ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27989, 8 June 1956, Page 15

ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Sir, —There appeared recently in your columns some derogatory comments on conditions at Albert Schweitzer’s hospital in West Africa. At the time I was reading an anthology 01 Schweitzer’s writings, and was struex by the far more Christ-like tone oi these than that of his Presbyterian critic. I am not in a position to comment on actual aseptic conditions, out 1 do know from experience that in Africa a symbiosis is possible whicn would be quite unapplicable to Western standards of cleanliness. As lor a colour bar, it is possible that Europeans there still prefer to Live in a Western style rather than adopting West African village customs, but ii remains true that they • are there tu serve their fellowmen of a different cultural level. Schweitzer himself says that he regards his relationship to the African as that of “an elder brother," and surely this may be permitted to one who has dedicated himself to the service of people who respect a hierachy.—Yours, etc., ENID COOK. June 7, 1956.

RUGBY BROADCAST COVERAGE Sir,—So the New Zealand Rugby Union wants the taxpayers to swell the already over-swelled coffers of the union for tie benefit of listening to broadcasts of provincial games against the Springboks. And they say that if broadcasts are made by Other than the local stations they will stop people from attending the matches. Well, well. To follow its argument out logically the union should ban the broadcasting by the local stations and let others hear the game. I cannot go to Waikato or Southland; my radio will not bring in either station by day. I know of few that will. With 4s for the bank for trial games, and record gates assured throughout the tour, why not an end to this pennypinching?—Yours, etc., MUFFLED. June 7, 1956.