4 APRIL 1970, Page 25

In praise of money

Sir: Will Mr Savage (Letters, 21 March) tell us why it is 'manifestly unjust' to purchase one's freedom if lucky enough to have the money? It seems a curious philosophy to wish pointless drudgery on the fortunate few simply because this is the lot of the majority. I am reminded of the old nonconformist hymn: 'Here we suffer grief and pain. When over the way they do the same, oh Lord that will be joyful'.

The thought of Mr Savage's 'decent poor people' suffering twinges of unease in the face of large wins on the pools is sad indeed. They may well realise that this is a cure neither for their philistinism nor their stupid- ity. More probably they suffer from poverty of desire. Bad luck.