Mum's published letters to
the press (circa 1940-60)

MUM'S PUBLISHED LETTERS TO THE PRESS:

(Music by Daniel White)

Mum - 18 years

INTRODUCTION:
Mum and Dad had eight children. There were two brothers and five sisters (I was sixth). Each of us grew into independent thinkers. Sometimes agreeing, other times not. As a result our home was often the centre of great debate on a whole host of issues. Hence, whilst I heartily agree with much contained in Mum's letters, I don’t share all views reflected therein, notwithstanding, some are outdated anyway:-

REJOICE?

I heartily support Norman J. Greer. With the cost of living mounting steadily, what have ordinary working folk got to rejoice about?
As for the Coronation, itself, many people are worried about more important things. Will those unfortunate old people who are unable to afford their meagre rations celebrate with ceremonial banquet?
Anne Green

FLU GERMS

A Harley Street Doctor has suggested that instead of Asian flu, we have had "H-Bomb flu".
It is however, little consolation to discover that we shall all be slowly and systematically wiped out of existence by obnoxious death- dealing germs.
Brought into circulation by the constant meddling of over-zealous scientists!

Anne Green

NO VICTORS

Your correspondent "Ex- Reme" of Smethwick wonders "are we the victors?"
I have only one comment to make. There are no victors in warfare.
Anne Green (Mrs)

IDENTITY CARDS?

I think "A.H."(Your Column) is on the right track in suggesting that children should be encouraged to form their own vigilante patrols to combat the danger of being enticed away by strange men.
I suggest that special identity cards be issued. When an adult other than the parents, takes a child out, the parents could hand the card to the adult as proof of guardianship. This would deter would-be evil-doers and save little lives.
Anne Green

BOMB OR BUTTER

Like many housewives I am very concerned about the rising cost of food, yet the Government can unashamedly spend a million pounds on the atom bomb. It would be interesting to know where the money comes from for these costly firework displays!

Anne Green
Birmingham

THE ATOM BOMB

Anne Green may well ask where the money comes from to make the atom bomb. I would say it does not come from the productive effort of those who sanction the expenditure.
Eighty percent of the people are sic of working to provide the only means to produce more horrible weapons of destruction.
The church is a dying institute yet it could - yet it could become a dynamic force if only it would declare that under no pretext would it support another war.
William Temple would not miss today's golden opportunity for reviving religion.
Quinton, Birmingham
WHP ...... Should the supreme penalty be abolished, the roads would be most unsafe for woman and children to travel alone. It is only the fear of the hangman's noose that deters would-be-murderers even now.

FROM VENUS

In reply to R Jenks I would say what caused most astonishment at the advent of a visitor from the planet Venus to America was the fact that the F.B.I. and Senator McCarthy, allowed the visitor to return from whence he came without an interrogation to satisfy themselves that he was not a Communist agitator!

....... OR OUR LIBERATOR?

After reading about the latest "contretemps" between Senator McCarthy and Mr.Atlee, we view the next development with apprehension.
In case of further hostilities will the Senator attempt to "liberate" us from the so called Communist" Clem?
Anne Green

TWO VILLAGES

C.T. says the inhabitants of Lidice were slaughtered and at Permatang no one was put to death. Does he not know that these unfortunate people were forcibly removed to concentration camps? Home is home, regardless of what materials it is constructed.
Anne Green

................After reading Richard Kean's fiery tirade against women, he should remember that a woman gave him birth. One can only conclude that he has been jilted, or that he is a born woman hater.
Anne Green I fully sympathise with F.W. Shaw and others on the waiting list for a house. It makes me angry when I see shops with vacant rooms above. Why cannot they be let for rent? It is a great pity when there is so much overcrowding.
Anne Green

INHUMANITY

Reginald T. Quale complacently explains napalm "as the unavoidable result of modern warfare" How deplorable is this apathy towards humanity.
Anne Green

To "Daughter", Kidderminster and others who would abolish family allowances, I say please do not be petty. Do not begrudge the few extras that money buys for the little ones. After all what is a few shillings compared to the millions of pounds spent on armaments? Anne Green
Birmingham 9

TAUGHT TO KILL

While we condemn "cosh kids" and ponder on means of stopping all forms of violence, we must remember that adolescent boys are given a gun by the State and taught to kill.
Anne Green

MARSHAL STALIN

I read with disgust Dennis S. Thomas's vitriolic tirade against Stalin. People young and old stood in queues three deep to pay their last respects to a beloved leader. When Hitler's hordes were almost at the Kremlin, Stalin remarked " Let them come - I will still be here" He will be forever venerated by millions as a "man of the people".
Anne Green

