Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 864, 7 January 1930, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

BUSTLE AND THE STATION Sir, — Admittedly the present Auckland railway station is hopelessly inadequate to handle the volume of passenger traffic that passes through it, especially at holiday times; yet there seems no reason for the long delays that are now taking place every morning and evening when the through expresses leave. Last evening, when hundreds were struggling to be admitted, and many others were waiting to check luggage, only three men were on duty at the barriers, while a solitary official laboured in the checking office. In fairness to the station employees extra hands should be employed. All seem to be doing their best under adverse conditions, and it would assist the department and the public if they were given reinforcements. TRAVELLER. SAFETY IN CINEMAS Sir,— It was reassuring to learn from last evening’s Sun that the frightful cinema tragedy at Paisley is not likely to be repeated in New Zealand. From a structural point of view every precaution appears to have been taken to safeguard our theatres, and it only remains for the picture-going public to be inculcated with the principle of calm orderliness in the event of an outbreak. May I suggest an additional safeguard? In the principal American cities theatrical managers are compelled by law to print on their programmes a plan of the house, showing all exits and the easiest route to them from any seat. This is supplemented by-a short article by a fire department official, stressing the danger of panic and the necessity for an orderly emergence from the theatre. If the practice was extended to New Zealand, audiences would have a still greater measure of protection. INTERESTED. SAMOA AND TONGA Sir, — I was rather amused to read in last evening’s Sun that Sir Joseph Ward had said, commenting on a message from Samoa, that ,- in the face of the many rumours circulated among the public he was’ relieved to know that since the first disturbances there had been no further demonstration in Samoa and conditions at present were absolutely quiet.” What have “rumours” to do with Sir Joseph Ward? If anyone knows the position it is Colonel S. S. Allen, Administrator of Samoa, and it is unthinkable that Sir Joseph is not kept fully posted with every development in our mandated territory. That being the case, why this mysterious relief on the part of the Prime Minister? Why cannot our

politicians and Ministers of the Crown make a forthright statement, just for a change? One tires so of this circumlocution and fog-spreading. Why not give us a true and authoritative statement on the position? If there is nothing to hide, so much the better! But let us here hear definitely that there is nothing to hide and not be told that “according to the latest reports from Apia all is quiet on the beach and it would appear that next year's copra output will be well up to standard.” New Zealand is beginning to tire of being kept in utter ignorance of the position in Samoa. Personally, I dont* see why a handful of natives should be so difficult to deal with, provided they are treated fairly. And that is just the point. I can’t make up my mind whether they are being treated fairly or not. But I do know that their neighbours, the Tongans, except for a little religious bickering, are the happiest islanders in the world. No one in his senses could bring forward a similar claim for the Samoans. MALOLOLEI. MUSIC EXAMINATIONS Sir,— In urging upon us the necessity of establishing our own system of musical examinations, Mr. Alfred Hill has performed very good service for New Zealand music and New Zealand musicians. Annually we send thousands of pounds overseas to the commercialised colleges for the privilege of undergoing examinations that could well be conducted by our own musicians under the direction of the University of New Zealand. Unfortunately in this country there appears to be an idea prevalent that nothing is any good unless it comes from abroad, a belief which, if persisted in, must inevitably sap all our enterprise and initiative. We have capable men in the country, and certificates issued by them should carry just as much weight as one all the way from London. This is a question which should be taken up immediately not only by the musical societies but by the University of New Zealand. C SHARP. ROAD COURTESY Sir, — Another holiday season’s touring road traffic has brought many an old motorist to the conclusion that, as a class, road users of today are becoming less and less considerate for one another. Over the New Year I passed through the Waikato on an extended run and was unfortunate in spending an hour on one side of the road with a blockage in the petrol feed system. During that time upward of a hundred cars passed, but not one slowed down to ask if all was well. Now, sir, ten years ago, or even five, the sight of

a fellow motorist stranded at the roadside would have brought forth Inrhlte* erable offers of help and advice. cars dash past in a cloud of dust, less even of the damage done by thfr metal thrown from their wheels Workmen, too, came in for little consideration in this respect. Last year a number of men were injured by flying stones, and if no one was hurt during these holidays it says much for their dodging prowess. The use of a four-note horn which seems to ■''T _ t off the road” is, to my mind, the height of impertinence and snobbery, yet a number of the larger cars use these signals and sound them freely preparatory to sailing past their slower brethren, in a cloud of dust. -Hogging” more than a fair share of the road, too, seems to be on the increase, especially among users of a certain popular make of light car. who seem uncertain just where their off-side wheels are running. A few delays through mechanical failure would soon show these motorists, the need of a little courtesy. DISAPPOINTED. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT “Householder.”—Milk is sold throughout the British Empire by Imperial measure. The wine measure of 16o<? to the pint is that used in the United I States of America.—Ed., The Sun,