Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 731, 2 August 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

PREMIUM BONDS Sir, Mr. Russell’s scheme for relieving unemployment and constructing a great public utility ought to receive the urgent attention of the Government. If members of the Cabinet would view the area and seriously consider the great benefit that would be conferred on Auckland City, the Manukau and the Waikato River districts, I think their decision would be—“ Put the work in hand.” It would be one way to redeem wonderful election promises which are very strongly implanted in electors’ memories. Give the premium bonds a legal standing. A.R.A. THE WHAU CANAL Sir, — I was very pleased to see that a correspondent in last evening’s Sun was expressing surprise that nothing further had been heard from the Prime Minister about Mr. D. B. Russell’s scheme for the issue of premium bonds and the construction of the Whau Canal. Possibly Sir Joseph Ward will discuss the Question with his Cabinet when next the executive meets. I sincerely hope that no minor prejudices will be allowed to cloud the issue. It seems to me that to question this method of raising funds at a time like the present would be most reprehensible. Here is an opportunity of performing useful work that in years to come will provide a source of revenue and, indirectly, will materially aid the city’s prosperity. Mr. Russell has devoted years of study to this problem and has brought his skill as an engineer to bear upon it. The scheme bears the endorsement of other engineers and is eminently practicable. I trust that Auckland members will see to it that the proposal—and it would sound the knell for unemployment—is kept prominently before the Prime Minister. WHAUITE. SWAT THAT FLY! Sir,— Perhaps a note of warning may not be out of place now that our summer will presently be with us. There are many fish shops and restaurants opening in the city and one cannot help noticing that they are frequently sandwiched between fruit and cake shops, where other edibles are for sale. It is very necessary that the back sheds and yards of such business premises should be cleaned daily and hosed to remove all scales and putrid matter that may be accumulating. Otherwise

we are bound to be faced with swarms of flies. I dare say our health authorities already know what the public suffers in this direction, and what these flies, mean to harassed householders. A daily inspection of fish shops is very necessary. FISH O! CONSCIENCE IN POLITICS Sir, — It was surprising: to read :m The Sun’s reports this (Thursday) evening’ that only four members of the United Party ‘ voted with the Labour Party in favour of Mr. W. J. Jordan’s Bill for the abolition of cumpulsory military service in this country—a service which generally is recognised as having, become a costly farce. But the paucity of so-called Liberal support was less of a surprise than the fact that an Auckland Minister of the Government, who is looked upon as a staunch Seventh Bay Adventist, voted for the retention of compulsory military training. Is it true that members of his religious denomination are automatically exempted from such training because of conscience or some other intangible opposition to military drill and preparation for war? If so, why should that Minister* exercise sympathy with other denominations which also object to war, but fight like Kilkenny cats on any religious question? Of course, ~ the United Government is a Cabinet of contradictions with rabid Orangemen sitting with exuberant Catholics; but not even politicians should, on religious principles, run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. There does not appear to be much conscience in politics. PRESBYTERIAN.

MOSQUITOES AND DUMPS Sir, — I have had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Graham speaking in the lounge of the Settlers Hotel at Whangarei on his all-absorbing topic—mosquitoes. I sat up till after midnight listening to this officer explaining the delicate intricacies of dissecting mosquitoes and wrigglers; explaining the wonderful parts and propounding his practical views of how to eradicate this pest. e were all of the same opinion that this officer loved his work, placing it above all else. Time and labour were of secondary importance to his labour of love. He was so keen, so enthusiastic, that we all became converts to his work, all determined to do “our bit when we got home. “George Street Victim” (23/7/29)

wonders why Dr. Graham **£[*«•- cleaned up Auckland before rei. It is possible that he has more or less tied up by red tap®-■ nothing: is. or has been done to a up this officer’s recommendatio *• meeting: should be called to deter what should be done to unnecessary sufferings. Now i* t time to act before the bliFh terS COMMERCIAL ADMIRER AMD SUFFERER