ON CONSTRUCTION

I was very interested in R.T. Wothers' letter. I am fortunate. I have a house, but still feel sympathy for those who have not. We all have to contribute towards a gigantic armaments programme whether we want too or not. It would be for the best interest of the people if the Government spent a few millions for construction instead of destruction.
Anne Green

DANGER IN THE PARK

Walking in Ward End Park, I have noticed an organised cricket game in progress -grown men participating - with the wicket only a few yards from the path. This constitutes a grave danger to children and adults. A safe area for this type of sport should be provided by the Parks' Committee.
Anne Green

THE CZAR

Your correspondent Norman Greer does not give the reason for what happened to the Czar and his family (Your column Tuesday).
The whole peasant population of Russia at that time was starving while royal banquets were indulged in by the wealthy.
Ironically, the old age pensioners are in the former pitiable condition here!
Anne Green

A TRIBUTE TO A WELSH COUPLE

My two daughters, now married, spent nearly three years in a small Welsh village. The lady and gentleman with whom they evacuated were childless.
These kind people, although of a different station in life, treated my kiddies as their own, and I was always informed as to their health and progress at school.
Even now, a present is sent every Christmas from Wales as a reminder of happy times with two little "Brummie evacuees".
Anne Green

US BASIS

Once again the peace of the world is being jeopardised. The present Government policy permitting American basis in this country is to blame for the second U.S.A. reconnaissance plane to be shot down over Soviet territory.
How much longer are we to tolerate this dangerous state of affairs? Mr Kruschev has previously warned the world of the consequences of a repetition of this action.
There is only one solution for our own safety: send the Americans home!
Anne Green

ANOTHER WAR?

May I say whole heartedly, I agree with your correspondent Anne Green regarding the re-arming of Germany. Now we have once again fallen in with America's wishes, it is pretty obvious that we can expect another war and not with Communists either. What a wicked mockery to say "they shall not die in vain"
F. A. Tranter
Kent's Moat

PRAISE FOR RUSSIA

I wish to praise the generous help by Russia for our flood victims. This is surely a gesture in sympathy towards our country. It certainly augurs well for a basis of friendship and goodwill between England and the U.S.S.R. Can a Nation be aggressive and hostile which comes forward offering help to these unfortunate people who lost all in the flood catastrophe.
Anne Green

U.S. POLICY

I applaud the B.S.A. workers decision not to support the United States policy in the Far East. While we allow U.S. rocket basis in this country, we are condoning President Eisenhower’s every war like move and at the same time making THIS country vulnerable for an all out air attack in the event of conflict.
Anne Green

COMPETITION

Coun. Prescott (letter July 25th) says that one of our biggest competitors is Germany, and declares that his success is due to all the determination of her people, which infers that the people of Britain are a lot of slackers!
The reason why Britain appears to be lagging behind is that Germany has got a large scale defence programme as we have, and that quite a considerable amount of Germany's income is poured into industrial research.
It must also be remembered that Britain pays out more in defence than any other capitalist country in Europe.
Anne Green

AN INCREASE?

Will someone tell me how the Tory Government's latest Budget is going to increase exports.
Anne Green

I wish to inform Goodwill of Birchfield that the correct name for those foreigners he complains about is "reactionary". They dare not return to their native land because they collaborated with the Nazis. This type of emigre tries and succeeds in promoting trouble and unrest against peaceful co-operation. It is deplored that they can not be deported.
Anne Green

WHY NOT DR. JAGAN

I was indignant that Dr. Cheddi Jagan would not be allowed to address a meeting in Birmingham. Why?
No doubt many would welcome a chance to hear the former Prime Minister of British Guiana's views on the countries affairs.
Has the ban been imposed on the possibility of the audience learning the true facts of what really happened behind the scenes?
Anne Green

PUZZLED

Your correspondent T.S. is puzzled over Krupps getting 30 million to start again in business. It appears that partisans of the last war are now termed terrorists. And what are we to think when concentration camp commandants, notorious for their brutality are released?
Just after our victory, many too, where were puzzled when the Nazis boasted that the Fuhrer would rise again. How true has their prophecy been fulfilled?
Anne Green
Birmingham 9

DON'T STAND FOR IT!

I was attracted in the Butcher's shop which invited customer's saying "All will be served" Noticing some kidneys on a tray, I decided to get some, however, I was curtly informed I must also buy some unsavoury looking meat.
I walked out of the shop in disgust.
Don’t stand for it housewives - nip it in the bud!
Anne GREEN
(An Executive Officer of Birmingham Food Office said today that "any condition of sale is illegal". If the lady in this case will report to us, we shall investigate.").

