Dear Sir,

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 9, 23 December 1947, Page 5

Dear Sir,

Letters to the Editor must be clearly written on one side of the paper only and where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be included for reference purposes. The Editor reserves the right to abridge, amend or withhold any letter or letters.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Sir, —In a few days Christmas will be upon us, with its extravagances, its gifts and its gorging. In these days of high prices, shortages and controls, with the world in turmoil and an outbreak of infantile paralysis on our own doorstep, the festivities will probably lack something of the customary gaiety. Still, the very conditions that take the shine off the celebrations should cause all to think a little more seriously than is usual about the Christmas festival and its true significance. We would do well to consider in the these next few days the proposition that if the spirit of goodwill were applied all year round some of the world’s most pressing problems would solve themselves. It might be suggested that if every citizen remembered that Christmas had a deeper significance than a boost to trade and an excuse for immoderate eating and drinking it might occur to some to resolve to follow the teachings of the Prince of Peace with something like the enthusiasm with which they celebrate His Birthday. It might further occur to them to point out to the. children that Christmas is celebrated as a children’s festival because it is the Birthday of the Children’s Friend. Its chief significance to many presentday youngsters is as an opportunity to worry parents into buying extravagant toys. In fact, most of us have let the festival that began with giving deteriorate into a mad scramble the dominant note of which is getting. Yours etc., “GOODWILL.” OHOPE TRAGEDY Sir, —I wish to express my feelings after reading of the tragedy at- Ohope Beach on December 14. As this is the fifth life lost within the last three years, I think it is time there was something done to warn visitors of the dangers they are walking into by the dreadful undertows in the surf here, at both Thornton and Ohope Beaches. What is the Surf Club doing at these times? I do think that danger signs should be erected at all unsafe beaches, and at least try and save the valuable young lives and also saye mothers broken hearts and vacant chairs. I have both caused by the unsafe beaches. Yours etc., JUST A BROKEN-HEARTED MOTHER. As was pointed out at the time of the tragedy, the Surf Club is doing its level best to give a voluntary service, with insufficient volunteers. Placed as it is at the moment, it can patrol only a limited part of the beach, and has asked bathers to keep within easy distance of the look-out. Last week the County Council decided to erect warningsigns at the western end of Ohope. The idea might be extended to other beaches if the appropriate authorities were approached.—Editor.