Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 94, 12 July 1927, Page 10

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE I I Sir. — As a humble, peace-loving citizen allow me to voice a protest against the display made by members of the Orange Lodge last Sunday. Evidently its members have little desire to preserve the peace of our fair country when they parade in such style. The world to-day is at its wits’ end to know how to preserve peace among its people. From accounts this particular parade was held in Divine commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne. I fail to see anything Divine in commemorating war. One of God’s commands is, ‘ Love your neighbour.” The Government should do something to prevent this display of "glorious” hatred if it has the peace of our fair New Zealand at heart. ONLOOKER. “THE SLAUGHTER” Sir. —- The Orangemen ought to hold a procession in Auckland to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, over two and ahalf centuries after it has taken place. They ought to be proud of the valour of a Dutch King of England and his German lieutenant, with an overwhelming army, slaughtering a band of ill-armed Irish peasantry, who were loyally fighting for the maintenance of the rightful English-born king against a foreign usurper. The bravery and patriotism of these Orangemen is shown by their boastful song; “Up to my lcnees in li'ish blood , Up to my lcnecs in slaughter, O didn’t we give the Paddies fits In the Battle of the Boyne water.” In any case, why allow such boastful processions in a young country like this, to introduce the feuds and animosities that have caused such misery in Ireland? Away with fatuous crowers of discord. • LET THE DISGRACE DIE.” THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT Sir. — "Pro Bono Publico”—with an exclamation in parentheses—is evidently a careful and discerning person. Did he whisper to each departing passenger, “Display as you pay” ? How otherwise could he be sure that the total contribution from 16 passengers was lid? Your correspondent was unfortunate in boarding a “rickety vehicle”; and if, as his letter implies, he travelled the whole journey and contributed only 3d, his self-denial for the public good was not carried too far. I do not think the community spirit is so rare as he suggests. In one suburb at least where community cars provide efficient and comfortable transport, the resident passengers for the most part respond by giving a fair thing. TRANSPORT UP-TO-DATE. WIRELESS AND SHIPPING Sir, — I crave your indulgence by soliciting publication of a letter upon a matter of importance to waterside workers of this city and environs—that of the use of wireless, and its benefits, to the men who play no small part in the growth of our city. The shipowners decry pilfering of cargo, and rightly so, but when publicity is given in court cases of this

nature, that “during the year £4,000 •worth of cargo has been stolen,” the statement must go unchallenged, as ships travel the seas of the world, and to attribute so large an amount to local depredations is beyond the belief of any sane New Zealand resident. The waterside workers are just as honest as the miner, the lawyer, the merchant, or any other person in the Dominion. Proof can be given of the long suffering of this man when you realise that his occupation is casual, and he knows what poverty is. Waiting for work is often his lot in the slack periods of the year. But my plea on this occasion. Sir, is that shipping companies tell the men. say at 8 a.m.. that the steamer so-and-so will start at 6 p.m., and let the men go to their homes or be at leisure during the day. and not, as at present. be compelled to stand from 7.45 to 9.45 a.m., and from 1 p.m. to 2.45 p.m.. awaiting the call for a job. Let wireless do its real work, and benefit these men, or anyone situated in a similar manner. ONE OF THEM. STRAY DOGS Sir, — I, as another member of the S.F.C.A.. would like to raise my voice in protest at the treatment meted out to poor stray dogs by the City Council. I agree with your former correspondent that the S.P.C.A. should take the question up. What is not allowed by a private individual should surely not be permitted by a public body. I would like to beg the humane men and women in our midst to visit the pound, and I am sure the pitiful conditions would soon be a thing of the past. BRITISH HUMANITY. i POT-HOLE ROADS SirCan you tell me if there is any hope of the Henderson-Kumeu roads being attended to, and who is answerable for the same? According to a report in your paper it is almost impossible to get through either road —Lincoln or Ranges—by motor. A fortnight ago I found the road over the ranges very dangerous owing to slips and great holes ploughed out of the narrow roads. I cannot understand why things are allowed to remain so. as people are obliged to take risks enough even when roads are good, going over the narrow track and bends of the ranges. I tried the Lincoln road, but owing to a clay patch—the car had to plough through it—and unrolled metal, the trip was a torture. I have business which takes me each week-end over this district, and I am interested to know what is being done. It is rather a pity the English Motor Delegation was not taken over some of the pothole roads of the north. Surely the settlers pay enough in taxes to keep these roads in repair. “ORCHARDIST.” Huapai. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS Interested. —Tours is the first English Authorised Version, commonly known as the King James Bible. There were two issues in 1611, the first is generally called the “He” copy and is worth, roughly, £3O. The second, or “She” issue, is worth £ls. Art Lover. —Your letter contained no name and no address.