the Farmers’ Union and the New Zealand Dairy Company have completed their reports he will no longer have that excuse to fall back on when rising costs are referred to. That two responsible organisations working independently should have arrived at almost the same result is a tribute to the accuracy of their investigations. The figures supplied by the New Zealand Dairy Company show the cost increase to he 3.517 d per lb butterfat. In reaching this result they worked on the basis provided by the Year Book of 18.5 cows per labour unit, and took Ihe average production at 2351 b butterfat per cow. which is the highest yet reached in the industry. The Farmers’ Union, on 11le other hand, used a basis of 600011) fat (or 20 cows each producing 3001 b fat) per unit of adult labour, which is considerably higher than the Dominion average. This difference in the basis adopted accounts, no doubt, for llieir placing of increased costs at 3.385 d per lb fat. It must he remembered that ihe past three seasons have been exceptionally favourable to high production. Should the 1937-38 season prove to he a poor one then the increased costs (even at their present level) will exceed Ul. If the Government has any intention of carrying out its promises to the farmers, or even its own interpretation of these promises, then we shall receive at least Is 5d per lb butterfat.— I am. etc., KULAK. Gordonton, July 21.

ROAD TRAFFIC.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —From what I gather, on Saturday people from all parts of ths province will be making for Auckland, by rail, car, or cycle, and the road trafflo promise* to be a record. Some parties are leaving at dawn, as they have been unable to get seats but mean to find a good “posy” somehow. Then after the match there will be a tremendous stream of trafflo outward bound. It -seems obvious that, unless everyone makes up hi* mind to observe the rules of the road strictly, and make “ safety first ” the motto, there will be aocldents, not necessarily Involving loss of life but doing damage. And all that oan be avoided if those using the road* all decide to play the game by the rules, as strictly as do the players on the football field. The most dangerous period is that just at dusk, when the car lights seem to cover no distance, and many will be travelling at that time. I thought a reminder through your column* would serve a useful purpose. If we all do our best there will be no acoident to regret.—l am, etc., 7 A.M. RUSH. Cambridge, July 22.

LITTLE ITEMB. (To the Editor.) Sir,—They say the looker-on sees most of the game, and some of the correspondents In the Times have set me looking oh at the game of politics. One mentioned the pleasure he got from reading what the members of the Labour Party said when In Opposition, and what they say now they are in office. I began to jot down a few predictions about how things would Improve, and some of the others, that we would soon be in a mess.

Last year a member of the present Opposition quoted an award —I do not know the date —which said that a pantrymaid was allowed to wash the dishes used In the dessert course, but not those used for the entrees or meat courses. That -seemed rather hot, but I have since come to believe that probably It was correct. Here are a few from my collection.

A oase in Hamilton in which counsel said that If the owner, or wife of the owner, of a boarding-house went into the kitchen and helped the cook, who was quite able to do the work, then that cook’s wages must be raised by 12s 6d per week.

One from Wellington: An electrician who wanted to bore a hole through a wall to carry the wire, and had the tool to do the work, was stopped. A carpenter had to be sent for to make the hole.

From Christchurch: Statement by an officer of the local motor association that the Government intends to license motor mechanics, and that the bonnets of Government service oars are already sealed down, and, in case of a breakdown, may he unsealed only by a meehanio. “What sort of a laughingstock will tourists make of our country If they have to wait two or three hour* by a country road for a mechanic to be sent for?” he asked. The process seems to be extending rapidly, and it is interesting to follow it step by step.—l am, etc., C. RUSSBBIDGE. Hamilton, July 21.

DOUBLES AND DEBITB.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —From time to time I confess that I have been somewhat puzzled by Mr Seymour’s reference to me as being two person* and not one. In a recent letter of nis I discovered the clue for which I had been waiting, and which, I think, your readers will agree, provides a satisfactory explanation. In his letter Mr Seymour betrayed unmistakable familiarity with a certain brass rail, provided in certain buildings so that those in need of liquid refreshment may rest thereon a tired foot. Of course I may be on an entirely false scent, but no one can blame me If I see an obvious connection between the two phenomena. So that In future, If Mr Seymour should Imagine that he is doing battle with two adversaries Instead of one, I shall be in a position to Indicate a suitable course of action which should put an end to his delusions.

Having laid the ghost, as it were, which has proved so troublesome to him, I feel Justified In inviting him to make good hi* repeated threats to call me to account on the matters in dispute between us. I suggest that we commence with the subject which Douglasites “dare not discuss"— namely, that of “Social Credit.” In this connection I put to Mr Seymour the following question which has been asked before but never answered: Prior to the advent of this generation upon the globe, previous generations were responsible for much that we found here on our arrival —farms, factories, roads, bridges and railways. Those who constructed these assets had been paid in full in the goods and services of their fellows. If anything further is due to them they are for ihe most part beyond the reach of any recompense, -so that it is logical to assume that these things should come tlier payment. Yet, strange to say, we and succeeding generations are doomed lo indebtedness in perpetuity for the cost of these works and compelled to pay permanent tribute (in goods and services) to financial institutions whose only contribution to the construction of Ihe said assets lay in Ihe Issue of paper tickets I Why?—l am. etc.. G. HUNTER. Horsham Downs, July 2.L