LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25030, 21 October 1944, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

War Neurosis Sir, —I thank you for printing "Main Body Martyr's" letter, also bringing into the light of day a problem which has been eating into the souls of possibly countless numbers of soldiers' wives. Yes. I too ask, and on behalf also of all soldiers' wives, for the services of an experienced psychiatrist to be made available for free consultation by wives of these men suffering from that subtle affliction —war neurosis. Another Martyr.

Auckland's Need Neglected Sir, —Those who are dependent on gas for their jobs or cooking keep wondering why it is always Auckland that runs short. Most towns in New Zealand have gasworks and seem to be able to obtain coal for their supply. They do not suffer recurring crises. It is true that Wellington and Dunedin have once or twice been on the verge _of trouble, but were saved in time. Why should Auckland be the one and only real sufferer? If the city has any live M.P.'s, would they press the Minister of Mines for a proper explanation? Coal Gas. Memorial Clock Towers Sir, —In the discussion on suitable memorials to soldiers who have fallen in battle, I wonder that clock towers have not been more seriously considered. What more beautiful and at the same time useful memorial than the clock tower in Cambridge? There are many suburbs and small towns in the Auckland district alone (Remuera and Howick to mention but two) where the visitor has either to go into a shop or ask a fellow pedestrian to find out the correct time. Surely clock towers would be worthy, to say nothing of timely, memorials for our soldiers. Tempus Fugit. Rank of Jteturning Airmen Sir, —It is beside the point that we are lucky having our boys return safely to us and we do count our blessings in this respect. But does E. M. Coutts, who wrote in Tuesday's Herald on tho subject, think of the injustice d ine to these brave airmen who have done a wonderful job and live to tell the tale? Surely the Government has not given this much thought. The returning boys may not mind losing a rank, but why should we at home sit by and see a gross injustice done to our brave hoys? I would suggest that the returned men be given positions held by those who have never seen active service and so retain their rank. I. Bullen.

Status of Magistrates Sir, —Messrs Goulding and Luxford deserve the full support of the public in their appeal for more judicial independence for magistrates, and the whole legal profession ought to back them up. The present Government in recent years has appointed some Justice Department Court officials, who had qualified as solicitors, to the magisterial Bench. No one would say that such a career should be closed to" them, but it would be very unfortunate indeed if many magisterial vacancies were filled by men who had spent all their working lives in a Public Service atmosphere and under the control of Ministers of the Crown. It would be more unfortunate still if a precedent were created and State employees were systematically given preference. Ordinary common-law practice is undoubtedly the best preparation for the Bench. Client. The Gas Shortage Sir, —When are the citizens of Auckland going to show a little backbone and demand that something he done concerning the shortage of gas. Is it not time we demanded to know the true position and why all of a sudden boats cannot clear the harbours with muchneeded coal? If the harbour position is as bad as we are led to believe, why has not the Government found an alternative route before now to ensure plentiful supplies? We know all about war efforts, the boys away lighting, and all the other "square offs" these days, but the question still remains—Why? Was .Mr Webb thinking of all the workers when he prattled about amenities for the gas workers? Take the thousands doing dirty work —and in essential war industries—who cannot get a bath owing to gas shortage. Take also the thousands who leave home at 7 a.m. or soon after for work, taking their lunches and arriving home expecting a hot dinner only to find there is no gas—no hot dinner —and sometimes not even enough gas to boil a kettle. Amenities? New Zealanders are always accused of being easy going and the manner in which the citizens of Auckland are putting up with the gas fiasco certainly shows we are easy going. Is it not {ime a public meeting was convened by someone with standing so that the'whole thing can be thrashed out and pressure brought to bear on the Government to_ have the matter cleaned up for all time. What are our City Fathers doing, about it? Wake up, Auckland. No Bath.