LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 12

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(1) Letters to be considered tor this column must not exceed 150 words. They should be on only one side of the paper; preferably typewritten otherwise clearly written in ink: and ample margins and space between lines should be left for convenience in sub-editing. (2) A legible signature and full address—not a P.O. box number — are required whether these are to be printed or not. say whether the letter has (3) The correspondent must been or is to be submitted elsewhere. 14) The editor cannot return or keep any tetter not accepted for printing; nor does he undertake to acknowledge or enter Into correspondence concerning letters, although an acknowledgement will be made where this seems to be necessary or helpful (5) As a general rule, correspondence on news items in other publications or carried on radio and television, is not acceptable.

Davie.—lnitials please. M. Reid, M. B. Nicholson.—Too long. W. Roy Hill.—Save it for the election campaign. Gee Gee.—Disappointing, indeed. But a matter for the clubs or the company. A.B.T.—Preventing a turn there should reduce confusion. Bus drivers, are not exempt from the rule. Humanitarian.—But what if the extra wheat had been produced at the expense of meat production? A. B. Cedarian.—Your suggestion would unduly restrict the speed of traffic in low gears, and hence add to congestion at light-controlled intersections. The device might even add to traffic hazards in certain circumstances. The traffic “blitz” Sir, — I have seen no evidence of the “sport” of trying to outsmart traffic officers. It would not be sporting when they have all the power. The other day I followed a Ministry of Transport car going south in Colombo Street, Sydenham. I first thought the driver was turning right, for his elbow was right out of his driving window, and, when I overtook him, he appeared to be asleep. Such behaviour is illegal in other countries, but here merely the trademark of a mimser — a driver to avoid like the plague. This was no temporary lapse, for 20. minutes later I encountered the same officer, in the same pose, drifting north in Barrington Street. — Yours, etC " “JIM ABELSON.” November 14, 1973. The Estuary Sir, — Last year the Mayor undertook to rationalise the use of the Estuary by the various factions of the boating fraternity, and to have the situation resolved by this boating season. Alas, nothing has happened except some statements by the Mayor that he

had studied a similar situation in Australia and that he had the answer to the problem. Let us hope that his overseas knowledge gleaned on one of his trips is better than his plastic rubbish bags scheme. — Yours, etc., ROGER BAMFORD. November 14, 1973. Prams in Sideshow Alley Sir, — I would offer “Sore Legs” an opportunity to take two lively children under 2| years around an amusement area without a pram. Ban the prams and you will ban numerous families. — Yours, etc., R. B. COLE. November 13, 1973. I.W.S. finances Sir. — It is with dismay that I read of the Labour Government’s intention to halve its contribution to the International Wool Secretariat. With a commodity such as wool, it is only fair that both the producer and the Government should equally share the costs of marketing, distribution and research as it is the latter which benefits most in the form of valuable overseas earnings. With falling wool prices the Labour Government not only shows complete ignorance in argicultural affairs but also jeopardises the whole woollen industry by “passing the buck.” — Yours, etc., B.F.S. November 12, 1973. Closing hours during the Games Sir, — Your front page article headed “Record breath-tests ordered,” should be sufficient reason why extended hours for drinking should not be granted during the Games. — Yours, etc., ARTY. November 13, 1973.

Bus stops Sir,—The traffic plan in Cathedral Square is dominated by the requirements of the Christchurch Transport Board. Not content with the major part of the square, the board was on Friday evening—race night—using the private motorists’ parking space outside the Regent building in Worcester Street. Private motorists are “blitzed” when parked on bus stops. Would the manager of the board tell us who authorised the appropriation of car parking space? Would the Ministry of Transport advise what action followed from it when drawn to the attention of the traffic officer on duty outside the Post Office at 4.30 p.m.?—Yours etc., TARQUIN. October 26, 1973.

[Mr J. F. Fardell, general manager of the Transport Board, replies: “The view of the writer regarding the use of this area is appreciated but it is respectfully pointed out that the area is a 10-minute vehicle parking area, not specifically set aside for private cars. Any vehicle can park in the area, providing it does not park longer than 10 minutes. However, instructions have been issued to avoid using this space in the future.”] Security firm’s patrol Sir,—At a private party on October 13, a bottle was thrown at a person but missed its target and hit a table shattering over the people sitting at it. The bottle thrower left without hindrance. The party was patrolled by Crown Security men who did nothing to stop his leaving. When asked why they had done nothing, they said they were only there to collect invitations. If a citizen is assaulted by another, then surely it is up to his fellows to help him. The police can do nothing without some

co-operation from the public. Perhaps someone has to be killed before others will act; indeed, four people escaped serious injury only by inches. A phone call to Crown Security got the answer that their employees were only to collect invitations. I would suggest that this is not the attitude of responsible or mature citizens. — Yours, etc,, J. C. PALMER. October 15, 1973. [This letter was referred to Crown Watching and Commercial Security Services, N.Z., Ltd, but no reply has been received.—Editor.]