SIR,—The defeatist attitude of Mr. H. E. Bates on rural
salvage is greatly to be deplored. What may take place in his village is certainly not the case in many villages with a better sense of patriotism. Mr. Bates suggests that salvage in rural districts should be abandoned so as to save the rural authorities a good deal of trouble. If, however, the rural district councils are too slack, or, for some reason are unable to deal with salvage, then the inhabitants should themselves tackle it.
In this village paper has been collected for many months by volunteers, and the sale of it has resulted in about £4 a month, which is used for providing comforts for the Forces. The system was fully described in The Spectator of March 29th, 1940. The schoolmastef has been responsible for collecting scrap metal and has so far got about 15 tons, and has had no difficulty in disposing of it. It is similarly collected in other villages in this district. Surely what is done here can be done elsewhere What is wanted is encourage- ment and not discouragement. To suggest giving up salvage because it may be difficult is a deplorable attitude. Yours faithfully,
A. C. MYERS, Lt.-Col. (ret.). Silver Birches, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead.
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