Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 735, 7 August 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

A DRYPOINT Sir,— In a -report of the loan exhibition at the Art Gallery, “The Fight,” a drypoint, was attributed to Lee-Hankey. It is by J. H. Dowd. William LeeHankey is represented by “The Shepherdess.” « D. B. ADAM. Edendale. A YOUNG BOXER Sir,— In reference to the statement that M. O’Brien had never had any boxing tuition except from books and that three days before the championships he asked for tuition, I wish to state that these claims arc incorrect. I had the lad taught boxing by Mr. Obeli, of New South Wales, and also by Mr. Glen Blenhaset, of Auckland. This, plus his natural fighting ability, is the reason for his success. It was well known, north of Whangarei, that he would take a lot of beating at the championships. I may add that I kept my son back from competitions until I was perfectly assured of his physical completeness and in fairness to the two gentlemen who have taken such an interest in my son I have felt myself compelled to make this reply. The lad’s natural modesty and inclination to disparage his ability may have caused the statement to be. made. REG. H. O’BRIEN. Ivaikohe. The statement was made by our boxing contributor on information supplied by officials at the championships. It was intended, of course, to be complimentary. —Ed. The Sun. A PLEA FOR PEDLARS Seeing that many of us have fallen on hard times through unemployment, surely, at the present time, "live and let live” should be the motto of everyone in a billet. Permit me. therefore, to call attention to the callous indifference shown to a deserving class of men —those who, to achieve a competence, take to peddling small wares rather than rust away in idleness. Recently, in Auckland, at any rate, certain hotel proprietors have adopted the attitude of “no pedlars allowed.” Of course, the person in charge of an hotel is responsible for the way in which it is conducted, but are some hotels conducted properly? Men and women -with criminal records are tolerated providing they have the wherewithal to pay for their refreshments. The reason given for this attitude to-

ward pedlars is that “customers are harassed.” Now, sir. this is buncombe. The better type of person who frequents hotel bars does not take exception to a person trying to earn an honest living. To many of these, a pedlar is a blessing in disguise—a collar-stud, a bootlace or some other little article is wanted, and lo! here it is brought to them in the bar, and thq trouble of shopping is saved. After building up a connection by fair trade and courtesy, it is a serious matter to be compelled to lose it. Surelv a licensed pedlar should be allowed to sell his wares in a public place if he conducts himself properly. I wonder if these well-fed gentlemen, who are trying to deprive th4ir less fortunate brothers of their livelihood, stop to consider whether their action is likely to cause little innocent children needless suffering and privation. S. R. HALE. ICY READING ROOMS Sir.— I have been much interested in reading the correspondence in The Sun lately about the .Public Library. When the members of the council were soliciting votes at last election what profuse promises they made. Everything was to be put straight. Now they are elected, what is the result? Stagnation as before. Here we have an institution endowed and supported by the State, and endowed by private’ citizens, and which absorbs £IO,OOO yearly of the ratepayers’ money, and yet is in such a deplorable state of wretched coldness that we ratepayers are debarred .from using our own property. The thing is unutterably absurd. There were 20,000 fewer visitors to the library last year than the year before, and the council was quite concerned as to the cause, and professed to look for and find the truth. Surely, sir, a child could spot it. The place is so inhospitable and uncomfortable that people dare not visit it. RATEPAYER. THE EMDEN Sir.— Y™ l ;. article foday. “Gossip in the Xofua, describing that vessel’s recent smart encounter with the Emden. away Dy the quiet coral lagoon of Wailangilala. makes one think. i\. S , her predecessor. and possibly the Wolf as well, rested from the world in that far flung haunt, and that the present Emden’s captain was showing his ship's company tile place for tradition? "Were they taking soundings in the growing coral or prospect-

ing for belligerent data? Or was it that they were merely seeking *■" slugs or beche de mer to mingle Wltn their gherkins? 6/8/29. PROBLEMS IN SHOPPING Sir,— Was there ever such a Auckland for difficulties about things? I could write a book on t ’ subject, I believe. A short time as;; I wanted to get some paper “staDß. and do you believe it, I had to £° fully a dozen shops before I cc 3J ld them. Then I wanted a small suitable for the weighing of *®tt *• prior to posting. But no. I could not raise one anywhere. A w or two back I set out to try an< * a wood cleaver (like a gorse K without the long handle). I iLd all over the city for it. and at last to go to the wholesale trade iw ‘ Then again, the book shops dont voo to care a hang if you get what . want or not. This is very mjrer indeed to the shops in Wellingtoi Christchurch, where in nine cases voJ of ten you can generally get * want. If the article is not in st oo *laceraise it for you from some other P But here in Auckland. Well, I * times find it much easier to senu■ » % and have things posted. It Li* lot of worry and needless 1 wagging. - SOUTHERN®®-