Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 718, 18 July 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

A PUZZLE IN FIGURES Sir. — Here is a delightful little puzzle for your readers. If the Commissioner of Taxes sent you no fewer than three returns —all different—for the amount due on your income, a receipt for the first request, which you had paid, and then capped his effort by notifying you that you would be brought to court unless you paid quickly, what would you do? I can imagine what I would do, but I have a friend who was bombarded by these taxation requests and ha adopted a nice method of rebuke. It is not often we can reply scathingly to the Taxation Department. He has sent the department’s latest % xiuest back, unstamped (won’t the co| missioner be angry?), adding that if tne department has overcharged him, he will welcome a refund. Can any reader tell me what the department will do next? MONEYBAGS. LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS •Sir.— There has been some talk about introducing Esperanto to our State schools, so that, on the principle of deep calling unto deep. crank may communicate with crank. Would it not be better, sir, to make better use of English in schools, and on the Education Board? Let the beautiful English language be mastered first, before any attempt is made to mouth Esperanto. EDINBURGH. PLEA FOR CYCLISTS Sir, The assertion made by Mr. G. W. Hutchison at a recent meeting of the Auckland Automobile Association that “80 per cent, cyclist do not comply with the regulations” (regarding headlights and rear reflectors) is the most exaggerated statement I have seen in print for many a day. Furthermore it is typical of the attitude taken up by motorists toward cyclists these days. I will admit that boys are to be seen riding without lights, but the total number must be less than 10 per cent, of Auckland cyclists. Moreover, when, today, I attempted to discover the number of cyclists without rear reflectors. I was unable to find one. On behalf of cyclists generally, I accuse a host of motorists of deliberate crowding on the roads —the most bullying, despicable act that can be committed by the driver of a large machine toward a small one. Many times I have seen a cyclist crowded into a collision with a dray or other slow-moving vehicle by a motorist too

lazy or obstinate to leave elbow room in passing. A few years ago I possessed a heavy, high-powered car and knew how to deal with those gentry. Today I must try the power of the pen, being merely a humble. CYCLIST. “THE ENORMOUS ROOM” Sir, — I have been sitting back listening to all this talk for and against “All Quiet on the "Western Front.” I have read what the most distinguished critics of England, America, France and Germany have had to say about Remarque’s harrowing, brilliant work. I have read the book. (So many of the hostile critics have not!) But what I wish to point out is this: In circulation from our city libraries is another war book, “The Enormous Room” (Cummings). It, in its way, is a brilliant piece of work, written with a mordant humour that is irresistible. All credit to the librarians for putting so entertaining a book into circulation. But all the words to which objection are taken in “All Quiet” may be found in “The Enormous Room”— and a few more; in fact. I don't know any word in a soldier’s vocabulary that is not to be found in the book. And now for the rush! BOOKWORM. AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM Sir, — I have recently received from a soldier friend in Auckland a letter from which, in fairness to the public and to ex-servicemen in particular, I append an extract, as follows: I suppose that you have never had a close inspection of the Museum, for the nearer one gets, the more one sees of how much the soldier interest has been pushed on one side. The war trophies court is on the top floor of all, and the last court that one would come to on a normal inspection of the building, and after the visitors have seen through the wonders of the Maori court, the animals and birds, and climbed several flights of stairs, they will all be too tired to take any real interest in the war trophies hall. Then again the Hall of Memories, complete with the panels to receive the names of the fallen, now becomes the institute library, available for institute members only. His letter makes very painful reading for many others who. like myself, have not seen the War Museum, and also for many thousands of subscribers who contributed the vast sum necessary for a War Museum to perpetuate the memories of our honoured dead and New Zealand's gallant share in the World War. (Continued in next column.)

Are we soldiers and citizens going t> submit calmly to the Hall of Memories, complete with panels to receive tfca names of the fallen, being convene! into a library for use by institute members only? Some citizens sing with fervour “Lest We Forget.” Forget what? They have forgotten all there was to be remembered. The soldier, for whom, a few years ago, nothing was too good, is now a. dream of the past. I wonder what our 3 8.000 dead comrades think of it all, and us, for allowing this wrong to be perpetrated. This desecration of the Hall of Memories and the absence of the cenotaph is a direct challenge to every ex-serviceman in the country to cry halt in no uncertain voice! To every ex-serviceman of navy, army, air force, to ex-Imperial men and veterans of others wars, I say: Wake up from your apathy and link up with the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Then, as a combined force, we shall be able to elect committees suitable in every respect which, will command the confidence of us all, and who will carry into effect the completion of the museum and cenotaph according to the original scheme and intention of the subscribers—with the exception of burying an unknown soldier there. Leave him. at rest where he lies, poor chap. Hi* spirit will be with us all right. Wt know that! W. E. CAYLEY ALEXANDER. Pio Pio.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Sir, — There is a statement to the effect that “one volunteer is as good as ten pressed men." You quote the Prime Minister in Friday’s issue as having said: “. . . The whole question of the defence system in this country will b© thrown into the melting-pot. . .” 1 think this is the best thing that could happen, for it would result in a wonderful change both for officers and men. From information gleaned, the weekly parades and territorial system are not attractive and are detested by the majority there being very littl® incentive and no personal or regimental pride. When I arrived in Auckland (191®) there was a Highland unit wearing the kilt, which looked particularly smart on parade; it was the last instance showing what the old Volunteer spirit could do in capturing the personal interest. Let us hasten back to that system with its efficiency and marked absence of slackers and conscientious objectors. There you found the trua patriotic spirit, and is it not represented at the moment in aviation, where men and women are taking out flying tickets at their own risk and expense? I can remember as a Volunteer tbs pride we took in our regiment, in our uniforms, in our smartness on paradethe mutual interest shown by officers and men. I venture to suggest, if experienced officer were commissioned to raise a regiment with its own distinctive dress and sentiment and badge, he would have his two battalions in* month, and he would presently h^\ e an efficient, smart regiment which would eclipse anything Territorial io* keenness, patriotism and loyalty. This would bring the best men the Colours and help to keep t.ic* 100 per cent. As for the others, w c “* they would never be any good in # fight. Give a man a smart unifora and an objective and he will fill uniform and attain the objective* There is no reflection intended on tn« present Territorial system. SERVICE ABOVE SELF.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS

“Argument.” —An expeditionary f° r £f of New Zealanders left Welling l on August 14, 1914. and proceeded I Samoa. On August 29, the flag was hoisted and the Germ* Governor and his officials dered. That was the first expeditionary force to leave the Dominion P* the period of the Great War. ’ Main Bodv left Wellington in October.—Ed. The Sun. . Past Grammar.—We can publish letter of that kind only if you your full name for publicationThe Sun. R.D.—You have not sent your na®« and address. Holding your letterEd. The Sun.