Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 83, 29 June 1927, Page 10

Citizens Say —

BOXING CONTROL Sir, — Is it not time that the New Zealand Boxing Council moved in the question of granting - licences to overseas fighters who visit New Zealand? It seems that at present a man has only to say that he is a visiting boxer and he is given a licence. If this were withheld until he had proved himself against a moderately good man, the many boxing associations in the country would not be misled as to the capability of the boxer concerned. Thus patrons of these associations would be assured of value for their money. New Zealand amateurs have to prove their worth before they are granted a professional licence. Why should not visitors have to do the same. G.H.M. RADIO SERVICE Sir.— It is inconceivable that anyone should waste time explaining, much less attempt to justify, a company putting “service” in the last place in its consideration. No business can be conducted without incurring interest, cost of plant, rent, salaries, etc., but surely none but a molly-coddled, Government-protected monopoly could expect to be guaranteed these charges during a long period of dis-service, on a promise that some day things will be improved. One would not care a scrap about payments made to directors if only we w r ere getting something worth-while, but it certainly is a very pertinent question in the circumstances, to ask what we are paying for the management and supervision of this apology for a service. The extension of the monopoly in the face of the Government’s knowledge of widespread discontent, seems to many of us nothing short of an inexcusable betrayal of listeners’ interests. LEAD-IN. MASONIC RITUAL Sir, — As an old Mason of fifty years, I write to comment upon and criticise the oration given by D.G.M. C. S. Schnauer at the laying of the founda-tion-stone at the new Masonic Temple, all of which I admit is true if it were carried out in daily life. But, oh, how far short of that standard does it come! One of the chief points is charity, and when a candidate is admitted to the order that is one of the principles that he has to keep in front of him like the plank of Christianity as enforced upon mankind in the teaching of the Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. There is no doubt that to be a perfect Mason is one of the highest and most noble aspirations to which any man can possibly aspire, both among his fellowcraftsmen and the world at large. Hundreds join the order with no other purpose in view. But what commercial value can be made out of it? There are many hundreds who never go near a lodge except at installation day, when there is a banquet. lam pleased to know that there are some of the lodges which are cutting that sort of thing out and devoting the money so spent to a charitable purpose in the funds of the lodge. J. GRAC lE. A “GREEN GERANIUM” Sir, I am grieved to see that the rather omniscient journalist who conducts your column under the heading of “The Watch Tower,” indulges to-day in the comment “there has been discovered an American who does not crow, ‘We won the war,’” and in doing so he expresses the sentiment of the botanist ■who discovers a green geranium, or a New Zealand soldier who draws a well-fitting uniform. Will you print the unpardonable fact that there is at least one New Zealander who spent several months in America without hearing anyone crow “We won the war.”

From Olympian heights “The Lookout Man,” in the manner of a muezzin

(To the Editor.)

calling the faithful to prayer, also raises his voice against “the shriek of the Eagle of the dollar kings in demanding the return in full, plus interest, of the money which America advanced the Allies while she was ‘making ready.’ ” From the circumstance that your cheerful journal prints such comment as this, one can conclude only that the denizen of the “Watch Tower” is not as well-informed as he might be. Knowing that you would willingly publish the unescapable facts concerning the American debt question if they were available. I will be pleased to supply them if you can find a little space for them. When some member of your staff brightens the paper by inserting in the same issue a discourse by the most egregious of all Americans, “Dr.” Frank Crane, concerning the moral necessity for Wall Street, then the inadvertence of this contrast may be excused on acount of its unconscious humour. “VIATOR.” NEW ZEALAND GOODS Sir,— With reference to the New Zealand - made Preference League’s campaign, it will be noticed that one at least of the chief stores in Queen Street has shop assistants that do not back the slogan: “What New Zealand can supply, buy!” On Friday last I had occasion to visit a store to purchase a pair of socks. When the assistant was asked for New Zealand-made, he said: “We have no great assortment of any quality in New Zealand goods.” Despite this fact, I bought a pair of all-wool Roslyn hose, and am quite satisfied with my purchase. It behoves the heads of the merchandise departments to instil into their assistants that they are to push New Zealand goods, otherwise the effect of the league’s work is nullified. R. FAVRE. THEOLOGY AND SCHOOLS Sir,— Your correspondent, “J.N.,” seems to think theology and the Bible should be kept out of our public schools. “J.N.” will find many who differ from him. When preaching in St. Matthew’s a week ago last Sunday evening, the Rev. T. Southworth gave a beautiful discourse on the text from Timothy; how he from a babe knew the Scriptures, and what an effect in his life such teachings had. I am most sure if any of the warring sects “J.N.” speaks of were present to hear Mr. Southworth’s sermon they would form a decision to vote for the Bible in schools. His able explanation of the text was one to be remembered. ALMOST PERSUADED. THE SALVATION ARMY Sir, In a recent issue of the publication called “The Drifter,” and distributed among the public of Auckland, there appear certain statements which have a tendency to create a wrong impression regarding the work of the Salvation Army. The activities of the organisation are carried on without cessation from year to year, Samaritan, police court and rescue work ever playing their part to alleviate the needs of the fallen and unfortunate. The public of Auckland can form some idea of the actual work done during the last three months ended June 24 by the following official facts and figures given here, which speak for themselves: 16,917 meals given free to men and women. 5,334 beds given free to men and women. , These figures do not touch on any of the work done by Major Gordon, whose efforts are well known to the general R? .5, and officials of our city, nor bv the Grange” Herne Bay Home for ? lrl£ L’ where over fifty inmates are to be found, and the Maternity Home, Grey Lynn, which gives refuge the poor unfortunate girl. Our Industrial Home at Epsom, wnich was unfortunately burnt down, nas carried on under great inconvenience, circumstances which make it possible to accommodate only thirty men.