General News.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 10

General News.

A Lost Opportunity. "In one thing Australians have misused a splendid opportunity," said Colonel G. J. Smith yesterday on his return from a holiday visit to Australia. "In the industrial areas I was depressed beyond measure to see the way in which the authorities had permitted the population to be crowded together in mean houses. The people in these areas have no open spaces, and their houses are without the gardens which are found about practically every house in New Zealand. It is a great pity, as those in charge could have planned a perfect paradise, especially when the fine Australian climate is considered." Music in the Street. Novelists and poets depict street musicians in a romantic light, but shopkeepers in Cashel street, which yesterday was visited by no fewer than six of them at different times, were not feeling romantic. They bore no personal grudge against the unfortunates who had taken thenstand in the street, but their nerves were a little frayed. One of them supposed it was a compliment to the street that the musicians should prefer it to other less busy areas, but wondered whether, if thp "racket" became too constant, it would continue to be so busy. In an interval, when neither the man with a flute, nor the two violinists, nor the accordion player, nor the one who relied on the power of his voice alone were active, an office worker called to others in her room, "What's happened? The music has stopped." Proportional Representation. "In the City Council election I think it is becoming very largely recognised that proportional representation has not been the success that its supporters hoped for,' said Mr H D. Acland, in his presidential address at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Citizens' Association last night. "A severe criticism of the system was written some years ago by Mr Ramsa" Mac Donald, and his remarks have been fullv justified by the experience of Christchurch. He argued that an elector voted not only for a candidate but for a government as well. This is exactly what does not happen in Christchurch. Each elector should vote for a council as well as a councillor. I have heard it suggested that the whole system is ultra vires the Municipal Corporations Act." "Breaking of the Drought." A witness in a case in the Supreme Court at Timaru yesterday was being examined as to the cost of a truck. He was able to state at once what the truck cost on terms, but hesitated when asked what the cash price would be. "I suppose it is so long since you sold one for cash that you cannot remember?" suggested his Honour Mr Justice Blair. Witness replied that recently he had sold two vehicles for cash. "Things are looking up in South Canterbury," commented Mr E. Anderson, a counsel in the case. "The drought has broken," added Mr C. S. Thomas, counsel for the opposing side, amidst laughter. Freedom of Voting. "I have often been asked if the Citizens' Association is anti-Labour, and my reply has been emphatically ■ 'no'," said the chairman (Mr S. G. Holland) at the association's annual meeting last night. "The Citizens' Association is not 'anti' anything. Its policy is always progressive. It is a group of individuals banded together for a common purpose. It does not employ the usual vicious tactics that are associated with the party system. It does not dictate to its members. What it exists for is to try to induce the most suitable men to give their services for the benefit of the city, and also to educate public opinion by making critical examinations of proposals concerning the city. Once elected, its members are free as the air to vote as they wish, and according to the dictates of their conscience. Only last night at a public meeting some of our members on the City Council mentioned an injunction to oppose others. The only condition we make is that they shall exercise their votes according to their own judgment." "Financial Courage Necessary." "We must try to kill fear and promote re-investment, which means new employment and an upward tendency in the price level," declared Mr H. it. Best, in a debate held by the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Society of Accountants last evening. "You who control money can call up your courage to-day or leave fear in command. If you wish to take part in the reconstruction you must have courage to do your rhare in a plan of reorganisation. The apparent sacrifice of to-day may be the road to prosperity and wealth to-morrow." Impromptu Collection. Practical appreciation of the work being done in Christchurch by Mr W. H. E. Flint, chairman of the Business Men's Committee, was shown by the Canterbury branch of the Certified Accountants' Association of New Zealand at the monthly luncheon yesterday. Commandeering Mr Flint's hat, the members passed it round and collected £2 14s for the relief fund. Mr Flint had been thanked for an address he gave afLer the luncheon and, in acknowledging the'money for the fund, he remarked that he thought lie had done very well in attending. Woman is Fickle. "May I have another voting paper?" asked a voice from the hall when the voting for president and executive of the Dominion Federation of Women's institutes was going on at the conference yesterday. "I voted before the candidates came and stood on the platform," the voice explained. "Now that I have seen them I should like to vote again." The chairwoman (Miss Amy Kane), amid laughter, gave permission for a new ballot paper to be issued. Unemployment Taxation. On August 1 there will fall due an instalment (ss) of the general unemDloyment levy of 20s per annum, and also the second instalment of the emergency unemployment charge of one penny in each amount of Is 8d (Is in the £) of income other than salary or wages derived during the year ended March 31, 1933.