Letters to The Editor

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21387, 1 February 1935, Page 9

Letters to The Editor

, t . ... v . . .jo r--t i-emi.lv with C;"' 5 ' ""', . ;ac,t column of our ' ' v» ei.'.ae '' 6 fro.u noticing jnillO MKM.TU TALKS ~_t t :.. or 'UZ i-ntss. T . . • iiv? V.\ir morning "Fladio Health r>. ■ ■ r 'v. 'ove. who hapin to a talk by . ... • a'/.,, like many ■••ten in to vr.ri-:-(,ir.e cducaThese health • • . value t<> mnnv - • in indifferent . ... ■ . ■'j i.ropie to main- - =■ .. ■ 1;l;t ! rem the ~ !■■.■:, ;;ti I roill your ! ii.il to iiiKl • !:■ an cduea- .-, ay. cilhrr for i . c!' opinion that . . a . ■ 11 i! iore fro : .\-V. . . ... .<i i-xneri. learned ' ' : y ; ,'- va it,'.-. ,-i'.>"ine of the •7';^.a , • hj" probably i . a I '■ write sarcasm * --jr."p., to rthevo his blood *' I'■<rtakii:g of some -,'r, ' f,a a ; . .eianmondcd, would v- •>. n:t: information of --"educcti ra: c..;i-:ruclive value "v*.-.- ?••••'• : : expert: .->ll experts ,~V,n a a a ... " i ikal "i criticism r ,v.-;,Tiiis is !o be "•■■"■i-.'u-'i i>- ■ who before i'av-* criticism ,a .. ( •>■> value so v ,v <• ••fit therefrom and I -.- ;i :ittli* further to -ve Viv cxpf.'icnvr of contact, with ■ *'r Jrgr:ico fexport which I hope •P'*be!p 'erne -ufTerer to regain his norma! 7ie.->!th and enjoy the jiea'sures of th:.-> life that God gave f'was a •.errib!" su'Verer in my linger days fn»m rheumatoid arth- ► Up to the ace of 28 years n't was • -'en the year 1!>08> I was a healthy raungr man. indulging in the normal tof life, took an active intcrf,. j n sport and gymnastics, and f-cught I was set for life. But in that -.'ear the joints in my lower limbs and thoulder blades became badly swollen ijid inflamed, so that the doctor who ; s*now food expert was called in for consultation. I had then gone too far 'or him to help me much, although he was extremely good to me. so he je;s: me to the Christehurch Hospital a: once. I remained there some time ar.d when convalescent, was sent to Kanmer. After remaining there at t.-.e Sanatorium for several months I returned to town without a complete c4Fe. The learned doctor did not get a ch; ee to cure me thoroughly as I was transferred to the North Island, but he then told me that as >r.y case indicated an hereditary taint traa my anccs'rrs of two generations, was very unlikely that I would ever be cured thoroughly. Had I known •hen what I learned in 1922 about diet I would. I am sure, never have suffered the years of agony that I did >uffer. The v.-ai m climate of the Xcrth Island did me 110 good, and ac-r-aiiy made nto generally worse, so •hat in 1913 I was sent To Rctorua 011 crutches, remained there for several :r.r.r.\h-:. and returned baek to my hrr.e partly cured. But every November 1 had a return of the comS»a:r.<. In IDiO 1 was again transferred back to Christ church. Evr.-y year 1 had another attack about 1020 r.r 102:!, just ibeat the time Mr Devercau -.: is ;:dvo;-? - !!in a -e- n-!c.*:i diet. I is no to th.i- titv..- livttig on the same f:cd a- tveryburly ( he indulged in in :r> ctys. If I hacl consulted my aai nu'd-cat man. who is food exr.;r* 1 would probably have l-rt!'! rf;-tr.red to health again with the : .-ier.tif!:- "knowledge that medical men i " aoed in recent years in refer'to die' in relation to health, '.'r Devercau was advocating a jtrctn-leaf diet, and I am of opinion the learned doctor, along with many fher medical men. began to take an interest in this subject also. Ir. 1922 an American medical man toured New Zealand, and gave six lectures in Christehurch. I also heard the food expert lecture several times. 1 attended one lecture addressed by the American doctor. I was assisted to the lecture by friends, as I was then on crutches. The American doctor advised me to fast for 30 days and crink hot water every two hours, discard the pepper and salt cellar, throw :: over the fence, refrain from eating pickles, sauces, and all condiments, cat wholesome food, vegetable soups £s recommended by the food expert from 3YA. cut out too much tea. also fruit 'acid fruit), drink plenty of water, and take exercise.

