Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 158, 24 September 1927, Page 8

Citizens Say —

ONE TREE HILL The treatment meted out to Mr. Mathieson, as reported in THE BUN, leaves a nasty taste In the mouth. J3o those comprising the autocracy of the One Tree Hill Road Board “resent all criticism”? Make no mistake, Mr. Editor, One Tree Hill ratepayers are alive to their interests, and to the good work done for them by Messrs. Mathieson, Hardwicke, and Co. landowner. LIQUOR IN KING COUNTRY S lr > — „ _ In yesterday’s paper I noticed an article in reference to the proposals to hold a liquor referendum In the King Country, and was pleased to note the remarks of one of the Maoris who visited Auckland to attend the Methodist Maori Synod. As one who was reared among the natives of the King Country, and who knew the natives before the habits and customs of the pakeha had begun to affect this splendid race of people, I may claim to know something of this subject. f»o----body knows better than the chiefs and leaders of the race what evil effects rum and whisky have wrought on this virile people. Of course, I can understand commercial men of the world not caring a rap so long as money is made, but I cannot understand Bishop Cherrf gton’s attitude. j GRACIB Edenda-le. A DEVONPORT DISCUSSION Sl l’note that the Mayor of Hevonport states that a “serious breach of faith has been made by Government m refusing to grant a subsidy of «-2,400. May I remind Mr. Aldridge that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones? Mr. Aldridge, as chairman of the Stanley Bay Improvement Association, and members of his council, must be aware that this money was collected from the public by the permission of the Devonport Borough Council with the definite object of building a hall. This being so, I submit that the onus of seeing that the money collected is devoted to its legitimate object devolves upon the council. The application for a subsidy on this money has met with its just reward, and I suggest that it behoves the Borough Council to look up its records. I understand when the application to collect for a hall was made it was by two of the originators, who, at that time, were members of the Borough Council —Messrs. Pearce and Limber —who were at the head of the collectors, and were also instrumental in getting the council to allocate a site for the building. I think that those who originated and worked hard to obtain this money should, if necessary, take legal action to see that the public is not exploited in any way. INTEGRITY. “I do not usually reply to anonymous correspondence, but possibly in the public interest it is necessary to correct the wrong impression sought to be conveyed in the letter,” said Mr. Aldridge, Mayor of Devonport, when shown the letter printed above. ‘‘Your correspondent is evidently seeking to revive a controversy which is ancient history, so far as Stanley Bay is concerned, and in my judgment no good purpose can be served by recapitulating facts which are as stale as the writer’s nom-de-plume. The facts are that the early ideals of the Stanley Bay Improvement Association have been modified to keep pace with the times; and from a merely miscellaneous assembly without any rules, charter, or of membership it has been

(To the Editor.)

changed to a properly registered body functioning under the Unclassified Societies’ Act. Under these changed conditions its members have the right to allocate its funds by majority vote, as conditions may demand. If your correspondent does not agTee with their present decision, he may have only himself to blame for not attending the public meetings at which every proposition has teen openly discussed. With regard to the Borough Council’s action, it, unlike j our correspondent does not live in the past, but is endeavouring to act in the best interests of all as present requirements may dictate. It therefore unanimously supported the Stanley Bay Improvement Association’s scheme, and in its endeavour to obtain the Government subsidy for it acted in a wise and businesslike manner. We have not yet abandoned hope for this,” concluded Mr. Aldridge, ‘but whether successful or not, we shall be prepared to defend our action, even before critics so palpably biased as your correspondent.”—Ed THE SUN. PUBLIC UTILITIES Sir. — How much longer is this fetish oi public control of public utilities to be pursued in “his country? Surely nc more definite testimony to the failure of the practice could ever be provided than travelling conditions in New Zealand. On all sides are reports ol consistent and engrmous losses or State-bolstered and,municipally-ownec transit systems, but they pale into insignificance by comparison with the magnificent achievements of the State railways. A decrease in revenue, by comparison with last year, of £149,000 in 20 weeks! Ye gods! Ido not know of any obstacle to intelligent rail was operation peculiar to this country, bu 1 whether or not such may exist, in view of the monopoly they enjoy, I know that I would be joined by anyone else who has been associated with pri vately operated railways overseas, ii gaping and wondering “How do thej do it, and get away with it?” Wha a great little investment for the shareholders, and what a great directorate that is able to evolve and pursue sue! a profitable policy! A loss of ( can’t repeat it!) Why don’t thej try to sell the trains as a going con cern? We might then have the unique spectacle of a transit service in thi: country surviving on its merits. CAUSA THE MAORI DEMONSTRATION Sir, — In the interests of fair play I an compelled to write and express a reluctant admiration for the realism o the programme presented at the Maor demonstration in the Town Hall oi Wednesday evening. Of course, if regarded as merely ai entertainment, it had four objection able features —hymr s were sung prayers were said, and an a-tack wai made by a Maori orator on the abuse o alcohol, and another chief hit us siyl; but very hard concerning the Maor wars, etc.

But I confess that all these things made it more realistic as a Maori demonstration. The Maori part of the programme lasted two hours. Frankly my attention was elsewhere while the prayers were being said. The fact is, however, that no large Maori meeting is held without prayers or incantations being offered, hymns or psalms or sacred waiatas sung, and wherever the question of the social welfare of the people is discussed, the chiefs attack, even though they are drinkers themselves, the use of alcoholic liquors. They also have some rather hard things to say about the Maori land and other troubles. I agree with your reporter, ra ;her than with your correspondent: the demonstration was simply “great” in its naturalness. “ANOTHER HEATHEN.’^