Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 344, 3 May 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

AUCKLAND R.S.A. Sir— I would like to reply to your correspondent, “Ex Imperial,” who, I fear, is a little beside the mark in bewailing the alleged shortcomings of the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association in not extending the welcome hand to exImperial soldiers until a belated hour. The “open door” to ex-imperials is not for the reason that he suggests. It certainly is not a new feature of the association’s policy, as the writer has been a member of the A.R.S.A. since 1920. ANOTHER EX-IMPERIAL. EX-IMPERIAL EXPLAINS Sir, — It was with pleasue that I read Mr. Sharp’s letter in The Sun last evening concerning “Ex-Imperial’s” note, but I would like to state most emphatically that the treatment meted out to me, as reported in my previous letter, did happen in Auckland, in February, 1920. Mr. Sharp is so certain that such a statement was not made that I must presume someone must have taken temporary control of the association’s office. He also wonders if I can explain why the R.S.A. should treat an ex-service man as a civilian; that was the main text of my first letter. Ex-Imperials were few in numbers in those days, and the membership of the R.S.A. was very large. The headquarters in Auckland are closed now and a peep into Napier’s beautiful club, facing the open ocean, is another instance of decline. However, I still think the R.S.A. a splendid organisation, and worthy of ex-soldiers’ support. I feel pleased that “Old Contemptible” had better luck than I had. EX-IMPERIAL. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS Sir,— We had a splendid illustration of manners in customs in Auckland, especially customs, at the Police Court the other d Firstly we were made aware of the manners of Customs officials and the customs of which we were previously quite ignorant. As to the method of handling liquor, particularlv that imported in the bottle, the object, as in billiards, was to see who could make the biggest break; and so neatly could this be done that five breaks to the case caused very little trouble in picking up the broken glass. If it was considered there were fewer broken than would go round, that was easily rectified by a few more imaginary breaks. The liquor in bulk had to have all samples consumed on the premises, which at time*? was more than could be made away with. The foregoing gives a glimpse of both manners and customs.

Although this process of sampling was unknown to the most of us, we were fold it had been the custom from time immemorial. However, it was some satisfaction to think that those

concerned in this practice had to pay some £ 20, which would work out at about one penny a bottle of proof spirit. There are many ready to take up the job at double the price. Properly to sample the hogshead they would require a hog’s digestive capacity. When we know this principle is in keeping with old traditions it puts quite a different complexion on it- I was surprised that the plea of being drunk was not brought forward by the defence, but probably counsel considered that no defence was needed.

Now, in case of murder, which is still regarded as a crime, firstly the plea of drunkenness is used in favour of the individual; second, that up to the time of this crime he had never even tried to commit murder. and thirdly, he probably has a wife and seven young children, and fourthly, he had gone, or was sent, to fight for his country, and no doubt suffered from shell shock. We trust that murderers will be treated leniently in future, as we are all subject to lapses. AN ODD CUSTOMER. “THE KING OF KINGS” Sir, — When I saw the “King of Kings” on the screen last evening I wondered wherein anyone could find a cause for adverse criticism. Had the Magdalene’s way of living not been shown, how could a non-reader of the Bible have seen what a really beautiful healing she experienced? It had to be shown, even as the crippled boy had to wear his crutches. To me the great lesson to be learned from this picture is this: Am I crucifying the Christ Jesus revealed by His \great love in healing sin, disease and death? Do I use love, purity, loyalty with my fellow beings? If I use the spiritual mind which actuated Jesus, then is the lesson truly learned. The wonder of this picture is the absorbing power. One forgot it was a picture, in the self-elimination of its actors —especially the one of the Redeemer, for a more reverend and sacred portrayal could not be. I feel we owe much gratitude to Cecil de Mille. SINCERE. DEAN BARNETT AND THE PRESS Sir, — May I suggest that a serious principle is involved by the agreement of the journalists who attended the meeting of parishioners at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton, in permitting Dean Barnett to censor their reports? This, I believe, was the understanding upon which they were permitted to remain. To my mind the clear duty of those Pressmen was to walk out of the meeting. There was only one thing to do. New Zealand journalists in the main have a keen appreciation of their responsibilities to the public; therefore, to believe that they permitted such a state of affairs to rule at this church meeting seems all the more difficult to i understand, I recall on one occasion

a threat issued by the head ol an . L portant public body—no, he did t reside in the Auckland district—wfc he intimated that every member d ' board, including, of course, him* would sign “a round robin” if tht n- jp' port of the only Pressman present * their meeting, did not meet with h* approval. This ultimatum was iss'--after it was suggested that the report should hand his “copy ' over for t scrutiny of members. Needless to* the report appeared in the newspn as it left the hands of the w riter. &- the board members did not think-t-i worth while to attack its accuracy- I Journalists have a clear duty v" such an incident arises as that - : Hamilton. The freedom of the P*** is no idle boast. If such condiGCas those suggested by Dean Bart f were tolerated, this freedom would n® o - | be a thing of the past. In the circa- * stances any methods to secure a * ; of the meeting -would have beenJ*^ ' fied—once the Pressmen had 1«« hall. If there was nothing to hide. * did Dean Barnett act in this FREE T.B. MENACE sir.— * - It is to be hoped that The article drawing attention to Dr. more’s diclosures will have the R®*. of rousing the health autbontie*_ - of the lethargy in which they * lain so long. 1 wonder if the SJ&Z public is aware of the terrible stalking in its midst. A few en<J®j*j in the right quarter will soon contog any one that this menace is a j real one, and that the | spread of "the great white due to insufficient accommodaum* X those afflicted with T.B. and I*®* § control and proarr managenitfi j those already in sanatoria. At there is no way of compelling so afflicted to isolate himself or’to ... j a sanatorium, and a patient who j ready in one of these institution* i leave and sally forth among hi* —a veritable sower of disease I I know of cases where patient* ® , last stages of this terrible I siring a change, have left I travelled in public conveyances. | pied beds in hotels or eaten at restaurants or mixed. I their kith and kin without any g. tion. All this has been done wi jr j knowledge and consent of I charge. t Considering that the conveyiim a public conveyance of person ling from scarlet fever or &otu« disease is a punishable offence* I this apathy and carelessness regard to T. 8.? While this affairs continues we are all “ | infection and there Is no hop* j coming the spread of this rrue * f Credit is due to those who *** *& to attack this menace by that the authorities bestir