After I had fasted 12 days the agony swollen joints was banished and I (or.tinued to improve, only losing s]>lb m weight during the fast of 30 days. 1 was overjoyed at the prospect of a :t-;urn to normal health, and although a bit weak from fasting I felt better then I had for 14 years. It was then chance properly to cure myself, as !' was then the end of the second J-'-ven-year period I had suffered from '•*.,s terrible ac;ony. I soon regained J-orma! health again after taking light foods just after fasting for a few days, thanfo to Mr Devereau. the food expert and the American doctor. Since that time, scnerally speaking. I have had no return of the disease except an occasion;)! attack which has bten ray own fault for departing from the advice given me. I have just turned SO year?, am in better health, play t?r.n!F. go deer ;'.a!kintt with my sons, tut still v;k-U to the advice given me ■:i 1922. I live on a modified green ?&'l diet, have one Mood ordinary meal, '["•eluding meat, (.nee a day but never "rink with my meal:-, especially tea, *rink jetwcc-u meals, water cr a weak cf tea wr.h a biscuit. I drink P.enty of wat. r which flushes out the k.dr.evi and the sewer system of the "Jnsan bod; , take plenty" of exercise, from my ov. n experience there is r.a reason why people should go on fj -T?ring \iarj. of ageny. when they the opportunity that 3YA offers *5 enjoy normal health. I could say a -mod deal more on this fubjcct from a hivman's point of view ° f curing mvseif'of this terrible disuse. I v.» K .,.ri lv hope that somebody ; V; ii ixne,;* by my letter and informa"W a.ver. by food expert. Never •"■■"d what p. ■ Trolovc says to the abmr mixing a certain class f,> : - '.be mind, a little of a cerI.'ir.d tak'-n in moderation helps '' :;:j ",::e ■•■•. stern. Or.'.- v Whv do housev ti ..train off "all vegetable t; _~ v . lHr tnbles down the '.vh -i: boiling out all the what is left is mostly ~re. e'. 1 :-table water makes tta u' :a! re -p.- vh. n thickened with s-'-ii'.abk- MvvirV.* hence one of the 1 -;-"tt? of my <•!"'" •' e"'-•' - ; . ( ■ -rt \rv ])!■<.'revri 1 e or '-•"•ybodv 1 n f throw" the tea from the (iv-.:, ; and eat the - f -aves'.' I r! . ;x . ,f the average pers mbj-'H any consideration • r, -Rithi- apoint of view, as ad- ,.°'-' a ted by fond expert from 3YA, £"- r * Wvuln be so much sickness ■•a our midst. Yours, etc.. \V. PALMER HERNE. , ''• S.:— Avoid too much sugar: one ; "fitter without any. Use honey inAlto avoid Va't. take instead chloride. Salt, coming in conWith uric acid in '.he blood, causes £ Prisonous compound and forms uric PCid crystals, which attack the joints.

