Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 273, 8 February 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say—

(To the Editor.)

ON WITH THE DANCE

Sir, — Not long ago reference was made in your columns to an Auckland student at dancing -who had passed an examination in dancing. As an interested student myself, I should like an explanation as to what examination this could possibly be? There are only the Operatic Society’s examinations and the Cecchetti examinations held in England or abroad, apart from the Greek examinations in England. How is it possible for a local student to pass these examinations without travelling to the Old Country? A written examination could not possibly be held here; none of the Cecchetti or Operatic Society’s board of examiners have ever been out here. Espinosa recently conducted Operatic Society examinations in South Africa, but not in any other Dominion. I should be glad of a little enlightenment. The aforementioned society's examinations, as all teachers will tell you, are the only ones that are recognised. If it were only possible to pass either of these here in New Zealand. the elementary, intermediate or advanced. I should jump at a chance to enter for it. A STUDENT OF DANCING. A MILITARY INJUSTICE Sir, — There is much that may be said against militarism in this Dominion; the particular abuse I wish to point out is that which imposes on young boys taking free places at secondary schools the obligation of military drill while under the age of 14. The Compulsory Military Service Act of 1912 clearly states that training is to commence from June 1 of the year in which the boy attains his 14th year. No amendment or regulation has since been added to make provision for training at an earlier age. I understand that during the war the Minister of Education notified masters of secondary schools* that any boy taking a free place was .to commence military drill —this, even though most boys nowenter on their secondary school course at 12 or 13 years of age. There is nothing to compel a boy to take on training before his 14th birthday, and any parent is quite within his legal rights in asking for exemption for his son during these early years, thus allowing him more time for the important subjects—education and sport. Military drill has been proved to be of negligible value in physical development and the time and money spent on it could surely be better spent. The present year is seeing a huge increase in expenditure on military camps and equipment, while many parents are finding it difficult to buy clothes and books for their children to start school Many prominent educationalists with whom I have recently spoken, have quite wrongly had the impression that the education authorities had a legal

right to compel free place holders under 14 years of age to take on military training. Parents who have the real interests of their byys at heart will sec that they claim exemption from this imposition. The universal desire for peace makts militarism, especially our schools, more obnoxious as rime passes. If we sincerely desire peace, why this frenzied increase in expenditure, and the continuance of the injustice to which I have drawn attention. ZEALANDLA. CITY WASTE INQUIRY Sir, I notice in your issue of yesterday that no further advances will be made in regard to the inquiry until specific charges are made. This appears to be another shuffle of the cards to stave off an inquiry until after the council elections. It* is no use throwing water on a duck’s back, for it will not stick. All through this inquiry as far as it has gone every effort has been made to throw obstacles in the way of Mr. Murray for doing his duty to the people as a councillor. That he has been badly treated is well known to the public. The people who have the money to find have a right to know how it is spent, before they will sanction the raising of further loans. The way the council has handled the trams and water problems and interfered with private enterprise (which has the effect of driving the people from the homes they are paving off in the suburbs back into the slum areas of the city), to say nothing of wasteful expenditure, speaks for itself. Judging from past performances, it may become necessary to ask the Government to appoint a commission to reorganise and manage the whole business of the council. R. RICHMOND. ORAKEI GARDEN SECTIONS Sir, In your issue a few days ago appeared a diagram of sections to be sold on the Orakel Block. These sections are to be sold on February 10, and are fronting Hobson and Orakei Bays. Intending purchasers would like to know definitely what is in the minds of the Railway Department. City Council and Harbour Board in regard to the uses to be made of these beautiful bays. Are there to be unsightly sheds, factories, shuntingyards, or are the wishes of the public to be considered in locking the tides, as has been so successfully done with the Orakei Basin, at so little tost and beautifying the whole distnct. What fine drives and promenades could be made all along the C S u r ji ° f Hobson Bay and Orakei mfrosl a ,h l .P S t 0 , ’-'Y garden suburb across the new bridge to be erected over the creek. Are our city fathers absolutely callous in this ' matter?

Agitations and deputations on bek*® of the public have apparently *>■ little effect in obtaining a definite o** derstanding from these three bodie©*® keep these areas reserved for the pu®* lie, but those people who are to buy sections are entitled to what may be expected in regard the future of these bays before committing themselves to purchasing, municipal golf links is being of. Who knows but what a spww opportunity might, be writhin the cro Council’s reach In that respect. _ destroy these bays altogether se*&suicidal. , CITY LOVERSUNDAY BROADCASTING Sir.— L. Until recently, we received station IYA. after the usual church service on Sunday evenw* fine selection of records by tbewo leading artists. And with modern fection of recording methods truly a feast for the mu . sic J{* «*. Lately, however, this admnjww® a rangement has been supersedes local talent programme simJarw nights, but with this diffejre: the vocal efforts have mostly a . t 9 religious flavour. Might I ' 9 * the powers that rule the desn flour broadcasting station, one and a-half hours of sermon**?* | few first-class records w-ouia welcome change from the l£>c *V who are so much with 'J s^ D jn fref nights, especially when these . string the changes on oratorio them selections. a v I *** To complete my ‘ growl r P^ y why the radio church service take that one and a-half nouri* j, average church time in Auc hjptd* one hour. If we must have suca casts, why should listeners*®. Aided with an additional h I know' many set - holders j*been emancipated from their *** ligious beliefs and to whom vices are for the most pan- tya* waste of time. With the Of IYA this not inconsiderable is not catered for at all ° «lg I evenings. Is there any r . erDf ptf their interests should thus b ‘'W,