Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 729, 31 July 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

OUR VISITORS Sir,— . ' I wonder why the Citv Council decided not to extend a civic welcome to our French visitors. It was stated that owing: to the prevalence of unemployment no reception would be given. But surely there was unemployment at the time of the visit of the Japanese warships and a o.ivic reception was given to the Japanese sailors. After all, it is not as if our City Fathers were expected to turn on Veuve Clicquot at such functions. All that Is necessary is, figuratively speaking, a cup of tea and a bun. The main thing is a public expression of goodwill, and an opportunity for citizens to meet and greet visitors from a friendly nation. I suppose it is too late now, but it is nevertheless regrettable. Tlie French visitors, however, will probably gather from the private hospitality of the citizens the warmth of the welcome that is so gladly extended t.o them by Aucklanders. ARMENTiERES.

MUNICIPAL GOLF LINKS

Sir,—

I don t know much about municipal milk supplies, and from all I can gather most municipal ventures into trade are fraught with peril, but I do know something about municipal golf links and I think Mr. T. Bloodworth’s advocacy of these is to be commended. In Wellington the municipal links are a decided success from every point of view (financial not being the least) and in other parts of the world the same success has been noted in similar circumstances. Golf is a fine game, but the expenses incidental to joining a city club are high, and many citizens who cannot afford to join a club but who, nevertheless, are keen to play a game that has attracted the whole world, would be delighted to have the opportunity of playing Ye Ancient Game on a municipally-owned links. I trust that Mr. Bloodwortlis confreres on the City Council will give this question their immediate consideration. ntblick niblock.

“AND IT CAME TO PASS . ..”

Sir,—

And there were great rejoicings in the city of Three Kings for had not the wise men of the tribe of Allum harken d unto the humble petition of tne people and answered saying “Wo the mighty men of the Board of Transport, in answer to thy pleadings, do command that our chariots that rumble shall depart from the walls of the city and carry ye over the road of many bumps to the place wherein ye toil.” And the people cried out aloud, saying: “Verily, verily, thou are truly men of wisdom and in return we hasten to repair the way for thy chariots, and manv loads of the muck from the hills shall thereon be spread to make way for them." Then Allum, the high priest, spoke and said: “Harken! It is written here by the scribe of the table of times that none shall leave thy city after the hour of 8.26 a.m.. and none shall enter it from that time till 5.6 p.m. Therefore. those who would attend the sales of the bargains must walk or travel

by a distant road that is known as Buckland, also those who would visit theo and partake of thy meat and bread will surely stay in their own parts when they learn of the pilgrimage. Therefore, ye winners of bread will thy money and thy food be saved. Also I charge ye to remember that should ye make merry after the setting of the sun, the last chariot departs at 10.16 p.m. for your citv, and shouldst thou miss it a road of darkness and pitfalls awaits thee.” To conclude in a more serious manner, I might mention that the Auckland Transport Board has consented to run eight trips a day, but the timetable is such that unless one is in business, it is useless, for there is no bus to Mount Eden terminus between 5.26 a.m. and 5.1 S p.m. Another point to mention: The Waikowhai Inis route has been diverted to Hayr Road, Mount Albert Road to City, via Buckland Road. That is quite in order, but in the morning the 7.5 a.m. and 8.5 a.m. are about four minutes ahead of the buses from Hayr Road. This to my mind could be remedied effectively by allowing the buses exWaikowhai to do the 7.26 and 5.26. exHayr Road, instead of clashing as thev do now. The trips thus eliminated would be much appreciated if run about 10 or 10.30 a.m., and 3.30 nr -1 p.m., thus giving those a chance who cannot possibly avail themselves cf the present timetable. OMAC. FRIGID ZONES Sir, Allow me to endorse the sentiments of "Ratepayer” in the columns of The Sun. It seems pretty hard that ratepayers are absolutely debarred from using their own property—the Public Library reading rooms—because of the extreme cold of the building, and I have met many ratepayers who complain bitterly, and say that the place is uninhabitable. This is quite patent to everyone who visits the pli*t*e as the doors and windows are open, summer and winter, till 9 p.m., hot or cold weather. The place should be called the Freezing Chamber, not the Public Library. ALSO A RATEPAYER. DREGS OF POLITICS Sir.— As far as I can remember New Zealand politics have never shoyyn such signs of degeneration as been evidenced during the current session of Parliament. Many members on all sides of the House have been shown in what must be assumed to be their true colours when opportunity has been given them of having something nasty to say about someone. It does not seem to matter whpt debate is before the House; so long as there is some mud to fling and some political scandal to suggest, the politicians are happy wallowing in their little trough. Nobody will admire the action of the Prime Minister in his recent announcements in connection with the Yaile letter and with the suggested embargo upon London loans. Lut the clear thinker will have no more respect for the leaders of the other parties, who are scoring political tries by keeping quiet, but who

have their henchmen well primed to pot their goals for them. Lack of moral courage seems to o* the chief element in New Zealaoa politics today. Members have yet to learn that political mud-slinging is the most, dangerous boomerang ST* conceived in the light for legislate power. And. if the indications * re rightly judged by me, a few of these boomerangs will be starting on tnci. homeward journeys as soon as the test of the* House is forced. Just • there is no bad beer, sir, so there anj no clean politics. But why let Zealand get down to the dregs wnfn courage and statesmanship are essential to solve our vital problems? independent.

MR. RUSSELL’S SCHEME

Sir,— It is extraordinary that nothing mon* has been heard from the Prime Mini ter regarding Mr. D. B. Ruse®* 1 scheme for the relief of unemployme by instituting needed work at tn Whau. This scheme, as explained your recent article, would not only P* - J vide work for the greater portion our work.iess men, but would F ro '* Avondale with much-needed impro ments. From time to time much been written about the need f° r who are capable of devoting success attention to the vast problem ot « employment. Appeals have been m, even by Parliamentarians who. ° ‘ ously, cannot themselves And a. s ♦ tion. Yet when a good scheme is * ” forward it appears to be ignored. Russell's plan deserves, at least, c ful and public investigation. DO IT NOW-