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COLOMBO STREET TRAM TRACK TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir. —In your sub-leader of January 30 you mention the deplorable state of the portion of Colombo street which has been receiving attention from the various bodies, and incidentally cast a brick or two at the Tramway Board for not putting new rails on permanent bedding instead of replacing the old rails on a shingle foundation. Now, should we not rather commend this local body for its economy and indeed urge its example on some of our other local bodies. It seems to me from the general trend of things that on this section at least in a few years' time tram rails will not be required at all, as trolley-buses or even petrol buses will cater more economically for this district, thus saving a very heavy outlay in rails and maintenance, and probably Crossing-keepers' wages. This brings me to another aspect, where further consideration might prove wise. The City Council intends to lay i he remainder of this street with concrete and bitumen, with the prospect of having to relay most of it in a few years' time (half its proper life). 1 know this is part of a set programme made some years ago as a main arterial road. This .work will probably extend into the winter months, with all"the inconvenience it entails. Now. would it not be wiser to put down a good bitumen road (with a life of about 10 years) and which could be laid - down almost at the qame lime ns flic tram lines and in much less time? We have to recognise that though there is a good deal of traffic on this street, it cannot be called heavy traffic, and as bitumen is standing up to traffic in the country it should serve all right for the traffic in this district. I do not wish to throw bricks at the City Engineer, who is probably among the foremost of road makers, given plenty of money to spend, but the trouble is that finance is extremely limited, and the saving could be distributed over streets in the city and suburbs that are at present- a positive disgrace, sidewalks with no asphalt, others where asphalt is broken and dangerous, and streets emulating the "rockv road to Dublin." Now, you may think these last comments are extraneous to your subleader, but they are made for the purpose of congratulating the Tramway Board for looking ahead and of urging other local bodies to do likewise. Yours, etc. ECONOMY. January 31, 1935. mortgage finance TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —The Minister for Finance, in doing some propaganda work on behalf of the Mortgage Corporation Bill, is reported to have stated in Auckland yesterday that there were about 50,000 farmers in New Zealand who were insolvent. This appears to be a very wild statement. The total of farm holdings "in New Zealand is approximately 83,800. Of these, 25,000 are from one to' 50 acres, and include poultry, timber, flax, fruit lands, etc. This leaves 58,800 holdings from 50 acres upwards. On the face of it the statement made is ridiculous, and is also damaging to the country's interests.— Yours, etc., FINANCE. January 30, 1935. USES OF WHEAT STRAW TO THE EDITOR OF THE rF.BSS. Sir,—Last year I wrote to "The Press" about the folly of burning wheat straw, the food value of which is more than £1 a ton on the farm. Mv November and December numbers of the "Journal of Agriculture, London, give the food value in N9vembcr as £1 5s 011 the farm, and m December. £1 2s. New in Canterbury at any rale, thcr c ands upon thousands of tons are burnt each year. I wonder will th<", farmers do this stupid thing this year One of my friends makes manure 01 it This enriches the soil and puts humus where it is badly needed. The use of tractors and doing Sgyay the horse will be the cause "bf robbing the land of humus, and the people who do this will be very sorry for themselves in time. The loss ot the humus is the most serious matter. Much of this can be avoided by turning the straw into manure and humus. -Yours, etc., GEORGE LEE. Templeton, January 31, 1935.

