Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 862, 4 January 1930, Page 6

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

TIRED OF LIFE? Sir, — Noticing your inquiry “Are Aucklanders Tired of Life.?” I hasten to reply, personally, in the negative, and suggest that airplane pilots who fly at low altitudes ove.r crowded beaches, as one did at Milford on Thursday, should get three months’ hard labour without the option of a fine. JAY PEACEFUL. SAMOA Sir,— I do not suppose the disgust of the average citizen with the methods adopted at Samoa would make desirable reading, but the deplorable affair at Apia is sure to be called a massacre of unarmed natives in the Press of foreign countries. The defeat of the Coates Government may, in a measure, be traced to the dissatisfaction of the public with the administration of Samoa. No one will deny that the attempted arrest of the conscientious objectors to poll tax was ill-timed. Samoa should be left to the Samoans —they were the original owners of the Islands. Why not let them rule themHAROLD SCHMIDT. * THE TENNIS TOURNEY Sir, I should like to endorse what ‘LoveForty” said in The Sun about the laxity shown at the Auckland Tennis Association’s tournament. The absence of ball boys and linesmen in important matches was a reproach to the association. Another bad feature was the staging of a lesser match alongside the main court when the men’s and women’s singles finals were on. These matches were a serious distraction to the finalists. Of course, we all suffered from poor umpiring. We expect that in Auckland tennis matches, so w r e do not feel so pained. Even the dispatch of the matches, however, could have been improved upon. Some players were shown extraordinary consideration, which was hardly fair to others -who were more punctual in their attendances COMPETITOR. CAMERAS IN MUSEUM Sir,— To my mind there is a flavour of Prussianism about the decree that no cameras shall be used in Auckland’s War Memorial Museum. During the holidays I paid my first visit to this beautiful building, and, wishing to

make a permanent ‘record of its interior sights, I took my camera with me, only to find in every corner ugly notices forbidding the taking of photographs. May I ask, sir, what reasonable objection there is to such a practice? Auckland is proud of its museum, and should be proud to have its features pictured as widely as possible. Moreover, what right have the authorities to make this decree? The museum is the citizens’ property—it is yours and mine. Surely we may photograph it if we so desire? X should like to see someone defy the authorities, and let a test case be brought. I have half a mind to do it myself. Another thing, before I close: Even in midsummer the museum is as chilly as a tomb. I suggest that the authorities consider the question of heating it before winter comes round, otherwise it will not be popular. H. E. SNOW. THE JEAGLES" NEST Sir, — I as interested in the observations of your correspondent “Ostrich” who discussed in last evening’s Sun questsoll/? relating to the labelling of pens at the Zoo, and agree with him that in certain isolated cases this is not as complete as it might be. However, the point that offends me most is the comparatively poor accommodation lor the large predatory birds— the eagles and condors. While the lions, bears and other beasts have ample space for their natural requirements these magnificent creatures can barely flap their winds. Their discomfort is pathetic. I am aware that this subject has entered your columns before; also that there has been talk of enlarging the eagle cages. Yet nothing is being done I am sure that bird-lovers of Auckland will join me in deploring an obvious injustice to an interesting section of the Zoo’s inhabitants. SENSITIVE. CHARITY STAMPS Sir.— From the pen-name of “Blue Mauritius,” I presume that he is a philatelist, and therefore pleaded with a new stamp; but a change of issue would mean another for his collection. I have not the least idea of the cost of issue of the charity stamps. If it isn’t a tremendous sum. I would suggest that, another, bearing the King’s head, as well as that of the nurse, should be substituted. I fail to see why the suggestion should be “preposterously silly”! “Blue Mauritius ’ should remember that “nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit” and look to himself. Neither

can I remember poorly-designed atafflP* bearing the King’s head. I am not the possessor of an in com • but work hard for my living, ana ' gives me great pleasure to help a good cause. I send a consideraD number of letters and papers Home* would put a charity stamp on all., « . as I feel impelled to use a King’s * stamp, 3d each letter would be a too much. Therefore I must just P | them on occasionally. I repeat I wish the King's head had been j eluded in the design. WELL - WISHES* -