Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 69, 13 June 1927, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE Sir,— From time to time various topics (some useful, some otherwise) are discussed by correspondents in the letter portion of the Press. I have often thought what a grand stroke of policy it would be for some able correspondent to take up and tackle, with a view of endeavouring to root out from this country that sinister pest, religious intolerance. I, as a very humble citizen, have met most charming people in each of the various religious persuasions, and I am sure every one with an open mind has had similar experience. I think the person or persons who would be instrumental in eliminating this, a hateful and jaundice view of life, would be doing more good for society, for its peace and happiness chan the treaties we hear so much about that are going to reduce armaments and prevent war.

FLYING IN NEW ZEALAND Sir, — I have read with interest the achievements of the American airmen, in accomplishing the flights to Paris and Germany. This very naturally leads to increased activity. Why should New Zealand, and incidentally Auckland, not lead the way in this direction, and accomplish something permanent and worth while? I am not referring to spectacular flights, but to experimental seaplane work with stations privately owned or controlled by commercial companies. There are capable engineering firms here, ideal beaches, and altogether suitable harbours. Why wait for other countries to start everything? One of the first steps to be taken is to demonstrate the safety and stability of aircraft. Speed should be subordinate to these things There is a vast field in and around Auckland for seaplane pleasure trips (quite apart from commercial and defensive flying). Are we going to allow these great opportunities to pass while we sit applauding the work of other countries? HERMES. RABELAIS, TOO! Sir,— Before the Bible-reading in schools proposal becomes law, it seems to me that some agreement of opinion should be reached as to the capacity in which t -f * to^ be P rese nted to the children, is it to be read to them as an historicaiiy accurate record, and such things tS t SL e Testament miracles and the Resurrection represented as havmg actually occurred? Among the backers of the bill there seems to be wide divergence of opinion. Some, the literal inspiration of the Bib l e, would have this tacitly implied in the readings; others, no less enthusiastic, take those parts of both Testaments, which outrage all records human experience, as being symbolical, and would have the children believe the same. Since the Bible will be read. I understand, without comment, the children will be left open to take either of these views. To both these classes I suggest that we shotud also accept the stories of Grecian mythology as being either literally true or symbolically true, and have them read in our schools; if they merely want the incredible to be taught as reliable history, why stop at the Bible? In addition to the myths there are such .Works as

Anderson s Fairy Tales” and “The Water Babies,” both sufficiently good literature, and of just as reliable historicity as the English Bible. However, the plea on which many of those with whom I have discussed tlie proposal drop back in the last resort is that the Bible should be introduced into our schools merely on account cf its value as literature. There is a fairly common idea that it contains the greatest literature in the English language In an interesting article in the “New Nation” for November 15, 1924, Sir Robert Stout quotes the Right Hon. J. M. Robertson, who has as wide a knowledge of Elizabethan literature as anybody, as saying that the Authorised Version is not much different from other writings cf that period. It is certainly good, but no better than much else which has an equal claim to be read on literary grounds. Why not introduce Rabelais? It is equally good literature, and in the eyes of scnoolboys would have a great deal in common with the BRje, or certain parts of it. If the purpose of the bill is to back up a declining Christianity, I submit that this is dishonest, and against the interests of the nation. Christianity means Salvationism, which is not only of shadowy historicity, but means nothing to 80 pei cent of educated people in New Zealand. Any attempt to instil it in the minds of the young will, I submit, tend to impede intellectual and scientific development. Only by shaking off much of the superstition of Christian belief has the world, during the last century, made progress in science, and regained something ot the intellectual curiosity of the pre-Christian philosophers. Let us teach children the ethics of Chrisan inspired Bible and of Salvationism. RATIONALIST. “THE SLUMBERING PERIL” Sir, — In your issue of THE SUN on June 10 I read with interest protests of the Devonport residents over an arsenal. In the article, reference was made to Halifax, Nova Scotia. My first remark on seeing Halifax anil its beautiful harbour, some years ago, was: “This is a second Auckland.” One could scarcely tell the difference. If I remember rightly, it was a freighter and a powder boat which collided in mid-stream at Halifax, which is noted for heavy and dense fogs. On this particular occasion there we.s a very thick fog. The explosion was terrific, and mowed this beautiful town to the earth’s surface from a mile back from the water, and for two miles along the foreshore. A wireless operator on duty in some Canadian station about three to four miles away was found dead at his post, wearing his phones. Heath was believed to be from concussion. This dreadful explosion could have been avoided had there been some regulation in force prohibiting vessels carrying powder or explosives within say 10 to 20 miles of a city. Should there be a mishap at any time at North Shore, I do not want the Devonport people to think that it will be just their little isthmus that will go west. The Anckland side of the harbour would also share a little of the damage, too. When an explosion or something of the kind happens, something will be done. For all the use this fort would be for defensive purposes it may as well be converted to a better use, thus freeing residents of a certain amount of anxiety. F. C. McGEEHAN (late N.Z.E.F.X