LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34147, 7 May 1976, Page 12

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

<1) Letters submitted for printing in this column must not exceed 150 words. They should be written in ink or preferably typed on one side of the paper Ample space must be left in the margins and between lines for sub editing marks (2) Letters written over pen names or initials will not ordinarily be considered for publication. A legible signa ture and full postal address —not a P.O Box numberare essential (3) The correspondent must say whether the letter has been or is to be submitted else where The Editor does not undertake to acknowledge, hold, return or enter into correspondence on anv letter not accepted for publication G.J.G.—Too personal. M.A.B.—Too personal. M. O'Neill.—More than 150 words M.R.S.—Thank you; forwarded to author. L.P.K.—Onlj r over your own ’ name. Mindless Measures.—Only over your own name. Bush Mechanic.—Only over your own name. Tom Gilbert. —More than 150 words. Keeping the teachers in Sir, — It is painfully apparent that the person who wrote the second leader in this morning’s paper has had no close contact with teachers or the teaching profession in recent years, or he would not write in this strain. If it is intended to be funny then it is a poor example of humour. If it is intended to be serious then I suggest he should make contact with schools in Christchurch to learn of the difficulties being experienced (a) in combating the indifference of many pupils; (b) in working with inadequate textbooks; (c) in coping adequately with new syllabi and of how some of the best young teachers are breaking down under the strains imposed on them. It is time the Government realised that the best defence of a country is a full and adequate education of its people and stopped spending money on armaments instead. — Yours, etc., ELINOR M. WILSON. May 5, 1976. Sport and apartheid Sir, — Words are cheap. It is easy for your editorial — and Mr Taiboys — to claim that New Zealand is opposed to apartheid. But our actions betray us. And it is our actions which tell. The non-racial sports bodies in South Africa, struggling against huge odds for recognition as the representatives of the genuine sports people 'of the country, will not find

much comfort in our words! when they see us supporting racist sport in their own country. At least it can be said for the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union — and the New Zealand Rugby Union — that they are consistent, and not hypocritical, when they declare that “the tour is on.” Their actions show disregard for the views of the non-racial South African Rugby Union, but so do their words. The N.Z.R.U., for example, quotes support from the “stooge” African and Coloured rugby bodies while ignoring S.A.R.U. — Yours, etc., A. J. CAMPBELL. May 5, 1976.

Sir, — I read in “The Press” this morning that Mr R. W. Howard, of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union, has claimed the support of rugby players and supporters in sending an Ail Black team to South Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to state that I, as a player and supporter heartily disapprove of the tour and its implications. — Yours, etc., JOHN P. SMALL. May 5, 1976.

Sir, — On September 16, 1971 as Prime Minister, Sir Keith Holyoake wrote to C.A.R.E. as follows: “Apartheid is a form of racial discrimination which we cannot condone on the sporting field or anywhere else.” For a few hours this week it was widely rumoured that Sir Keith was to be sent to Africa to state the Government’s point of view on sporting contact with South Africa. Wiser counsels prevailed for surely it would be more to the point for Sir Keith to concentrate his persuasive powers on his fellow-Cabinet members and the officers of the New Zealand Rugby Union. As John Walker said, “The world is going one way and New Zealand the other. I know who will win.” — Yours, etc., TOM NEWNHAM. President, C.A.R.E. May 6, 1976. [This correspondence is now closed.—Editor] Crossing accidents Sir, — With reference to the comment by Cr J. F. Burn about the Railways attitude towards crossings, does he know the Chaneys crossing? From the south there is a clear view north and south. From the northern approach there is a clear view to the south, but the

view from the north is slightly restricted by a timber mill. The crossing is slightly higher on both sides than usual. The Road Code states that the speed limit over crossings is 20 m.p.h. or 30 km/h. As investigating officer for the Railways Department in Auckland from 1953 to 1955 I had to inquire into many serious accidents. In each case those concerned lived close to the line and used the crossing at least two to three times a day. In every case I investigated it was found that the crossing was used daily by people living a few hundred yards to a mile away. — Yours, etc., L. S. JARVIEW. May 6, 1976. Railcar services Sir, — The Government’s decision to continue the practice of running down the railways is disappointing. It is unfortunate that this form of transport is under direct political interference. An independent rail corporation would counter this. The correct decisions cannot be made by a politician trying to play trains for three years. Although the present Administration has inherited the railcar problem it is obvious that the Minister of Transport is determined to compound his predecessors’ mistakes. Only railcars can replace railcars; buses and small trains are inefficient substitutes. If buses have to be used then they should be an interim measure while awaiting the delivery of new railcars. These units could be purchased overseas or made in New Zealand by local industry. The product will still be running long after the replacement buses have been scrapped. — Yours, etc., W. BOORER. May 3, 1976. “Footrot Flats"’ Dear Dog. — 1 was worried. No “Footrot Flats” last Monday. Now I know why. Sleeping in that old water tank eh? Serves you right. I won’t tell Wai. — Yours, etC " ROBIN FRIZZELL. May 5, 1976. [The “Footrot Flats” strip for Monday’s issue did not reach us in time for publication.—Editor] Unions and Labour Party Sir, — Sir Thomas Skinner. the president of the Federation of Labour, is reported to have said that he recalled the words of the late Norman Kirk when he thanked industrial organisations for their support in the 1972 Labour election victory. I wonder if he recalls with equal clarity the following statement by the same Norman Kirk just a few months later: “I’ve had a gutsful of the unions”. Haven’t we all? — Yours, etc., ISABELLA C. BROWN. May 5, 1976. New Zealand and China Sir. — With due respect to Tuesday’s sub-leader, there are few ideological differences between the NewZealand and Chinese Governments. Under a clamorous guise of upholding the purity of Marxism-Leninism, there has been a marked Chinese swing to the Right. Maoism and Muldoonism share common views on more points than their mutual hostility to the Soviet Union. Both welcome United States warships in their waters. Both share a puritanical dislike of higher wages for w-orkers and a firm resolve to resist grant-

ing them. Mr Muldoon has furnished ample proof that he aspires to that supreme personal authority exercised by Chairman Mao, if not as the Great Helmsman, then perhaps, in view of our smaller scale and our Olympic oarsmen’s prowess, the Great Coxswain. Both oppose detente and Mr Muldoon appears intent on applying to New Zealand's industrial relations, the Maoist formula: “There is great disorder under heaven. The situation is excellent”. — Yours, etc., M. CREEL. May 4, 1976. News value Sir, — I would be grateful if you advised your readers

that having to go out twice in the rain on a recent Friday I received a cold which could have made it necessary for me to have sick leave. I feel this news is of more importance to the average New Zealand reader as it could involve statistics for the work force etc. than your item of April 13 that Captain Mark Phillips took a ducking during the Badminton horsetrials and his wife raced to his aid and drove him to a nearby house for a change of clothes. 1 would like to know who cares in New Zealand? Please don’t fill your newspaper space with items of no value or news. — Yours, etc.. M. O’NEILL. May 6, 1976.