Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1046, 9 August 1930, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

“NO-PARTY’' GOVERNMENT

Sir.— Mr. A. J. Hutchinson has formulated somo sound reasons for the abolition of Party government and the placing of State administration on a propel footing. Mr. Hutchinson's letter is marked by a modest disinclination to say how h© would effect these reforms. I do not think he realises that the only practical way lies through Parliament; and it is certain that the members of our governing body will never vote themselves into possible unemployment. ANNOYED.

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Sir, — Judging by letters such as “E.H.’s” in your issue of July 4. it is pleasing to see we have so many kind-hearted people in Auckland, although it is to b© regretted these letters are necessary. “E.H.’s” suggestion that an iron rod bo provided for “Polly’s” perch is hardly advisable, as iron is so cold. Surely it would not entail much trouble to provide a new wooden one now and again. However, if “E.M.” and others would only call the attention of the police to cases of cruelty, matters would soon be rectified, or the culprit would be prosecuted. Eor a long time I have done this and have always received the utmost consideration and courtesy from the police. In the cases of lameness, etc., in horses, it would assist the police to have the name on the vehicle forwarded. If the informant request it, his or her name would be suppressed, A. LERT.

NUDITY AND ART

Sir.— Your correspondent who signs herself “Marae” is pleased to treat with amused flippancy our outraged sense of decency and propriety. To defend herself she prefers to be anonymous, attacking her victims in the dark, li she be a woman of our own race wc would know how to deal with her. fcShe puts forth her excuse that the nude has a recognised niche in the art world: that there is nothing more glorious than youthful beauty represented in that fashion. Maybe so. Art for art’s sake. But when it comes to the question of art for the sake of profit and personal gain, her sense of the beautiful and her ideas as to what constitutes the right from the wrong borders on the insane. If my memory serves me right, was there not a nue and cry raised in Auckland City a year or so ago because certain people in Auckland desired to have figures of nude females in plaster to decorate certain parts of the city? I forget just what it was intended for. However, a section of the community raised a protest against it. And thus it L: so with us. Thank heaven we are equally endowed with desirable qualities. We Maoris are great admirers of British justice and fair play. And

if I am not mistaken that same section of the people of Auckland who protested against the exhibition of nude figures, and all right-thinking and fairminded people of New Zealand will agree that these nude statuettes would only tend to do undeserved harm in lowering and injuring the status of Maori womanhood in tho eyes of tlio nations abroad. AUMIIII HAGGLE. Maori Pa, Ngaruawaliia.

THE PRIME MINISTER’S TRIP

Sir. Considering the parlous state of tlie country's finances how can Mr. Forbes contemplate tripping- off to tho Old Country to attend the Conference of Empire Prime Ministers? This little jaunt would. I suppose, cost New Zealand taxpayers the best part of £5,0u0 and this at a time when they are already taxed up to the hilt I Much bettor foi' Mr. Forbes to stay at home and try to straighten out things here. Why can t Sir Thomas Wilford represent New Zealand at the conference? He is quite a capable man and would be able to do all that was necessary on New Zealand's behalf and at much less expense. I think Mr. Forbes could do New Zealand a far greater service by showing the Empire that economy is needed here and that he is not going to do anything to delay the return to prosperity for which all are striving. Might it not also have a good influence on patriotic spirit at Home and engender a more generous feeling toward New Zealand produce in the markets of the Motherland? Let Mr. Forbes practise what he preaches and economise too. OVERTAXED.

OPEN MARKETS

Sir. — What a splendid idea to have open markets: I congratulate Mrs. Ruby Watson on her sensible suggestion. It has been said that in Melbourne, growers travel all night to sell their bacon, eggs, fruit, etc., straight to the consumer. That is what we need in Auckland. Instead of having to pay high prices to cover Queen Street rents, our wives and daughters could buy cheap groceries and fruit. Probably the best idea would be to use the streets, where hawkers could have their barrows and sell to the public as they do in the Ghetto and Petticoat Lane. Shops and warehouses are quite unnecessary. Let us go back to the good old days of women with baskets, and we men will have more leisure time! PARDESS.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS

Mrs. C. (Onehunga).—That is a recognised and convenient practice. The printing on the back of the programme is done in Auckland.—Ed., The Sun.