TAKAPUNA BEACH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19470, 28 October 1926, Page 6

TAKAPUNA BEACH.

Sir, —-It was a strange, thing to me this morning to see in the Herald a picture of the happy groups at Cheltenham enjoying sun-bathing and all the pleasures a day at the seaside offers to visitors. Yet on looking through the Police Court news I see no arrests have been made for bad behaviour or indecency! As a visitor to the lovely beach at Takapuna I find things very different. A gigantic dragoon in imposing uniform stalks the beach, striking terror into the hearts of poor little, boj-s who are enjoying a game of bail, orders any sun-bathers to desist from such vile practices as lying on the beach in bat.hing costume, and casts his eagle eye cm the nasty little dogs who enjoy a bit of fur: in the waves as well as their owners.What is the council thinking of to allow such authority to an employee ? Everyone knows that a day at the seaside is enjoyed because one can throw aside the social obligations of life and revel in a "laisseraller" existence for a few hours, and though a frequent visitor to this glorious beach, I have never seen any bad behaviour, nor anyone whose mind conceives any—except apparently the stormy petrel, who would have everyone believe he is doing his duty. Bah !he is not wanted by the pure-minded trippers and he is only doing a great harm to Takapuna,. for peopie will decidedly choose another resort for the holidays, where they will not be under such ridiculous supervision. I trust someone will take this matter up before the Christmas season starts. I am quite satisfied that a watch should be kept where a crowd gathers, but judging hv the remarks made on Labour Day, the first holiday of the season, Takapuna is not going to have its share of visitors under present circumstances. Shakespeare once wrote:—"Man. . . . drest in a little brief authority. . . . plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven as make the angels weep." Seaside Visitor.