LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25081, 13 January 1947, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1.. Letters sent to the Editor for printing must be written in ink on one side of the paper only, and writers must send in their names and addresses in full, whether they wish these to be printed or not. 2 Writers must say clearly whether or not their letters are being or have been sent tc other papers. 3 The Editor cannot return or keep any letter which for any reason is unsuitable for printing, nor can he acknowledge unsuitable letters, although this will be done where it seems to be needful, or enter into any correspondence about letters sent in. 4. Letters must not be of more than 150 words in length. Lilian S.-r-l. Both are correct. 2. No, “kworter.” WATERFRONT DISPUTE Sir, —In an age when positive issues are sharpened by their negative alternatives, the adjustment of minor labour disharmonies by right of plebiscite should function smoothly. The power of unionism is of necessity limited in industrial disputes, but its influence and usefulness as a weapon of international peace are potentially enormous. To avoid abuse of this power a true appraisal of dimensions and proportions is necessary, as the ultimate judge between name and ingredient, between' -qualification and responsibility must be public opinion, whether the subject be groceries, governments, or trade unions. If we can realise that manpower is a trinity of hand, head, and heart power, then among the green fields of objective labour, and the silver streams of responsible capital, will emerge a broader economic commonwealth by individual mining into the real interior wealth, where the gold of democracy is still in the quartz.—Yours, etc., ' GOLDEN RULE. January 10, 1947.

SPITTING IN TRAM SHELTER Sir,-—Having occasion to wait in the tram shelter (adjoining the men’s conveniences) in the Square this morning I could not but notice that some person had been quite busy spitting on the floor of the shelter. It is quite time the City Council passed a by-law imposing: a Substantial fine on any person found spitting in a public place other than in the gutter of the street. Something should be done without delay to check this filthy and dangerous habit.—Yours, etc., F.T. January 10, 1947. [The practice is already illegal.—Ed., “The Press.”] DUCKS ON THE AVON Sir, —There are teachers whose days are spent endeavouring to stimulate appreciation of life’s beauties and values. These, in their many difficulties. would appreciate constructive assistance from societies claiming to Protect men, women, children, animals, orest, bird, or anything from vandalism. Prompt assistance (if necessary by school telephone) for injured creatures would be appreciated by school children, as would talks, slides, or movies of even ducks on the Avon. Many a rough little hand has, under supervision, been educated to gentleness of touch and sensitivity of thought and action by live kitten, rabbit, or duckling. The child who becomes vandal usually has missed such experience. Society, for its own protection, might educate such a one and all benefit. Contact with, study and understanding of healthy living animals and plants may come to mean more in education than dissection. The state of affairs mentioned by your correspondents may then be alleviated. —Yours, etc., TEACHER. January 11, 1947. Sir,—l don’t think there is very much in the way of thanks rendered to a rather darling elderly lady who fights continually for the existence of young ducks on the Avon round and near the Public Hospital. She is out from early mornings until late at nights trying to save them, even from young lads. Boys, and even some adults, appear to think it a pastime to stone them. When she corrects them this woman often gets a mouthful of cheek.—Yours, etc., PUT MORE THAN NOTICES UP. January 11, 1947.