Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

CHURCHES AND UNEMPLOYMENT

Sir, Apropos of schemes for the relief of unemployment now engaging the public attention in Auckland and suburbs, I would appreciate the hospitality of your columns to state that members of churches and congregations represented in the Auckland Ministers’ Association are requested by the association to do all in their power to assist the local authorities in this connection, even at a sacrifice, by providing casual labour wherever possible for those seeking work. JOHN R. NELSON, Hon. Sec. Ministers’ Association. OYSTERS Sir, — Quite a lot has been written recently about oysters, as regards quality and poor supplies, but with your permission I would like to mention the point of view of the small dealer —I happen to be one—that has not yet been touched upon. Yesterday, waiting vainly at the depot for a bag, I counted no less than 19 motor-cars that had conveyed people there in order to purchase oysters. To my hui | e way of thinking it looks particularly mean to see people who, by outward appearances, at all events, can well afford to buy at the shops, haggling over prices and quality. No sense of dignity here! The less fortunate of the populace are at a distinct disadvantage with motor-owners and business men who happen to be located at close proximity to the depot; yet I take it the very essence of Government control is that the less fortunate—which would possibly comprise 75 per cent of the population—should have a chance of getting oysters, at a comparatively easy price. The supply last Tuesday lasted ope hour and 45 minutes. SHELLBACK. THE TOTALISATOR AND THE BOOKMAKER Sir. “Early Bird’s” article on the Gaming Bill dealt the ranters a well-deserved blow. If these people would rant less and reason more, they would find a larger appreciation. Let gambling (or the pictures) be mentioned, and they shriek in unison, without stopping to ascertain the facts. The plain fact is the Church has become so commercial that it hates these things, not because of their alleged immorality, but because the more people spend upon them the less there is for the church. What is the moral difference between a “raffle” for church funds and a “gamble” on the totalisator? Let your learned theologians answer me that—and no equivocation regarding . the means justifying the ends, please! But, admirable as is “Early Bird’s” attack on humbug and hypocrisy, I do not

agree with his implication that 'bookmakers are parasites on the public, coining wealth. The man that lays the odds gambles just as much as the man that takes them, even though they be “tote” odds, with a “limit.” The “tote” often knocks out the bookmaker. Dozens of them have been smashed in Auckland. I say, license the bookmaker, and you will have betting placed level and above-board. All the telegraphic “tote” facilities in the world will not displace the bookmaker. There will always be betttors who prefer the man to the machine. LIBERTY. ARE THEY INDEPENDENT? Sir,— Messrs. Potter and Harris, M.P.’s are asserting their “independence” in refusing to attend the meetings of the Reform Party at Wellington. Didn’t the electors return them as members of the Reform Party? Who gave them leave to bargain and “barney” with the Prime Minister afterwards. If they are feeling so mighty independent and righteous, let them resign their seats and return to their electorates to stand again—as Independents. The electors will show them their opinion of right and . T ron S> Are they game to face the position, like men. or are they afraid they will find election on personal merit a far different thing to rushing in under the folds of a party banner? “FACE THE MUSIC ” WAITANGI TREATY SITE Sir,— I read with keen interest your article in Saturday’s SUN headed “Waitangi—Treaty Site should be Nation's Property.” This is a question on which I feel keenly, as it brings into question the quality of our loyalty to the British Crown. We are apt to-day tc forget questions of historic interest to New Zealand, and no one can question the historic importance of this site. “Te Rangi” has hit the nail on the head by giving the public the facts in historic sequence and, as he rightly says, “But for the negotiations at Waitangi, our Constitution, our Government, our all, would be void.” The writer took up the question of the reservation of this property on a former occasion, but it would seem that the public is apathetic in the matter. Thanks to THE SUN’S appreciation of the historic interest of the spot, and the capable article published, we may now persuade the Government to emerge from its state of lethargy, and do something to preserve this historic landmark for the people. In conclusion, may I correct the statement beneath the photo of Mr. Busby’s house, which says it is at Paihia. The house still stands, whole and intact, on Victoria Estate, at Waitangi. PATRIOT.