Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

AUCKLAND MORALITY Sir, — In reply to Mrs. Ruby Watson I do not believe “that lower paid workers would be more likely to overstep the rules’* than any other section of the community. When did I say so? ALICE BASTEN. SHOOTING ESCAPED PRISONERS Sir, — Su.ch things should be stopped. It seems incredible in a civilised age that a regulation permitting a gaoler to shoot an escaping prisoner should be tolerated. It is barbarous. I fully agree with your co* respondent that life is—or should be—classified higher than anything else. Xothing can justify the present regulation. I would suggest that the Churches take up the question, and that at least one Sunday’s sermons should be devoted to it. We have abolished the torture of prisoners. Let us remove another anachronism. HERBERT MULVIHILL. FRUIT TOO DEAR? Sir,— It is strange that Aucklanders are obliged to pay such high prices for imported fruits when their city is the handiest Jo the sources of supply, and the logical clearing-house for the whole of New Zealand. Wellington hawkers and shopkeepers manage to retail oranges, bananas, and other fruits at prices which, I venture to say, are at least 20 per cent, lower than those ruling in the Queen City. Yet the supplies for Wellington come from the same sources, and travel farther. Is it that poor business' methods prevail here, or are sellers finding that “some of ’em” can be fooled all the time? SCOTTIE. CENOTAPH AT MUSEUM Sir, — I notice that the base of the cenotaph in front of the War Memorial Museum is being laid down in ordinary concrete. This cannot appeal greatly to those who would favour a more substantial memorial to the men who fell in the Great War. The original intention, I understand, was to have the base in New Zealand marble, which undoubtedly would be

a lasting material suited for the requirements of a cenotaph. Apparently concrete is being used in order to have the cenotaph ready for the opening of the museum—and the memorial—in November. Concrete may allow speedier work, but surely those who control the operations in the Court of Honour need not have sacrificed a more substantial monument for the sake of abiding by a time limit, lit the case of a memorial such as a cenotaph, haste in construction does not seem coincident with a memory which will be preserved In the future, even if the authorities are eager to maintain appearances at a ceremony. ANGLAIS. THOSE ACCENTS Sir,-r-It is rather amusing to read Parliament’s solemn discussions of the problem of talking picture accents, and their effect on the youth of today—amusing because influences of this kind have been rife in the country for years past. Complaints are being made about the language of the speaking players. What about the language of the sub-titles which thousands of New Zealanders have been reading for the past 20 years. Then we have the spate of puerile American trash in the guise of magazines and “penny dreadfuls.” which pours into New Zealand. The language and sentiments contained in these are beyond words cheap and stupid. If we are to eradicate Americanisms in our language— and it will be a difficult task—let us go the whole hog or stop wasting time. REALITY. ON PUBLIC SPEAKING Sir, — Two of your correspondents recently have expressed enthusiasm for a more serious turn of thought for public speaking m Auckland and throughout New Zealand, one in particular dwelling upon the light subjects chosen tor the international debating team from the University. It is all very well to cry out for solid and sober subjects, but one of the chief purposes of a debate IS to present fact to the people in such a way that they will at once be entertained and edified. Humour is the most precious possession of the good debater, I should say. and if he is given scope to exploit this admirable quality, he will gain commendation far more rapidly than if he were to

delve into statistical data and heavy and ponderous argument. It is true that public speaking j Auckland is at a low* degree, but « not let ourselves become too dull. us not overshadow our sense of humour by taking ourselves too seriously* This public speaking fever can overdone, and I believe that as soo as the youthful enthusiasm of the political par jes in Auckland dies a '' • and they realise the futility of baac* conducted mock-Parliaments. will be a re-shuffiing of orators in city, with the result that only tof* will survive, and Mr. Justice Gregor’s desire, to shoot down • of the platform bores will be c pletely unnecessary, OBSEK' bh*