PUBLIC OPINION

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21363, 6 March 1941, Page 9

PUBLIC OPINION

As expressed by correspondents whose letters are welcome, but for whoso views we have no responsibility. Correspondents are requested to write in ink. It is essential that anonymous writers enclose their proper names a? a guaramet: of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with, their letters will not appear. WORK FOR OBJECTORS (To the Editor.) Sir,—l have been waiting to read some other comment on a remark made at the last meeting of the South Auckland Dairy Association to the effect that additional cheese factories would provide employment, in construction and operation, for conscientious objectors. Now, was that remark made in all seriousness? If so, I enter a protest against its possible adoption. Are conscientious objectors who flatly refuse to contribute to the war effort to be given such employment, and if so, presumably at standard award rates of pay? In my opinion if these objectors are to be employed at all they should be made to work at soldiers’ rates of pay, which are much below award rates. The companies employing them could pay in the difference in wages to the Consolidated Fund to help pay for the war.—l am, etc., ARIKI. Hamilton, February 5. SMOKING BY WOMEN (To the Editor.) Sir, —The controversy on the subject of smoking by women is something that needs heavy thought among women and girls. The question is: Does it harm, say, expectant mothers or nicotine-poison/the infant? Some smoke to excess during these periods. Also, can the medical profession tell if it does harm to the nursing mother’s children? We want healthy, virile babies with no undue handicap from the outset. My idea of pipe-smoking women is that if there be any decayed teeth they will find a dreadful breath. Even an infant would protest at close proximity. Why cannot the womanhood of the world leave the tobacco, cocktails and all this unhealthy, nerveexciting business alone and get down to good honest living and keeping the blood stream pure for the sake of the next generation, which will have such an uphill job, especially during wartime and after? A man may light a cigarette for a girl or woman in double quick time, but he would hesitate if it were his own sister or mother, let alone his wife. Husbands have said, “My wife would have a better chance if she did not smoke so much,” but they seem reluctant to try their hands at stopping her. To get to the seat of the trouble we would like medical advice. Does excessive smoking harm women or women in the making?—l am, etc., NURSE. Hamilton, February 5. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (To the Editor.) Sir, —I read with pleasure your well-balanced leader of Tuesday, in favour of a quick but quiet election, to be followed by the formation of a National Government. The point is well made that the votes of the people form the proper basis upon which to erect a National Government. Had a coalition taken place immediately after war was declared, few would have taken exception thereto, though for my part I think the Maoris displayed more gumption, inasmuch as tfiey commonly used to change leaders when tribal wars broke out, and changed again when peace was made. They understood very well that peacetime administrators, however aole they might be, did not as a rule possess the aggressive dynamic and organising qualities needed for waging war. However, what may have been acceptable at the start would not be justified in the eleventh hour of the present Parliament. Already, in both the national and the local body fields, several men have announced their intention of retiring at the end of the present term. And it is known that more retirements are pending, including one veteran of the National Party, and probably others among the Labour ranks. It is surely foolish to postpone the elections, national and local, and thus oblige these tired men to carry on when we need all the human drive that may be available in the service of the nation and the local communities. The proposal of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, to hold an election and then form a National Government is eminently sound and satisfactory, and I am pleased to note the Times endorsing so constructive and statesmanlike a solution of the political tangle—one which would unite politicians and people in the face of the great dangers and titanic tasks before us and the whole em-' battled British Empire.—l am, etc., T. E. McMILLAN. Matamata, March 5. LAW AGAINST PROFITEERING (To the Editor.) Sir,—How is it that our usually noisy and self-elected reformers are so silent in the face of the war profiteering which is rampant? The Government has taken steps to ensure that no one raises the charge for his goods or services during the condition of shortage due to the war. Very drastic penalties are imposed upon manufacturers and others who increase the charges for their goods and services without first obtaining the permission of the Government. The anti-profiteering laws, however, apparently do not apply to '* wage profiteering.” With so many men away fighting our battles there is a shortage of labour in most skilled trades, and those who are left behind are taxing full advantage of the country’s dilemma. All around us we see tradesmen whose award rate is about £5 10s demanding, and getting, £7 10s and more. Office girls with two or three years’ experience demand £3 to 4 weekly, and so on. Apparently, for everyone but “ the boss ” it is the “ festive season.” but while realising that this is election year and that votes have to be nursed, surely the Government should make it a duty to see that if the law of sup'ply and demand is to be allowed full sway it should apply to all sections of the community. As it is, the smouldering resentment against this one-eyed social system which has sprung up in the last few years is doing much to nullify our war effort, by the Government alienating the sympathies of large sections of the people, and, what is infinitely

J | worse in these critical days, that section which contains the most constructive and mentally vigorous elements, without which the continued existence of any nation, in peace or in war, is most dubious.—l am, etc., JOHN THOMAS. Frank!on, March 5.