Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 302, 13 March 1928, Page 10

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

TOO MUCH LIGHT Sir, Can you inform me the reason, if any, why the majority of the public telephone booths in Auckland City have the electric light burning continuously? During this hot weather the heat in these booths is most unbearable, to say nothing of the waste of electric power. A REGULAR USER. GOOD-BYE, BATHING! Sir, I would like to express my admiration for the fearless way you have attacked the scandal of impure harbour water. We swimmers remember that it was mainly due to The Sun’s persistent efforts that the bottom of the Rarnell Baths was concreted. It may be that the latest exposure of the dangers to health that are present in our public baths will result in beneficial action being taken. One would think that we were living in mediaeval times instead of the twentieth century. It seems incredible that a city of 200,000 souls should be faced- with such a disgusting problem. At all events, my family has placed its bathing costumes in cold storage for a cleaner day. TRUDGE. OUR BATHS Sir: I am wondering: whether, in face of the disclosures made in connection with the Parnell baths, the City Council will have the nerve to proceed with the proposal to take a loan poll in connection with Point Chevalier. The Loans Board would be doing the city ratepayers a good turn if it were to refuse permission for the taking of the poll. Nothing is more certain that the proposal will be turned down flatter than the proverbial pancake, and I expect that at the best the costs of the poll, including men, hire of halls and advertising will run the ratepayers into several hundreds of pounds. We note the council’s penchant for getting rid of the paying services, such as the electricity supply, and hanging on like grim death to those that cost money; such as the baths, but the time has come for the council to abandon this policy, which is defended on moral grounds that are puerile—and that is praising them—and let us have baths paid for by those that use them. E. REX. CLEAN OUT THE BATHS Sir, — You are to be congratulated on the fearless stand you always have taken up on behalf of the general public against the incompetent administration of this city. Some months ago an article appeared in your paper, giving the opinions of several prominent medical men of Auckland and Christchurch on the danger of using the tepid swimming pools. Xo action has been taken since then either to remedy or minimise this danger by the present administration. It lias been left to the Health Department to make the first move in taking drastic action to close the Parnell Baths. The public has a right to know how often the tepid baths are cleaned and

supplied with fresh water. This, I believe, is only done twice a week, which I think :is totally inadequate, especially during the hot weather when thousands of people are using the baths. Another inept regulation during the last few weeks has been the cutting Qff of the showers. Now I maintain that it should be compulsory for every person to have a shower before entering the swimming pool—a hot one for preference. This is the custom in all up-to-date public swimming pools, particularly when a big number of boys use the pool who come in bare feet, and bring the refuse of the streets with them.

I believe there is some machinery for cleaning the water of grit and sand, but what of the germs which are exhaled by all sorts of people using the pool, forming all kinds of bacteria on the surface of tepid water, which is an ideal breeding place? Xow, I would suggest that the swimming pool of the tepid baths be emptied and cleaned out daily, hot showers to be provided, which every person must use before entering the pool, and that the management of the baths be held responsible for strict observance of these regulations. Thanking you for the publicity you have given to the question. A SWIMMER. EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN N.Z. Sir, — Opposition to the forthcoming Eucharistic Congress in Australia has been raised by certain persons who seem unable to appreciate the national import of such a gathering. The majority of Australians will, I feel certain, gladly welcome the distinguished delegation from all quarters of the globe who will pay tribute to the influences of Christianity beneath the Southern Cross. Apart from its spiritual importance which, of course, is paramount in the minds of its organisers, it has been computed that the Congress will result in an expenditure of at least £2,000,000 within the Commonwealth. New Zealand will likewise receive a share of profit from these tourists. Several trips through this country have already. I am given to understand, been independently planned. I would like to know, therefore, if the Government has risen to the occasion, made concessions, brought the Dominion under the notice of these visitors, and generally offered them every facility to visit this country—which has a great deal more to offer from the tourist point of view than Australia—to induce them to spend a little of their holiday money in New Zealand. WORKER S WIFE. POLITE CABINET MINISTERS Sir, — It is indeed extraordinary how extremely polite Cabinet Ministers are towards the close of their Parliamentary term. "With only one session between these indefatigible travellers and the elections, it is extraordinary the area of country they are getting over jpust now, they seem only too anxious to lend an indulgent ear to the requirements of the people. Why, only in Dunedin the other day. three leading members of the Ministry were together in the Otago capital. An extraordinary coincidence, of course. It will be the same in the Auckland Province before Parliament again meets. It is good to know that Mr. Coates has

m jvj -> **JOL*iOtlill fj not yet seen fit to fill the last Minis- •; terial vacancy, or the new Mirier | would be careering around the country with the rest, making himself a good fellow. As it is Sir Maui Pomare, who incidentally, has never been overburdened with work, is filling the bid quite satisfactorily—and saving u* * salary. / __ INTERESTED- j SOUTH V. NORTH Sir, — . i$ I have just returned from the * Island, where a very pretty -htw ( squabble is in progress regarding deliberate (?) attempt by the >orxn Island to prevent tourists from to the South. Surely this is a trivial thing and can be the work onlj* a few disgruntled persons wj have axes to grind. Tourist ■; are being blamed and the Minister j been approached. As Mr. oswo j2t is a South Islander he will see v - justice is done to the South To my knowledge many AucfcM*** , at least are net afraid to go to Cook Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Track. Such controversies » those at present in progress in jji! church will only belittle our be*--fUI COUntry - DISCOS** SUPER-SALESMEN I was interested to read. 1» columns last week. an account methods employed by a firm oi pcan manufacturer's claiming to on portunities to salemen and men. willing to work, etc., added bait that some executive tions were open. I had tiie . m iu T .t ol to be deluded by an these lines, and in three months r £ hardest and most managed to earn £ls 10s. The sate j£j£ w* re paid no salary whatever, w•■ re mugs, like myself, but a tn to be a ‘ mug*’ when there is work to do. My conclusion. son** caused me to leave, was . < Y ee pinff concerns are interested only 1 tfe# a large-sized squad of roads. They don't want e *Uj )ol ir. men. All they want i* cheap SPArvJv *** Frankion, March It, Hi