Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 241, 31 December 1927, Page 6

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

DANGER AT THE BEACH Sir,— I am a stranger to Auckland, and I love your Auckland beaches. Everywhere I have been during the holidays, however, I have been made to feel uncomfortable—and unsafe—by enthusiastic young men playing improvised cricket on the sands in close proximity to the crowds. I love cricket, too—in its place—but it is hardly cricket to jeopardise the safety of women and children on the beaches. It is because a lady friend of mine was hurt that I protest. L.J. TALKING DOWN THE BAND Sir,— For their efforts in the direction of providing a higher standard in their musical programmes the managements of various Auckland picture theatres are deserving of great praise. What now remains to be done is the devising of some scheme effectually to the cinema chatterers who seem always to associate instrumental music with eating or talking. These obnoxious people are also to be encountered at the theatre whenever a musical play or opera is being performed. They evidently do not regard the overture as part of the performance, but as something to afford them an effective entrance. This accomplished they settle down to enjoy the conversational stimulus that the music provides, entirely regardless of the feelings of those unfortunate enough to be in their immediate vicinity. At the picture houses a good choice is being shown in the selection of overture numbers, and in most cases careful preparation is evident. To ensure patrons obtaining the maximum enjoyment managements could at least put notices on the- screen soliciting the support of audiences in this direction. APPRECIATIVE.

ART IN AUCKLAND Sir, — I was very interested to see “Maori - lander's” reference to Laura Knight, A.R.A. in yesterday’s issue of THE SUN, and mention of her work in the Auckland Gallery. It once again draws attention to the necessity of getting greater representation of the “moderns” in our gallery, which undoubtedly is years behind the times. Perwas surprised to find that Laura Knight was among the “immortals” there. The policy of the Mackelvie Trustees, I understand, is not to spend, but rather to conserve, their resources; but there is no reason on earth why they should not obtain excellent reproductions of modern work for the sake of Auckland students. There is talent in this city, but it is being forced abroad. Many of our young people are being artistically starved. It is surprising really what good work has been accomplished, and is being accomplished, under such conditions. Instead of being the leading art centre of the Dominion, Auckland unblushingly takes a back seat and is content to remain there. To my mind it is rather significant that only one Aucklander among 15 New Zealanders has

been invited to exhibit at the New Zealand “show” in Sydney next year. Incidentally, THE SUN should be commended for the space it is devoting to matters of an artistic character. Not only as far as paint is concerned, but in every other direction. For the first time for many years Auckland is getting real musical critiques, not rehashed platitude upon platitude, thanks to THE SUN. ART LOVER. OUR AMERICAN VISITORS Sir, — According to a special message to THE SUN from Fiji I note that a large party of tourists propose to leave San Francisco by the liner Wilhelmina, and will eventually come on here after spending some time in the Islands. An excursion by this route is something new, and everything possible should be done to make the stay of the Americans in our midst instructive and pleasant. Let us hope that Aucklanders will show the rest of New Zealand how to treat the strangers within our gates. No more ill-bred staring at clothes which are unfamiliar to us, and no more “superior” remarks about an accent strange to our ears. It is good to remember that we may look a little amusing to the Americans, and that our voices may not fall as musically upon their ears as we would fain believe. We want more visits of this kind. From the entirely commercial viewpoint there are no more profitable callers in the world. But there is something more in such a- visit than that. Only better understanding between the English-speaking peoples of the world can maintain the peace of the world h,ew Zealanders are apt to take themselves much too seriously. This air of superiority would be amusing if it were not so extremely foolish. ANGLO -TANK. ON TITLES Sir, — Someone wrote to the paper yesterday pointing out that a difference exists between the words “Prlmte?” and “Prime Minister." I was glad to s . tress | d - We do not speak of tL Pr< t l ß le . r of Great Britain, and the of Tasr nania, and it is time the public realised this. Another common mistake is in the use of the title Dame. How often in the newsi 1 make an exception of THE we see "Dame Melba will v. °l ne might as well say “Sir Chamberlain addressed the League of Nations Council.” The word “Dame” “Dame *? ) Ilowed by a Christian name N-fT Clara, Dame Clarissa. Dame ?he tro,n,i * S a £ ity folk do not take i?® trouble to observe these rules. members of local bodies. ° tber worthies, address the Govs wife as Lady FergusLadv aLL c ° rrect sty le Is. of course, emitied t aUg l ter °t an earl and thus retain her own title after marriage to a baronet. STICKLER. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS | E ’?( Yo,j s letter is too long—and too i pi ovocauve.—Ed., THE SUN.