Citizens Say-

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 895, 12 February 1930, Page 10

Citizens Say-

SALES METHODS Sir,— A distinctly unpleasant attitude of distrust toward the public is to be noted in certain of our newer City shops, where the rule appears to be that, until one’s money is handed over the counter, the article purchased is not even wrapped up, let alone placed in one’s possession. That attitude is neither good business nor good manners. A basic principle of trade is that one pays for what one receives, and the system of paying for the privilege of receiving is absurd, as it places the buyer at the service of the seller. Apart from this it is an insult to Auckland citizens who, as a whole, are as honest a community as any in the land. In my small way I have recorded a practical protest by patronising Auckland shops which trade in the recognised fashion. HOUSEHOLDER. TALK OF PLAGIARISM Sir. — Whether Katherine B. Sherman, the American authoress, wins or loses her case against R. C. Sherriff, the noted English playwright, her harsh criticism of other eminent authors will not increase her prestige. Miss Sherman claims that three famous authors have taken parts of her “Flags and Flowe.rs” to achieve great plays like “Journey’s End,’’ “Strange Interlude.” and “The Sacred Flame.” Some may be led to believe that accusing rival authors of plagiarism is her hobby. Upton Sinclair, Temple Thurston, and John Galsworthy have novels to their credit, with “Milennium” far a title, but these have no resemblance to each other in any form. And no doubt many other writers in the last few years have written and pub-

(To the Editor.)

lislied books with the same title. An author s life is hard enouglt without any accusations of plagiarism. bookworm. DISCOURTESY Sir,— On Saturday, at Pitt Street, some boys of about 16 years or so, members uf a cricket team, boarded an A.B.C. bus. Among the number were several boys wearing caps which indicated tlieir school, and truly it is a sad commentary on our three and a-half million pounds system of education to reflect that these young fellows are a product of it The writer, on the many occasions on which he travels bv bus. tram and train in company with parties of these budding monuments of leaj-nin-and adornments to professions. has come to the conclusion that, whatever else may be taught, decent public behaviour and consideration for others is not a feature of the study. To say AT. hS boys , were boors of a juvenile type is merely to state a fact. But the crow ning episode came when the bus passengers had to change into anbus at Xew Lynn. The offenders, with one accord, rushed the replacing bus, and were for the most part comfortably seated by the time that the womenfolk had arrived. Some of them, m a spirit of shame and -ifter glancing round to see who would he tu-st to do so. gave up their seats to women standing around them I over the crude humour of the nAVA the’ brhLeA SU A' u£ "'eve cumin tu the budge, and sundry other sayings illustrating the wonderful impetus our education system gives to the vouths of some of these schools p D .'.. ‘p, be boys, of course, but the troC-b e In tins particular care at Jcart ...... without apparent effort boys becam ‘

boors. Probably their home but it is a pity that they would n “ under similar circumstances wear * v.-rur-h cl,, not so plainly v>*!luro oi. their education. ' 1, . wM I'.U.L