Citizens Say —

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 281, 17 February 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

THE TARGET CONTROVERSY Sir, — I have been reading with considerable interest in The Sun the verbal battle over the Navy’s new target, in which “R.A.N.” and “Another A. 8.” have been exchanging shots. It seems a pity that “Another A. 8.” cannot confine himself to the subject •instead of loosing off broadsides of abuse against “R.A.N.,” who, to my mind, seems to have pulled his leg rather successfully. R.A.N. (Retired). NGAROMA HARDSHIPS Sir, t Rushworth’s absence, may I flatly contradict “Bracken’s” statement that an “infuriated Farmers’ unionite threatened violence,” etc.? Captain Rushworth backed a demand for inquiry because he feared that eviction would be followed by violence—a natural sequel. Nor did the ±< armers’ Union “turn round and accuse the Government of perpetrating a, fraud on men who fought for their country. Asking for investigation of evidence which appears conclusive w laymen is not accusation. As to the rest of “Bracken’s” letter, which should certainly be signed in full, we all know and appreciate the Government s difficulties. All we ask is that the Government should dispense justlce and not hide behind the Crown Suits Act. “Bracken” has not been to JNlgaroma. Several of our members went there at their own expense. The Ngaroma men are experienced farmers. A. E. ROBIXSOX. PERPETUAL MOTION Sir,— The public at large should feel deeply indebted to “Archimedes” for his very original statement: “ Perpetual motion * • ** s . „ an absolute impossibility.” iVever within my knowledge have I heard this before, and it will possibly go down to posterity that the announcement of an inventor’s achievement was the precise inspiration that rodL ! ced gem of ignorant opinion. As Archimedes” is apparently so very assured of his opinions, I take the liberty of advising him that perpetual motion is an absolute possibility, which fact will be demonstrated before he grows very much older in his scepticism not only by one inventor, but by more. Your correspondent’s illustration of the impossibility of perpetual motion serves to show that no profound knowledge of mechanics was present at the time of its writing. No such unnatural acnievement as suggested is necessary to perform the “impossible” and, imagining that such could be achieved, what relation would exist between the man and his muscles and the earth? No relation, because such a thing is impossible; yet a related principle is supposed to be involved. Conservation of energy or force is the aim, and one of the principal objectives of the foolish ambi-

tionist who attempts perpetual motion, and does not enter the matter abstractedly, as our critic imagines. I would like to warn “Archimedes” in his own interests, not to rely on science as it is as a proof against discoveries such as man has not yet dreamed of. Science has not produced perpetual motion, and in common with everything that contains the human element would try to eradicate every thought of the possibility. Leave science to those who admire it, but let other men think for themselves —which, by the way, is not wasting time. EUEL N. DE COSSET. MAORIS AND RATES Sir, Some few days ago among telegraphic news there appeared a report of a meeting of Maoris in the Bay of Islands County which stated: “It was shown by the council that the rates collectable on Maori lands were approximately £3,000 per annum, while the actual amount collected was only £BO. This statement is unfortunately true, and the position has been the cause of retarding the progress of that particular county. Unfortunately that county has an amount of about £14,000 on its books debited to Maoris, which will probably be wiped off the slate. In fact that is what the Maoris advocate. Meanwhile the Maori runs his motorcar on the road. And now Te Akarana Maori Association asks for equal rights with Europeans against foreigners. Is this fair? The European and alien races meet their rate obligations. If Te Akarana Association wants equal benefit it would .be more reasonable if it induced the individual Maori to assist with his just due. A study of the question in the Bay of Islands, Hokianga and Cook Counties (where the Maori lives in numbers) will show that the Maori rate question retards operations. FIFTY-FIFTY. SHELLY BEACH BATHS Sir, As a reader of your paper I would like to voice my opinion on a statemend made by “Efficiency Wanted” in Saturday’s issue on the “absurd hours” of Shelly Beach Baths.” As a bather, or perhaps an intending one at tjiese baths, it surprises me that “Efficiency Wanted” does not base his claim on facts. To state the hours of admission are determined by the man and his wife” is not only erroneous, but grossly unfair. These baths are owned and controlled by the Auckland City Council, which frames the hours during which the baths are open to the public. “Efficiency Wanted” sug-f-ddmonai help. I heartily ennofn? 3® susge ? tion if °hly from the the hti T W of those vho telephone the “hl hs h 1 ai ? Imtc1 mtc in accord that the beach and baths are Ideal for bathing purposes," but sometimes it is ran he a T to cl °se the baths so they hive ea ’ a , nd to do thls the tid es considered. This I have no aoubt Efficiency Wanted”, will agree

is obviously essential from time. I do not propose to cn«w£|: : “the man and his wife,” but mer and constant user of theseJTJTr*' I must protest. May I HE elusion to “Efficiency W anted jAp* approach the Pcnsonby J Club, which renders splendid* 1 to the citizens of Auckland^. welcomes constructive* cnticum*- ; THOMAS GLM» BUY NEW ZEALAND GOOD* Sir, wWmif Many of your corre ; forward schemes to ' ployment, but do not straw ws root of the trouble. In yovr article of the 15th ns^* r J r^ J s aw& ward a suggestion that E»8 . facturers should instal plan g tralia and Xew Zealand. couragement is offered ® . —jtrs in Xew Zealand with e3US SfLd»2 : tions, coupled with the prej |#F of the great proportion 01 lation against goods jo Zealand The only way » gnS«J| with unemployment at .. _ the |ir to prohibit for 12 tation of all articles tha in Xew Zealand. country first, instead *| | ence to foreign manuf«*<ja, M Secondary industries p « F Zaß^ s l r | vital and beneficial to N g cona | primary industries. T * not expect to carry on i products alone. tgl(Je s° B, £f§ be independent of ou '_ imtr y $ supply to make th* cial success. Buy for Xew Zealand labour goods, and in return y. B