Citizens Say —

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 202, 15 November 1927, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

SOLDIERS ON WAR Sir, — It is very encouraging to all advocates of disarmament to read the words of such distinguished soldiers as Sir William Robertson and Sir lan Hamilton on the stupidity of war, and perhaps their words'■carry more weight now than if they had been spoken two decades ago; but one wonders just when their elevation to the sphere of civilised thought and culture took place. Their careers are over. Would they have voiced their prpsent convictions when first entering their profession? The light has come tardily, but better than never, and the words of these seasoned soldiers may send a shaft into the breasts of many embryo generals who daily drink their mess toasts of “More wars and quick promotions.” CHAS. BAILEY. REFUSE COLLECTION Sir, — Would it not be an opportune time to find work for some of the unemployed at refuse collection? Some of the men employed on the refuse carts are evidently so fed up with the job that they are determined to destroy all dust bins. They throw down the lids and then bang the tins down and go away leaving an untidy litter. Both at my place of business and at my residence the tins have been knocked out of shape and lids destroyed by these employees of mine (speaking as a ratepayer). Nobody compels these men to work for the council and if the job is dis tasteful to, or too heavy for, them, by all means let them make way for other men, who may perhaps have some respect for themselves as workers ana also for their employers’ property. CIVIS. TWO-MINUTES’ NOISE Sir, — I quite agree with your correspondent “Disgusted.” But it should not be forgotten that this is the age of speed and all its ear-shattering accompaniments. In Auckland alone there are thousands of “go getters,” “live wires,” etc., on whom, if we are to judge by their speedy goings and returnings, matters of mightiest import depend. To all such, delay from whatever cause is anathema, intolerable and not to be brooked. Of course, this is a “hustler’s” town; ask any Aucklander. Although one man I know says Queen Street at rush hours reminds him of the title of a certain Shakespearean play. Maybe we old fogies who remember the late Great Unmentionable and even, perchance, took part in it, are prone to find faults in those who were too young to appreciate and are now too old to learn—or care. R.W. A WASTE OF TIME \ Sir, — Though Parliament, after about 15 years’ hesitation and humbug, gave us daylight-saving, for this summer at least, it continues to waste time and public money on tedious repetition about little or nothing. It is predicted that the House of Representatives mav beat past records and go on sitting, like an obdurate* hen on china eggs, for close on 180 days. Can nothing be done to curtail the extravagant chatter? So far, most of the fatuous talk has

been devoted to such exotic topics as Bible-in-schools, gaming and the never-ending liquor squabble. The main need of the day—employment—only secured the casual attention of Parliament, and is now ignored. And yet here in Auckland, a few weeks short of Christmas and the midsummer holidays, the Mayor has to make a drive for the raising of an additional £5,000 for the relief of distressed families. Midsummer madness it is, and a disgrace to the Tory Government and the wfiole tribe of mediocre politicians. And they demand higher wages! It is time for a great leader to rise from amidst the people and smite the political Philistines. DISGUSTED. PILING UP THE TAXES Sir,— There is little chance of the country recovering from the present depression while the Government goes on piling up taxes on industry at the rate of a million a year. The tax on timber is a tax on the homes and the tax on petrol is a tax on transport. Ninety per cent, of the motor traffic is business. The small carrier who is buying his truck on time-payment will be hit the hardest. The butcher, baker, grocer and such like all deliver with motors. They will be hit and will have to pass it on to the public, while pleasure-launch petrol is free. Could anything be more ridiculous? Why exempt the petrol used in a milking machine and tax the petrol which carries the butter and cream to the factory? A Id or 2d tax without exemption would have been far better. The country is calling out for less taxation and less Government interference. Members are asking for higher salaries. Well, if they knew their job nobody would grudge this, but they don't. Labour members are just as hopelessly in the fog as the others. What the country needs is Free Trade and a poor man’s land settlement policy. Twenty members of Parliament would be ample if they were elected by proportional representation. E. STEVENSON. Mount Eden. PICTURE PRODUCING Sir,— I went last evening to a picture theatre to see the film representation of a well-known novel. Excellent music, excellent acting—but I would very much have liked to get at the producer with an axe. Why are producers allowed to mutilate? In the production to which I refer all the half-tones, the sweetness of the theme and the local colouring have been sacrificed. I admit the Great British Public must have its pictures in tabloid form, but why are producers allowed to use the pruning knife so haphazardly? Why are they not compelled to confine their bowdlerising to fifth-rate authors. Tholse who have read the novel and seen its film equivalent will realise what I mean. HERBERT MULVIHILL. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS “Wager,” Epsom.—The trial of Arthur Orton, in connection with the Tichborne case, lasted from April, 1872, to February, IST 4. The JJrittsh training ship [jurydice foundered oft the Isle of Wight on March 24, 1878. Ed., THE SUN.