LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25055, 20 November 1944, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Children and Open Drains Sir, —We rend in your columns of .yet another child drowned by falling into an open drain. This danger can be provided against in most cases by placing some posts or battens across the drain and running strong wire netting or pig netting over them along the drain. If this were done in the vicinityof the house and for the distance likely to be reached by a tiny toddler it would be found to be a definite protection and would save the mother much anxiety. H.J.B. In Defence of Crooning Sir, —I believe crooners are popular because they best express the .spirit of the times. They sing naturally, without '.e strain and effort so noticeable in many of our "classic" singers. Sinatra's popularity is largely due to his technique, but Crosby's voice is also clear and sweet. Theirs is the only possible method of vocalising swing music. To quote H. Allan Parry in the Boston Transcript: "Perhaps jazz, composed of the negro and his humours and his heritage of sorrow, and the speed . . . of the big cities, grafted upon a southern tradition ... is so close to the growth of the American people that its values have gone unheralded. Perhaps jazz is so completely folk music that only to generations of the future will appreciation develop." So it has been before. The waltz received serious consideration only in perspective, after Strauss' efforts with that structure. Beethoven, I seem to recall, used to write waltzes amusedly for the little town band, outside the Three Ravens' Inn. I would suggest also that perhaps marches are no longer written (what about "Maori Battalion"?) because infantrv now travels by lorry instead of on foot. Basto Hosnv. Secondary School Curriculum Sir, —Professor Keys has joined the hue and cry against the Auckland Grammar School and has said that the mettle of the language teachers there is untried. 1 was taught languages by the present heads of the language departments of the Auckland Grammar School. In our scholarship year there were 17 candidates; six of these won scholarships, all the rest got credit passes. The remaining seven secondary schools won one scholarship between them. Of the six who won scholarships, four took languages and the average mark (in languages) of all candidates presented bv this school was higher than the average mark in mathematics. The average mark of our candidates in Latin was 61 per cent. In Professor Keys' own subjects, a fourth-year pupil in our form was first in New Zealand in French and another was first in New Zealand in German. Also, the average mark of all our candidates in French was the highest in New Zealand. In conclusion, may I point out that the average marks in French were more than double those of another large Auckland secondary school. Perhaps a few shafts might be directed elsewhere with advantage. A.U.C., 1941-191.3. A Maori Appreciation Sir, —We, on behalf of the young Maori youth of Auckland, express our gratitude and appreciation to the authorities of station IYA for making possible the broadcast last Sunday evening of a Maori church service. This service, all listeners will agree, came oyer clearly and beautifully and convincing in its reverence. The singing created an air of earnest petitioning and contained that typical Maori touch of harmony which gives so much to Maori singing. Station IYA has enabled us Maoris from all over New Zealand to hear an inspiring service in our own beautiful language. It would be of particular value to those far away from town and especially to those who are only able to receive the message of God perhaps once a month or even less. This broadcast enabled by this station reveals to all what wo Maoris can do for the betterment and advancement of our race. If there were more public enterprises of this nature, we think, it would stimulate both the Maori and the pakeha to take more interest in our fast deteriorating language and ultimately lead to a still better understanding between the two. Much has been said of the Maori's shortcomings, but still more may be said of his accomplishments and we only hope it meets with your approval and na o mokai na. RAWIBI RAUA KO HIRING I