Citizens Say-

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 941, 7 April 1930, Page 8

Citizens Say-

(To the Editor.)

WHAT’S THE REASON?

Sir,— Recent happenings in one of our near suburbs would seem to suggest that perhaps the lady from Albany was not altogether incorrect in her statements. Statements which made the apathetic Auckland public sit up and yelp “Oh, what a dreadful thing to say about our girls. What evil minds some people must have.” The case was serious enough to make all thoughtful citizens ask a few questions. The worthy magistrate lined the young men concerned .£1 each. 150 I appear to say that these people represent a fair sample of the young folk of Auckland? That is not so. But the proportion of such is too large. What is wrong with us? Is it our system of education? Chorus: “Oh, no.” It would be quite interesting to know at what schools these young folk received their education and if they were taught any rules of good citizenship therein? Is it the lack of home training? Doubtless that has much to do with it. Are our suburban streets sufficiently policed? Are penalties for this kind of behaviour severe enough? Perhaps some wiser head than mine can find an answer. AUCKLANDER.

INDIA

Having lived in India a few years, I read with interest the article, “India’s New Crisis,” in Monday’s Sun. I would like to ask of what benefit the control of India is to England. The latter goes to great expense to clothe, feed and pay and transport he:- troops there; also to cope with the bother of political affairs there. Where would India be if all Europeans left? It is they who create labour there, thereby paying thousands of natives whom they employ, even the sweepers and servant castes mentioned. Supposing gave up control and withdrew every European, where would India be? Take, for instance, the return of Indians in this country, who would no longer be British subjects; think of the large sum of money earned in this country —and others —by them and sent to India for future use. It is ridiculous to say Indians work

in kitchens because Europeans won’t do it. All hotels do not engage Indians and if Europeans will work in one they will in another. Europeans don’t rob the natives of labour in India. They make it for them, whereas for each Indian here some European walks the streets, workless and hopeless. Some say “they fought in the war.” These are not the type who fought. Sureiy our own come first! Again, when Indians fought in the war it was in their own cause as well. Would they have preferred German rule to British? I think not. I would like to know just why Britain bothers with India. Perhaps your readers can enlighten me on things of which lam unaware. Maybe it is a case of “imports and exports.” However, I remain CURIOUS.

MAORI DIALECTS

Sir.— If “Interested” had carefully read this correspondent sn-name ; would suggest he had) he must admit that Mi's. Soljak pursues this controversy without producing the proofs several times asked of her, whereas her opponents—recognised Maori authorities and linguists—have given clear and authoritative statements in their support. Mrs. Soljak has been asked several times to authenticate her contentions, but apparently cannot. Recognising the essential rules of debate, she should therefore discontinue. I fail to see why the Akarana Maori Association—as a body—should be cited soljak. Prominent members body have clearly explained Uiat the discussion of Maori dialects was quite an informal one and statements then made represented merely the viewpoints of respective speakers. As an independent party, I have expressed what I conceive to be ar unbiased and correct statement of Maori I vl a , eC i S T an,J that Bib le Maori is Wailvato dialectically. S Verily Mrs. siljak is “the voice erv- ! !n ’.’ ln 'be wilderness”— where she gathers the bitter herbs of controversy 1 winch proverb may I add an- ! other (applied to those who persist in obstinate contentions) : “E Kuii. etu r "" sa Taumata-whakahehe-i Korero - (Madam, thou standest on

the summit ridge, where speeches a ever interjected). For on that surnrn » reverberating echoes in neighbouring hollows drown always the voice This is said of women who persist irrelevantly pursuing their interjc tions against the relevant discourse their menfolk. HORI TAIAWHIO.