PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21247, 18 October 1940, Page 7

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 guarantet of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with, their letters will not appear. GUNS AS WASTE METAL (To the Editor.) Sir, —I notice that we are called upon for all waste metal. What an opportunity of disposing of those guns in Soldiers’ Park and turning the space occupied into a flower bed! I am. etc.. A. E. KENNY. Hamilton. October 17. DISTURBING INFLUENCES (To the Editor.) Sir.—A report in the news reveals that we still have a certain organisation at work in our midst. That officials of this organisation publicly reproduce addresses by “Judge” Rutherford liable to inflame the public is hardly credited in this country. Canada has already banned these addresses and activities, and we may ask why such are permitted in this Dominion? We are getting a bit uneasy over recent matters in this land. What are the authorities doing about it?—l am. etc., WATCHMAN. Hamilton. October 17. CROSSING-KEEPERS’ TASK (To the Editor.) Sir, —Some injustice may have been done to the crossing-keepers on the job at the Commerce Street railway crossing by the observations of the chief traffic inspector, Mr W. E. Nicholson, at last night’s'meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council. He implied that the keepers were in the habit of walking only five or six feet out from the shed instead of to the centre of the roadway, and stated that motorists, unless looking directly at them, did not notice them. In suggesting that the keepers should be made to go to the centre of the roadway, the traffic inspector failed to give these officials credit for the service they perform. Like other users of the crossing, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, I would not like to have to count the number of times I have been saved from danger by the efficient work of the crossingkeepers. Not once in my observation has the keeper failed to walk right to the centre of the road with his sign, in ample time, and not once have I observed anything but courtesy in his attitude toward user* of the crossing. These officials have a difficult and responsible job keeping an eye on the shunting, passenger and goods trains approaching this busy crossing, and I, for one, am prepared to depose that they do it well.—l am, etc.,

CREDIT WHERE DUE. Hamilton, October 17.

INTEREST-FREE LOANS (To the Editor.) Sir.—Mr F. W. Doidge, M.P. for Tauranga, asks why have conscription of wealth when the Government can get wealth without conscription. Mr Nash told the House of Representatives that the Labour Government went to the country last election on these grounds; if men were to be conscripted so was wealth. What has Mr Doidge or anybody else got to squeal about? This war has to be won. The men are giving their lives, which are all. And now the Government has conscripted wealth to see that our men get everything they want, and when they come back I will tell these people who do a lot of grizzling what our trades unions are doing in this country. They have given £6790 for the war fund and they won’t stop at that. And then the unions in England have given their money free ol interest to fight the war to a finish. These unions, Transport and General Workers, have each contributed £250.000, and the other unions have likewise transferred from £2500 to £25,000, and no interest will be claimed for the duration of war. Another society led the way with a loan of £IOO,OOO for seven years. Now if the workers can do this in both countries, what hLs the capitalist to grizzle about? It is a case of give all you can; if not Jerry comes over here. He will not say “ lend it,” but he will take it. These people who complain should think that the married men might have to go yet, and when their turn comes they will do their bit. If men give their lives, their homes, their wives <and families, surely the capitalist can do his duty to his pocket. The worker has not got the money, but what he has got he will give, and if these people want to see righteousness among the people of the earth it will be a great satisfaction to obtain some knowledge that these blessings are near at hand. That know ledge is now obtainable from the Scriptures in the fight ol present-day event*. Among the great benefits that God government will bestow upon the people are peace, security and welfare, plenty of health, strength and life.—l am,

J. MOODY. Waihi Beach, October 15.