I STREET LIGHTING I TO THI EDITOR OF THE PRBSS. Sir, Will you allow me a few lines to express my views on the so-called street lighting in the suburbs of Christchurch. I was at a friend s house in Rugby street the other evening and when I reached the footpath on 'my return home, I quite thought the lights had failed. The street appeared to be in almost total darkness. I looked again and saw a very dim light from the lamp on the other side of the road. On looking still further along the street, I found that all the lamps were shedding the same amount of dim light. I am particularly referring to Rugby street in this instance, but I do not know why, as all the streets leading from the Papanui road, are to my mind, not only dangerously, but' disgracefully lighted, even the Papanui road itself is not much better. If it were not for the lights from motor-cars, it would be quite difficult to proceed with any feeling of secuiitv. I do not know if the residents of other parts of Christchurch ft ll . l ' the same difficulty in picking their steps along the footpath; if so I hope they will air their grievance through the medium of your paper. Yours, etc " LOST SHEEP. January 31, 1935. the unemployed problem TO Til* BDITOR Or TUB I'RESS. Si r _The unemployed of Christchurch have been presenting their condition before the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Christchurch. In cnite cf reports regarding the general condition of affairs that there is an improvement throughout the country, the total number of unemployed percons is not being materially reduced. I noticed in to-day's issue of ihe Press" that there are also more than 900 boys, having left school still awaiting permanent employment. This appears to be a most serious state of atlairs The economic position canInot be viewed with feelings of com- ' piacency One cannot anticipate steps of the future with comfort. The Schools are crowded; the professions are glutted; the unemployed are asking for bread. God through nature, is most generous in His gifts for the needs of the children of men. There appears to be an unwillingness to experiment with remedial proposals. A large number cf schemes which have b.een adopted, viewed in their best light, aie but expedients for easing the burden of unemployment. I wish to make a proposal which may meet the eye of some person who may bring it before a group of interested men who may discuss and recommend anything that may be found of value. The proposal is as follows; The unemployed fund" should be altered to an "employed assistance fund." And wherever a department of service, public or private, is prepared to reduce the hours of employment and the working week, in order to increase the total number, of employees, they shall be subsidised cut of the fund to the extent of such altered terms of service and as long as it is proved necessary

in the interests of the industry concerned. I put the suggestion forward realising that the present situation can only continue with injurious effects, physical, mental, moral, and spiritual on the community. The unemployed fund has been created out of a sense of need. After these years of service I think there should be a more constructive policy by applying the fund to a practical, remedial purpose with a view to solving the problem of unemployment.—Yours, etc.. MOSES A.YRTON. Tai Tapu, January 30, 1935. THE BATTLE FOR BREAD TO THS KDITOB 07 TB* PR»S». Sir, —I was somewhat astounded with the two letters which appeared in your correspondence columns on Tuesday, under the above heading. Messrs Harrison and Robinson fail to have a real understanding of the prevailing conditions in connexion with the administration of religious institutions. It is perfectly obvious that the factsenumerated by the Bishop of London must have been apparent to him since childhood. Why, at this stage of the social and economic drama he delivers himself in the tone he did is food for reflection. We can only premise that it is the weight of growing rational opinion. Some of ecclesiastical leanings suggest a "change of heart." How can this phase express itself in any other way in its inception than by the inauguration of a sound, just, and logical reform to displace the present ludicrous structure? The churches, once relieved of the incubus and domination of anti-social bodies, can do their work as it was originally intended by the Divine Organiser. For your correspondents to suggest initiative on the part of the clergy is decidedly not fair to them, as the welfare of their dependants is as vital to them as to other sufferers of modern society.-—Yours, etc., D. McKENZIE. January 31, 1935. OYSTERS AND FISH TO Til* BDITOR Or THE PRBSS. Sir,—Since writing in your columns yesterday, I believe that a deputation from the executive of the local Fishmongers' Association has left for Bluff. Weli, good luck to them. May they be successful in getting a substantial reduction in the price of oysters and let, the working man again have this choice and beneficial food on his table. My advice is to let the local vested interests show the public which shops they control and by so doing show which shops arc fighting for their benefit. The local agents would do well to remember what happened in the merchants' and fruiterers' little war a few weeks back, and read the writing on the wall, for though they can certainly do as they like with some of the fish retailers some of the time, they cannot do the same with all the retailers all of the time. And as their Innings has extended over a period of more than 10 years, the time is nearly up when Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler tactics will work. Good old take the tish at that price or in the freezer it goes, their number is «early up, so they should be in lime and hear. —Yours, etc., VOX POPULI. January 31, 1935.

