Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 49, 20 May 1927, Page 8

Citizens Say —

To the Editor,

“CLASSICAL SOLIDS”

Sir, — I have just returned from the Zimbalist recital with mixed feeling's of delight and regret. Such superb technique, divinely beautiful tone and poetic interpretation it has not previously been Auckland’s fortune to hear. But how stupid to spend such treasures upon trifling compositions. It is to be hoped that this supreme artist will give music lovers of Auckland an opportunity of enjoying a programme of classical “solids” before he leaves. B. A. TRUEBRIDGE. WORK ON ANZAC DAY Sir, — Why were men allowed to work on Anzac Bay on the “relief” works at Bombay, on the Great South Road? Was this work so very urgent that these men could not observe this sacred Day of Remembrance? Surely our unfortunate men who need to seek this work were not compelled to break the law? As a mere woman, I would like to know why this should be so, while at Pukekohe men were convicted by the court for digging potatoes on Anzac Day. Should we not look to those in control of relief works and other Government concerns to set us an example? “MERE WOMAN.” NEWMARKET SHOULD JOIN CITY Sir, — I should like to ask what steps or procedure would be necessary to join Newmarket with the City. If it is necessary for the ratepayers to vote on the matter, why on earth is the issue not put to the ratepayers? There is no doubt whatever of the many advantages Newmarket would gain by linking up. Its affairs would be more efficiently and better managed and at far less cost by the City Council. At present there must be much duplication of expenses, which would be avoided if there were co-ordination under the one control. Being such a very small area, and surrounded on all sides by city boundaries, Newmarket should be compelled to join the city, as it is detrimental to have conflicting interests. Better progress and town-planning arrangements could be effected by the one control. This certainly gives a grand opportunity to the Auckland Mayor, Mr. Baildon, to show that he is capable of dealing with this problem in a similar manner to that of our late mayor. The wonderful progress of Auckland is due to a large extent to the ability and foresight of Sir James Gunson. For proof, we only have to look at the improvements and progress in the districts which he joined to the city during his term of office. Let us continue in this progress, and remove any obstacles that stand in the road of such achievement. Hoping that others will assist to bring about the above. RATEPAYER. NURSES AND HARD WORK Sir, In your issue of Wednesday, I notice a report by Dr. Bedford upon the results of the nurses’ examinations at the Auckland Hospital, wherein he sums us as follows: “As a whole the result was disappointing. They showed little evidence that the nurses realised their responsibilities in the matter of systematic study.” Now, Sir, having a daughter at present a nurse in this institution, I should like to join issue with the doctor, as I consider that the blame for the position he so rightly condemns, lies not with the nurses but with those who control their activities. I venture to predict that if you, Sir, or any other private person, were to employ labour under the conditions and for the hours which are forced upon those engaged in the noblest of professions, you would be hailed before the Court. I should like very much to see a correct return of the hours worked for the last six months by the probationers and nurses of our hospital. They would bring a blush of envy to the cheeks of the “sweaters” of twenty years ago. I submit, Sir, and I challenge any hospital official to refute my statement, that with excessive hours of duty—exacting and onerous duties—oppressive restrictions and discipline, overbearing seniors, the marvel is that the nurses have done as well as they have in their

examinations. No consideration is granted a nurse who is studying, and she has to take the time for study from the very few hours of relaxation she is so kindly granted. The irony of the whole deplorable situation lies in the fact that all this sweated labour, all these failures at the examinations, all the excessive resignations from the nursing staff, could be easily avoided by calling to a slight extent upon the long waiting list of applicants for the positions of probationer nurses. While those already engaged are being worked until they are fit to join their patients on the sick list, a long list of applicants is kept waiting for engagement. And on the other hand, a little more consideration, a little more foresight in the management of staff matters, and a little less overbearing discipline would stop the continuous leakage of those nurses who become so disgusted with their conditions that resignation is their only escape from intolerable circumstances. SEARCHLIGHT. A BENEFIT Sir It is with mingled feelings of regret and indignation that I write regarding a charity concert arranged “to help a deserving family of nine, stranded in New Zealand.” Surely the arranging of a benefit concert for an immigrant family which has been in the land but a few weeks is an insult to the intelligence of New Zealanders, no matter how generous or broad-minded we may be. Only yesterday five unemployed canvassers called at my door. One was a young New Zealander about 19 years old, who was attempting to keep the wolf from the door for a widowed mother, two brothers and three sisters. Being and Aucklander born and bred, would this not have been a more deserving case for relief? INDIGNANT. CITY BEAUTIFYING Sir, — Many expressions have been put into print recently in the columns of our papers as to what will make the city one of splendour and what will not. The principal street of a citja should be one that will impress all. Alas, at the present time, the buildings and footpaths in Queen Street do not comply with this requirement. When I saw the Dilworth Building, now being completed hHsot.fa I now being erected and almost near completion, I stopped. Here was a majestic building, in architecture and design very much a credit to the city. And what made this particular building stand out in such marked contrast to the other buildings in our principal street? Simply that it was divested of its verandahs. Oh, what a difference! And people gazed and commented. What a beautiful Queen Street it would be if all the verandahs were demolished! It would look much more imposing and the sun and light would flood the street. All the cities of the world of anv importance have their building's erected without verandahs. The only exceptions I know of are Australia and New Zealand. Some might point out that verandahs afford shelter. That is true, but London and New York with their millions—do without them, so that their eyes can gaze on palatial buildings. Surely a little country like New Zealand should take every opportunity to learn from the older countries, and this is a question that should be well considered. A street without a verandah is something that produces a striking effect. A street with a verandah has all its beauty hidden. Thus, if attention were first directed toward making main streets as they should be in buildings, roads and paths, it would be laying the foundation for greater improvements all round. Inclemency of the weather is no excuse for verandahs. Other large cities of the world in which I have spent a great deal of time have much damper, colder and severer climates. Trusting that the city fathers who are desirous of making our citv equal I to its intelligent inhabitants, will pause j and give this question consideration. WALTER F. DARBY.