Citizens Say —

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 420, 31 July 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)*

PROGRAMME GLUTTONS Sir, — On reading the letters of “Crystal Set” and “M.U.G.,” I and many other readers naturally concluded that they were one and the same persons. This apparently is not so, and we have the alarming fact that there are two “M.TT.G.’s” instead of one. My advice to the two correspondents is to leave musical programmes severely alone and confine their wit and criticism to barrel-organs and similar instruments for the future. It is to be hoped that my remarks will be a lesson to them and that the contents of their letters will only pass without censure when they pass without observation. In concluding this correspondence I would suggest to your two correspondents to memorise the following lines of Alexander Pope: Some have at first for wits, then poets, past; Turn’d critics next 3 and prov’d plain fools at last. J. R. CARLSEN. “IT'S ALL WRONG, VIN.” Sir, — It is not a very difficult matter at any time to criticise the selection of a representative team, but the choice of Falwasser as five-eighth in the Auckland team surprises anyone who has'a fair knowledge of the game. He has not any of the qualifications that make for that position. His passing is of the erratic type, and Cooke may be in his element next Wednesday when opposed to this player. A. Knight’s form this season has been poor, and he should never have been given preference over several other forwards. Fletcher is a player who is unsuitable in the position of rover. He has not got a good pair of hands, nor is he clever with his feet, purely a “slogger.” Bush should have been chosen in preference to Butler, who is too slow, and takes a long time to find his feet. CRITIC. AN UNJUSTIFIED CRITICISM Sir.— Writing under the caption, “Too Many Tips,” in a recent issue, your correspondent, "F,” levels a mischievous and wholly unjustified criticism at a body of men to whose thoughtfulness and consideration the travelling public owes a very real debt of gratitude. As one who is called upon to spend a considerable portion of his time in railway trains and being naturally not completely unobservant, 1 have no hesitation in describing your correspondent's statements as utterly ridiculous and contrary to actual fact. Most of us have at least a passing acquaintance of our railway stations dui'ing busy times when passengers are joining or alighting from trains. Can it honestly be said that the spectacle of porters “snatching the baggage from the hands of the traveller” is a common or even an isolated one? On the contrary, one will frequently notice the helpful assistance which is accorded to mothers burdened with children and

luggage, and to those who, by reason of infirmity or physical disability, may require special help. “P’s” assessment of the value of the sleeping car attendants* courteous offers of service—which by the way are keenly appreciated by those travellers who possess a less mercenary imagination than himself —suggests that he is a person of a most objectionably parsimonious nature——one who lives in constant dread of being separated from his beloved “bawbeefe.” His attack, launched from behind the cover of a nom-de-guerre at men who perform in a notably courteous and efficient manner a useful service to the community is certainly not “cricket.” “TRAVELLER.” DAYLIGHT SAVING Sir, “Herd Tester’s” letter was a repetition of many others that have appeared from time to time, and after reading it I have to admit I am noYie the wiser as to his side of the Daylight Saving argument. He says farmers have to rise with the sun. If that is so, what difference does a clock make? Why not tell us sport-loving townfolk what a farmer really does through the long day and well after sunset and not leave us guessing? They must be super men if the long hours they tell us they toil are correct. The creamery and train times were rearranged where needed, and that seemed all that was necessary. Is the greatest hardship the reduced number of hours that could be got out of the children between the hours of sunrise and school time, and would making the school time an hour later have righted everything? Will “Herd Tester” please let us know by detailing a working day what difference putting the clock on an hour really made, and what he meant when he said that the more progressive farmers advanced the clocks? And why are not all farmers progressive? MOTOR MECHANIC. A RATEPAYER PROTESTS Sir, As a city ratepayer I protest against the council raising a £20,000 loan for unemployment relief. Much as we all regret the present state of the labour market, it is certainly not a matter for the ratepayers to deal with, as it is going to be a continuous need. Every year it is likely to become worse. Under the present conditions, the country is full of work that wants doing, but labour is too dear to be bought. That is our only trouble; the more money borrowed and thrown about is only making the disease worse. It is entirely a question for the Government to deal with, and not the local bodies. Then there was the appointment of an expensive commission to find out how to deal with the transport problem, vlien almost any level-headed man in the Street could have told the council wnat to do. The commission’s finding is among the most absurd things I have ever read. It means setting up another expensive board to manage what

should be done by the council- If trams do not pay. reduce expenses. The trams are run at present in a most extravagant way, which no private company would tolerate. One alteration that couid be made would be to to away with all cash payments in the cars. Let all the passengers buy tickets outside. This would simple! the work of the conductors, and hardly any inspectors would be required. 1 would like to see a meeting called to protest against the loan, and also call on the council to resign at once, and not have it there for another nine months, for fear that it will be doing further mischief. CITY RATEPAYER.