RADIO -DANCE PROGRAMMES TO TUB EDITOK 07 THE t'RKSS. Sir, —In last Saturday's notes, "Ariel" said, "New Zealand radio knows nothing of modern dance music, and knowing nothing is determined not to feature modern dance music on its programmes." I hope this passage is sent up to the head office of the New Zealand Broadcasting Board, and inserted in the "Truths we don't like to face" book. If there is one side of music upon which an abysmal ignorance is shown by the "radiofficials" (I have coined his word for brevity) it is modern dance music, whose value as music, though often negligible, takes up a considerable time on the programmes and should have the attention consistent with its importance. It is probably true that some listeners enjoy the continental dance bands, but there is no reason why such records should be so frequent on the dance programmes. Continental da:ico musicians, particularly the Germans, probably because of their isolation from America, and also because of their temperaments, have always been backward in jazz. The instrumentation of these bands, with their accordions and many violins, helps considerably to make their rendering of any fox trot, a dull and ponderous affair, quite devoid of spontaneity. Also, there are too many tangos and waltzes on the dance programmes. Although the listening public are probably more appreciative of say, Beethoven, than previously, they hear so few good dance records, that they cannot possibly develop a taste for the better jazz. In any case, these continental records should be gradually removed from the studio libraries. They would serve a more useful purpose if made into vases or perhaps lamp shades for the studios. We have still further proof of the "radiofficials'" ignorance of modern dance music, in their persistence in featuring military and brass bands in fox-trots. I have yet to hear a military band that shows an appreciation of the rhythm, technique or phrasing of modern dance music. It is far from my intention to belittle the military or brass bands, for they do fine work in their own field, and nobody will deny the attractiveness or popularity of a well-played and exhilirating march. But like the continental bands, they succeed in making a fox trot sound very march-like, and thus depart from the whole spirit of the dance. As far as I can see. there are three types of people who listen to the dance programmes. First, the very small percentage who dance to them; second, the very large percentage who use them as a sort of "ear-tickler" and a background to their conversation; and finally, there is the small, but increasing number, who listen (somewhat hopefully) for dance records of musical and technical interest. The type entitled to the greatest consideration is obviously the third type. I have noticed that this type finds the continental bands invariably nauseating, and prays for more negro records, both ebullient and sombre in mood. I have noticed an improvement in the general programmes lately, and

the "radiofficials" should receive credit for it. It seems to be fashionable to criticise the announcers. I cannot agree with those people who consider it pedantic to pronounce, say, Maori in the correct way. The chief announcer at 3YA is to be congratulated on his fine announcing. for his voice is very suitable for the microphone, and his manner of speaking is altogether pleasurable. I have been urging the board to improve the dance programmes for some time now. I suppose I am the equivalent of a person who asks Rockefeller for his autograph and expects it on a cheque-form: but "Ariel" has suggested improvements and got them. "Musical" has asked for chamber music and is getting it, and this is all to the good. Is it too much for me to expect some worth-while dance programmes? Apparently it is.— —Yours, etc., ORPHEUS. January 31, 1935. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS TO TH* EDITOB OF THE PRBSS. Sir,—Replying to my letter on the question of collecting money from unbelievers for gospel work, it would appear from Pastor Piper's reply that I believed it to be wrong to work for those that were of the world, or were not of a Christian turn of mind. This is far from being the case, as I consider this work most necessary. Nevertheless Pastor Piper must surely admit that there is a difference between working for their spiritual

welfare, and that of receiving money for gospel v/ork, while they are in the unconverted state. The Bible plainly teaches that the finance should come in through the church and not from the world (see Acts 4: 34), etc. This unscriptural practice was not carried on by the disciples as 3 John 7, tells us, "Because for His (Christ's) name's sake they (the disciples) went forth taking nothing of the Gentiles (unbelievers). Commenting on this text the popular commentator, J. R. Dummelow, M.A., says: "The missionaries whom Gaius had entertained had not been willing to receive assistance from the nonChristians among whom they had been labouring. While they might properly receive from those who had long been Christians, it would be of great importance that there should be not the least suggestion of selling the truth." The great George Muller, founder of the Bristol Orphanages, said when founding the Scriptural Knowledge Institution that his reasons for doing so were that existing societies seemed to him extra-scriptural, if not decidedly anti-scriptural, and these lie felt constrained to avoid. The first and foremost thing referred to by this great man of God, was, that unscriptural means were commonly used to raise money, "such as appealing for aid to unconverted persons." Pastor Piper's three references, namely, the men of the East, the alabaster box, and Joseph's tomb, do not answer the question in hand in any particular, for the reason that these persons concerned were all believers, and decidedly not of the world. There is abundance of Scripture to prove