(commentary by daughter Anne White)

I had not long left school on my fifteenth birthday, and had taken a temporary job working at the local Birmingham hospital packing sterilising surgical instruments in the operating ward. Mum worked at the same hospital as a cleaner. One day I decided to take my little radio to work. Mum often finished her cleaning duties and got home before me, so playing music on the radio during the lonely journey to and from work offered good company and some comfort. I remember one particular day that stands out from the rest. I was walking home from work. It was about 5.30pm on one of those typical winter frosty days. By now it was dark. I noticed that the atmosphere was very hushed, and the night sky looked beautiful. I couldnt help thinking that somewhere in this endless sea of sky there had to be an amazing God, a master designer with an awesome imagination responsible for all this heavenly magnificence. Still in thought, I switched on my radio. Flicking through the stations, I finally rested upon Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Raised by parents who were ardent classical music lovers, I was accustomed to good music and this piece was already warmly familiar to me. This time however, for some reason I felt moved more than usual. Clutching my little radio, I listened intently to every single note of my favourite peice. I glanced up at the night sky, and noticed the sight was awesome. Before me was a spectacular array of quivering, twinkling, stars glistening on a back drop of black blue infinite space. As the music played on, these heavenly bodies seemed themselves to be orchestrating this timeless concerto. Earth and sky were now in complete harmony with each other and had become merged into one great musical accord. Griegs concerto had suddenly transferred from the radio and was now playing in full sweep of the sky. I dont know how I got home that day as I was completely oblivious to where I was walking, and had become totally lost and captivated, that is, until I abruptly landed on my door step.

Still somewhat star struck, I spoke to my family of my celestial encounter on my way home. Mum then mentioned that she had recently been reading an article in the newspaper of a man's great appreciation of the same piece. Whereupon, everyone unanimously agreed that Grieg is top of the pops. It was at that precise moment that Mum had one of her sudden bursts of inspiration. "I know" she said excitedly, her dark winsome eyes twinkling as bright as the stars I had just seen outside, "I'm going to write a letter to this man in the papers and tell everyone how much we all love Grieg’s piano concerto" wistfully she continued, "oh I do hope it gets published and - you know, I have a strong feeling it will" So it was, and here it is in the following:-

MUSIC CHOICE

In reply to W.H.Dudley, I would like to say that Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor never fails to enthral my family and myself.

One feels a sense of pleasure as the opening notes ripple forth from the expert hands of the pianist. For sheer exquisite music, there is none to excel it. My son aged seven is an ardent Grieg fan, and often, to our amusement, hums snatches from this delightful concerto!
Anne Green (commentary by daughter Anne L White)

JOY UNDER FIRE

Why the undesirable comments by Ivor Jay on the T.V. film "Breakdown" ?
It was a good clean story. After all one sees in hospitals bad paralytic cases, and often there are T.V. plays under the heading "light entertainment" that are very unsuitable for family viewing - without a warning issued to that affect.
Anne Green

MRS. CASTLE

The untimely sneers by "old solder" against Mrs Barbara Castle fall on deaf ears. This courageous lady has rightly enlightened the people of this country to the truth of what is happening in regard to our troops in Cyprus. Our leaders hadn't the initiative or the guts to do it. I say thanks and good luck to Mrs Barbara Castle.
Anne Green

STOP THE TYRANNY

I and many of my fellow country men are perturbed by the Gestapo - like treatment of two English workers at the U.S.A. base in Britain. It is high time that the American occupation in England was done with and these "trigger happy warriors" sent back to the States. This stranglehold by a so-called democratic nation is definitely increasing.
Anne Green

THE WRONG WAY

In the land of democracy, they are now making communism illegal, which can only drive their doctrine underground.
If McCarthy and his gang are afraid of revolt, they should know that a revolution cannot be exported from Russia, nor anywhere else. The ferment has to come from within.
Anne Green

FIREWORKS DISPLAY

I agree with A. Wright. There is a fireworks display in the parks on November 5, so there is no excuse for the authorities to allow these noisy, not to say, highly dangerous things to be sold. One shudders to think of tiny children playing about in the roads, being maimed for life by thoughtless hooligans, throwing them about. It is high time the law stepped in to stop it.
Anne White

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Above letters are forwarded by daughter Anne White and copyright to Anne and relations. 1940-2003 - All rights reserved
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