Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 279, 15 February 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

Sir,— I feel it my duty to bring before the notice of your readers the question of the harbour bridge. I can’t see why this work is left undone. In ray opinion it should have been thrown across the harbour 30 years ago. No other up-to-date city would have allowed this project to hang fire for so long. If the spirit which prevails at Johannesburg were let loose in Auckland the bridge would be over the harbour in the shortest possible time. Whatever reasons may be given against the proposal I am certain they are sound neither financially nor politically. Our importunity is the Government’s opportunity. I would remind all my fellow citizens that the world is of no use to a man when his wife is a widow. EDWARD O’TUFF. DANCING EXAMINATIONS Sir, — Thanking “A London Teacher” for her reply, I still do not understand what was the examination held in Auckland. Was it authorised by the Cecchetti Society or the Operatic Society at London? Who were the examiners? "Why was no announcement mad© beforehand about it? “A London Teacher” cannot perhaps know that some of the New Zealand teachers have received their training in England and on the Continent. One well-known teacher of New Zealand shared the same dressing-room with Gene© in the old “Empire” days. There are good and bad teachers in London just as there are out here. There are New Zealand teachers who also understand the requirements for the examinations. Unfortunately, they usually hold the examinations in the summer in London, when the teachers in the colonies have to be back at work again. I am an English girl and would like to see examinations held here with authorised examiners from the two societies. • A STUDENT OF DANCING. GOOD SHOOTING OF N.Z. NAVY Sir.— Will you kindly permit me space to answer “IJ.A.X.’s” second shot at the target ? I am surprised at “R.A.N.” when he mentions that th e sloops of the Australian Navy had justifiable moan if they were used for a theoretical target. He is quite correct when he says that The Sun published a series of articles concerning the accurate shooting of the New Zealand Navy. It was proved when H.M.S. Chatham returned the visit of the H.Af.A.S. by competing against the Australian Navy in Jervis Bay. The Chatham gained most points for heavy gunfiring and firing at full speed, and lastly for firing at a moving target not

towed by a sloop, hut by a picket boat and also towed by the Platypus. I believe there are stiil a few of the old Chatham’s crew who can verify my statement of that pleasant cruise in 1923. Perhaps it would be for the best for “R.A.N.” if lie had had “Another A.B.’s” experience; he might learn a few points, perhaps. R.N.. RA..N. AND N.Z.N. A BROADSIDE Sir,— With reference to last night’s edition of The Sun, and “R.A.N.s” second, and much more convincing display ot general ignorance and crass stupidity: There is only one item in this article which displays the remotest sign of intelligence—the statement that “R.A.N.” would derive benefit from “Another A.B.*s” sea experience, is one with which I, and the entire personnel of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy most emphatically concur. With the exception of a few people of similar mental calibre to “R.A.N.,” most of the readers of The Sun will readily recognise the fact that technical questions on naval gunnery cannot bo discussed in the Press, for very obvious reasons. Even were it permissible to hold such a discussion, it is open to debate whether “R.A.N.’s” intellect would be equal to the task of grasping even an elementary knowledge of so complicated a subject. "ANOTHER A.B.’s FIN AX, BROADSIDE." UNEMPLOYMENT Sir, — I beg to submit to you a scheme for dealing with unemployment and want during the next winter. Realising that it will be of a very serious nature and with a view to coping with it effectively, I have no hesitation in submitting to you the following scheme; (1; To secure the assistance of the whole of the Christian Churches in New Zealand. To make arrangements in each parish throughout the land for supplies of food, clothing and sleeping accommodation, so that none shall be forced to sleep out. (2) To request the Fisheries Department to equip fishing boats in each large centre to supply fish at cost price to bona-fide unemployed and to those unable to pay, free. (3) To build a suitable number of hutments in all large towns for those who are turned out of their homes. The Public Works Department may be able to supply a number free. (4) To establish State farms in suitable urban localities, where cheap vegetables may be grown, and at which a number of unemployed may b© suitably employed. Some vegetables could also be supplied free to certain institutions. 1 Push on with the scheme for

- unemployment insurance ganise committees among tne , to secure the placing of a Statute Book. | (6) To devise and sugg<l works for the purpose of ( (7) To consider and urge * TTjJri- " system of group settlements ' ypt j culture and dairying. that we are paying too little _ to agriculture. constant work than dairy i (8) To provide ways and w. * | doing this, the petrol tax __ jE I utilised and a tax be Pj* eeft JW o|l , amusements. racecourses, matches and pictures. I' (9) To urge the setting .*** f ference of both sides, its d ■ become law. tidied * I (10) Depots to be estatmgg I store food and clothing £ appointed. The medical P rol ckemists to be