this fact, but space here will not allow further details. —Yours, etc.. BIBLE STUDENT. January 31, 1935. THE MAYORALTY TO TH« BDITOtt Or TBI PBBSR. Sir, —I think if the Labour party is wise it will nominate our present Mayor and none other. I agree with Mr Archer that Mr Sullivan is one of I the best friends the suffering ones have had and appreciate Mr Archer's offer to stand down in favour of his friend. Mr Sullivan's administration is more like that of Mr Holland, who never forgot that he was elected Mayor for all. They are both beloved by small and great, and the city would be the better for a longer term of the present Mayor. This time of distress in the city has told upon the Mayor's health and all should refrain from causing needless worry. I have no axe to grind. I am a stranger to his Worship and do not belong to either his party or religion, but I recognise worth wherever I see it. —Yours, etc., QUALITY TELLS. 1 January 31, 1935. RADIO DEVOTIONAL SERVICES TO TH* BDITOB OF THE PRESS. Sir, —As an enthusiastic and keen listener of the daily devotional service over the radio, I would like information as to whether the following suggestion would carry any weight. Perhaps for several disciples of Our Lord, if the Broadcasting Board could

arrange to announce the minister, probably also the church where he ministers, the hearers could become more acquainted with these religious periods. Personally, I should like to publicly thank the officials of 3YA for allowing such a boon to interested Christians. I know that 4YA follows this scheme, and I would like an abler pen than mine to tackle the subject Yours, etc., john nr., xvr. HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORMS TO THE IDITOE O* THE PRESS. Sir, —As you know, I am keenly interested in' the turf, and besides following form am always on the lookout for any sort of hint to help to pick the winners. On reading the report of Colonel G. J. Smith's remarks on the Boys' High School uniform at the Canterbury College Council —"He felt that the boys would be better without the opennecked shirt, which made them look as if they came from nowhere, etc., etc."—l decided on the spot that if ever a horse called Gentility starts in the Opawa Handicap I'll put my boiled shirt on him to win outright—Yours, etc NECK-AND-NECK. January 31, 1935. TAILORS AND SALES TAX TO TH* EDITOR OF THE PR»S». Sir,—Some of your remarks published in "The Press" regarding the recent meeting of master tailors are misleading. You say, "Some representatives of the largest firms con-

nected with tailoring, who were present, and at least one leading master tailor, did not vote." This is not correct. When the motion was put to the meeting, the only one who did not vote was the manager of a leading firm, and the only dissentient was a tailor who afterwards admitted to me that he was not very conversant with the tax. The following is the actual voting of those present: For the motion, 19; against, one. The manager of one firm did not vote.—Yours etc., J. F. PATTERSON. January 31, 1935. [Our reporter gathered his information from reliable sources.—Ed. "The Press."] RELIEF WORKERS' PICNIC TO THE iDITOR OF TBB EMSS. Sir, —We desire to express our very cordial thanks to all who assisted in making the recent relief workers' picnic such a great success. To all who contributed finance, goods, or service, cur sincere appreciation is tendered. All who attended the picnic will know that the kiddies had a most enjoyable time, and this was largely due to the generous help afforded by so many in the community. To the press, who gave valuable assistance in the way of advertising and publicity, our hearty thanks is also expressed.—Yours, etc., C. H. COLE. Secretary. Canterbury Unemployed Workers' Association, j January 31, 1935.