IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 102, 2 May 1935, Page 6

IN THE PUBLIC MIND.

DOGS ; TEMPERS

RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNERS,

(To the Editor.)

So much lias been written, and so many different opinions aired in your columns re, the ~ood and bad points of Alsatian dogs, that, T hesitate to mention their name. However, in justice to these animals, I feel it my duty to describe what I witnessed a few days ago A vouiife man passed me on Symonds Street leading a particularly beautiful Alsatian, the do"'s behaviour was admirable. Yet this man with the loose end of his lead, which was equipped with a fairly heavy knot, struck the do'g a light, stinging blow almost every minute? After covering about 300 yards, with the do"'"s behaviour still cxamplary, his owner picked up a small stick, and the same extraordinary treatment was continued with the stick instead of the knotted rope. Fortunately at an early stage in this second method of abuse a lady witness managed toovetakethis man, and remonstrated with him. This unfortunate and highly Intelligent animal was not fully'grown, and with this sort of treatment, which was apparently his master's method of keeping him under control, what is his character going to be when he lias reached maturity? Is this not sufficient to make the most docile, of dogs ferocious, and who is going to be> blamed when lie seizes an opportunity to retaliate? I can mentally visualise your head« lines of a few months hence. "Ferocious Alsatian; Unsafe Breed." Now, sir, although I have never owned an Alsatian, I have handled many different kinds of dogs, and for years have been the possessor of a member of a breed much more ferocious than the Alsatian, and closely related to him. From my persona] knowledge of these different breeds, with their correspondingly'different traits of character, my unbiased opinion is, that in most cases of" ferocity, it is the man who lias trained the do" who is to blame, and not the unfortunate animal himself. An intelligent dog, certainly, demands equally intelligent handling, and with frayed nerves and uncertain temper, which the above sort of treatment must in time develop, what chance has he? NOT AN ALSATIANIST, "_AND LITTLE HUNTED HARES." We have almost reached the acme of perfection in the art of wholesale destruction, when the mere pressure of a button or lever will spread death to many over a largo area of ground within a few seconds; and yet, at Pakuranga, on Saturday last, was seen the ridiculous spectacle of over a hundred ladies and gentlemen, who had nothing better to do; the same number of noble animals that had to do as they were told; and a pack of hounds that knew no better, striving to slaughter a couple of ferocious hares. 'Tis true they had to tackle these fearsome monsters one at a time, and no doubt the tough structure of muscle, sinew and ligament made the edifying task of tearing limb from iimb a particularly arduous one. Nevertheless, it took this great aggregate of masculine, feminine, equine and canine skill, strength and intellect all day to complete the good work. Colour was lent .to the proceedings by the "blooding" of a small boy. This ancient rite from tho day 3 of barbarism is always a most pleasing ceremony, except for those whose strange mentality does not allow them to enjoy the thrills that" they have the legal, if not moral, right to revel in. Such people have mv deepest sympathy. E. SHORTRIDGE. UNEMPLOYMENT INCREASING, A cable from Geneva advises: "The International Labour Office states that Germany heads the list with ±3i© greatest number of unemployed, 2,704,070, in March. In February, Britain had 2,272,107 unemployed, and Italy 1,011,711. Belgium, France, the Irish Free State, Poland and Holland show increases in unemployment." It is useless for tho "experts" to argue that unemployment is gradually decreasing in view of the official figures.- It is equally futile for them to try and solve tho unemployment "problem" because, if they could put all these worklcss back into employment, they would so intensify the present glut of goods as to create a depression which would make the present world crisis appear mild by comparison. Tho problem which faces the world is one of superabundance. Schemes for "finding work" are based on tho idea of scarcity, i.e., that still more goods arc wanted. Quite obviously what is needed is not intensified gluts, but access to existing gluts. This can only be achieved when consumers iu:c able to satisfy all their requirements. In short, when they become "financial." A monetary system -that will step up purchasing power to productive capacity must be evolved. H.A.

REGIMENTATION AND PROGRESS. "Progressive" objects to regimentation of tlio unemployed, and suggests that educational and cultural development schemes would bo preferable. Does ho not know that regimentation is at the- back of all work? The judge or magistrate, would probably prefer to golf or play bridge to sitting in a Court dealing with all manner and condition of people, but he has fixed hours for his duties. Even those who teach the educational and cultural developments have to live, and to be paid for their services. Who does '"'Progressive" suggest should pay for that? Do not women have to "regimentate," thinking out work for different days, and preparing meals for fixed times? Girl's in factories and shops work many hours which they would rather spend in the open, swimming or tennis, or with a book. Life is full of regimentation, and no part of the community should expect to live on their fellow creatures unless they arc physically unable to work. 1 - NECESSITY, SHORTLAND STREET POST OFFICE. The Shortland Street site for the purpose of a continuing road from High Street to Quay Street is a necessity; an archway of concrete would not bo penetrative of carbon monoxide Eases, but if it was intended to line each side with shops it would be a different matter. The Don. T. Bloodworfh's suggestion of an exchange of land by arbitration is a good one; private interests have to 20 h\- the board when public welfare demands action. If an archway is made, with tiers of offices or public buildings over the arch, the rents would pay off the land exchanged and for buildings, and there would be no extra burden in the shape of added loans to break the spirit of the rising generations in future yeare. L. CAREADINE. MUNICIPAL ELECTION SYSTEMS. It would benefit Greater Auckland if vre> had (be ward system instead of fifty-odd names lo consider on one ballot paper for 21 seats. 1 take it that all candidates are worthy of respect, but some will not have a chance of showing their worth. If, as-* has been contended, change is necessary in favour of the ward system, readers only need to see the position in .Mount Albert with this system. They have 20 candidates in live wards, and as one ward has the largest number with live candidates, you will realise that as only two candidates aro needed from each ward how simple it is compared with tho present system. T. C._JACOBSES.^',