Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 852, 21 December 1929, Page 10

Citizens Say —

PUBLIC SPEAKING IN SCHOOLS

Sir, — I was pleased to see that some members of the Primary Schools Committees’ Association possess a lively appreciation of the value of training in public speaking among the students in our schools. It has been pointed out by some of the most learned speakers of the Dominion that New Zealanders are falling off in their perfection of speech, not only so far as conversation is concerned, but in general platform oratory. Systematic tuition in the schools would be the best means of training future citizens in correct public speaking, and thus ensuring that the Parliaments of the future shall have orators instead of mediocre speechmakers. It is to be hoped that the education authorities will take the suggestion of the association seriously and institute a system of tuition. ORATORY.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Sir, — May I, through your paper, put in a plea for the small shopkeeper, that they may derive some benefit from the increased spending due to the Christmas festival? Most of them have seen hard times, and it would be a gracious and kindly action to make some of the Christmas purchases from them. In this season of goodwill, it is surely the time to ask ourselves who is our neighbour and remember also to support our own kin before supporting the foreigner and alien. Hoping that this small reminder may have some effect. GOODWILL.

CARE OF PRISONERS

Sir, — In our enthusiasm to make things better for our prisoners, do not let us overlook the fact that they are prisoners, and offenders against society. The work of Mr. Charles Chandler, for two years prison chaplain, will stand long after he goes to Australia as a monument of community service in the interests of the under-'dog. I agree, too, that there is much required in the way of cleanliness in prison life. But if the men are given too much freedom in the organisation of games and sports, and too much latitude in recreation from the essential atmosphere of the prison, they will cease to be prisoners and become mere passengers on the State.

(To the Editor.)

If we accept the idea of punishment for crime, then we must make the punishment fit the crime. If men sin against the law, they must be taught that only the severest living conditions await them. Deterrent conditions must be imposed if crime is to be suppressed—that is granting, of course, the virtue of punishment by prisons such as we have in New Zealand. The division of the desperate criminals from the less criminally inclined is a question which must soon command the attention of the authorities. But, let me repeat, do not’ let us forget they are prisoners. JUSTICE.

UNNECESSARY COMPETITION

Sir,— The small retailer has much competition to face these times, but there is one phase that I feel he should not be subject to, viz., church bazaars f<\irs, etc. It is well known that many widows, spinsters, and elderly men °pen small suburban shops to eke out % living, their only harvest being the Christmas season, and yet the officers of the churches call upon their congregations to buy their toys and presents from their church. Is this tulV 1 J eave the public to answer that question. ~ ~ „ CHAS. DAVY. 43 Mount Eden Road.

SUPPORTING THE RAILWAYS

Sir,— Of late years the Railway Department has entered into a campaign urging all to patronise the railways as against motor and other means of transport. On the face of It this suggestion appeals to the average person and very often he acts accordingly. Recently I had occasion to travel from Christchurch to Auckland and had. as luggage, a box weighing about one hundredweight. The department’s charge was £2 15s from station to station. This seemed to me to be a T C< !' on raa -king inquiries 1 sent the box by the steamer Wingatui It was delivered at my home in Auckland for los. Then again a friend of mine today desired to send a small 281 b box to Palmerston North from Auckland by train and had to pay 6s 6 , f °F th L e Privilege. I would like to ask the department through The Sun if these charges are reasonable? Ido not think they are. J.T.M. hvi T k? Railway Department states It is unable to understand how the charges

complained of were arrived at and is of the opinion there has been a misunderstanding on the part of “J.T.M.” One hundredweight of luggage, in excess of the regulation allowance would, if cinsigned from Christchurch to Auckland, cost 2s 6d from Christchurch to Lyttelton and 12s 6d from Wellington to Auckland, Including delivery within the delivery area. The sea freight from Lyttelton to Wellington on such a consignment should not exceed 4s. Passengers are given an allowance of one hundredweight of bona fide personal luggage, which is conveyed free. A box Weighing 281bs fiom Auckland to Palmerston North would be conveyed by express train and be delivered within the delivery area at Palnerston North for 3s 6d, not 6s 6d as stated —Editor The Sun.

THAT “CRUSHING ARGUMENT*

Sir, — I wish to comment on some of the remarks of your correspondent, “Claude,” on what ho is pleased to call the “pernicious doctrine” of Evolution. He is evidently under the : Depression that all evolutionists are atheists and that they deny the ex.stenco of tho soul. This is far fiom being the case. I am of the opirion that tho Book of Genesis was not intended to be taken literally, but is merely an allegorical description of the formation of the earth, etc. I presume that “Claude” believes the whole host of stars in the heavens, together vrtth tho earth, were created in six of our days of 24 hours each. This, of course. Sis entirely at variance with the accepted principles of astronomy. But perhaps this science is also a “pernicious doctrine” in the eyes of your coriespondent. As far as the Creation is concerned, I cannot see that it is any the less remarkable for being stretched over millions of years instead of being encompassed in six days. “Claude" states that one of the most crushing arguments against Evolution given by Dr. French Oliver in his address last Sunday was the latter’s “avowed distaste for a belief that bestowed upon us relationship to the brutes and beasts of the jungle.” I quite fail to see the point of this “crushing argument,” for no one’s avowed distaste of a principle can make the slightest difference, to the truth of that principle. For instance, the ancients believed that the earth was fiat, but all their convictions did not alter the facts. Since “Claude” says that he agrees vuth

practically all the sentiments expressed by Dr. Oliver, I suppose be also ridicules the possibility of Evolution being supported by the discovery of fossils. How then, does he account for the fact that fossil skeletons have been found which erno °l strate clearly that birds have evolved from wingless creatures? If birds have evolved, why not man also? Tour correspondent states that Dr. Oliver expressed a sentiment that appeals to the hearts of all. I should like to state that his sentiments on the subject of Evolution do not appeal to me in the slightest. I trust that there are many more who are broad-minded enough to realise the.* truth of this science. T. L. BIRKj. St. Heliers Bay.

MR. LUNDON’S LETTER

Sir.— Mr. J. R. Lundon’s letter to the Auckland City Council anent the delay i® calling a meeting upon the control of municipal elections was rightly styled by the Mayor “a sample of pure and unadulterated rubbish.” The fact ;F.at a man of sufficient standing to gain a seat upon the City Council should write such utter bilge to the council suggests that Mr. Lundon does not realise his responsibilities to tn© people. Rather does it suggest, hat he wishes to air the knowledge he has acquired through a close study of on® of the latest pocket dictionaries ~ little while longer in local body ***** will convince Mr. Lundon that set and not empty words, is required. run a city efficiently. ClVlat i