Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 521, 26 November 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

TRAMCAR RUDENESS Sir, — I quite agree with “Straphanger” in his complaint about the lack of courtesy shown by Auckland men in tramcars. Time and again I have been compelled to stand for long rides while “sheikish” youths, with cigarettes glued to their lips, lolled back in comfort, quite oblivious to the first principles of gentlemanly conduct. However. I do not think “Straphanger’s ” complaint will have any effect on our male population. It is not that men are deliberately rude. They simply do not know any better.. MOTHER OF EIGHT. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Sir,— Miss Ann P. Hewitt (Christian Science Committee on Publication) began the controversy witli me by challenging my statement that Christian Science denies the reality of sin. After a lot of wandering she now admits that my statement is quite correct. She declares that to assert that sin is real is "to deny the omnipotence of God.” Personally, I think that sin is real—very real indeed: but the point we have been discussing is not mv opmion, but the teaching of Christian Science regarding sin. I wonder why Miss Ann P. Hewitt contradicted my assertion that Christian Science denies the reality of sin? NORMAN BURTON. EVER-PRESENT PEST Sir.— While in the neighbourhood of Grafton Bridge one sunny afternoon recently, I determined to seek the shady coolness and green beauty of the gully. Sauntering down fflie picturesque old steps I entered that lovely dell where city sounds are stilled and only the arch of the bridge, high overhead, is indicative of urban surroundings. But even as I paused to drink in the beauty of the bush, the Winged Horrors of Auckland were upon me! Fat, !usty blood-suckers in their thousands drove me forth as they had driven me before. Fool I was to think that in this modern dav they would no longer exist. When ‘is this mosquito menace to be tackled by the community? We have had our inquiries, reports and investigations, but another summer has arrived with nothing being clone. The mosquitoes swarm in the Grafton Gully and elsewhere, waiting to take toll of the people. Can we not attack the pest in the way it was attacked at Panama—by a drive right through the district? Is this not a job for the unemployed ? RESIDENT. MEN'S PRIVILEGE Sir,— Tour correspondent "Straphanger” wails enthusiastically about the lack of chivalry among Auckland men-folk, particularly in respect to their attitude

toward women in tram-cars. When "Straphanger” has lived in Auckland for a few months, and the homesickness for his southern associates wanes a little, he will realise that the age of chivalry is going fast, and that the cause of its disappearance lies at the door of women themselves, who are adapting their sex to Us so-called emancipation. I gave my seat in a tram-car to a flapper recently. She took it without a word of thanks. She travelled two stops up Queen Street, and then alighted, while I, who incidentally had to ride to the terminus of my particuluj—route, saw my seat pounced upon my another man no more worthy of it than I. Again, sir: I entered a lift in an Auckland office, and in deference to two young ladies, removed my hat. Their appreciation was conveyed by a sarcastic verbal duet upon the "ultrachivalry” of the men of to-day. Incidents of this character provoke me to say "Never again”; and if "Straphanger” meets with similar experiences—doubtless so uncommon in the chivalrous South—he will join with me in reminding women that charity begins at home, and that in order to have men act decently toward them, they in turn must organise their sex to grace and courtesy. DISILLUSIONED. DALMATIANS Sir.— In a recent issue of The Sun a Court case was reported in which a Dalmatian was the accused. The magistrate, Mr. Hunt, with his usual fairness, allowed for the difficulties of a foreigner dealing with our language, and gave the Dalmatian the benefit of the doubt. However, during the course tlle evidence. in cross-examination, the police asked the witness, “Would you take the word of a Dalmatian?" incredulously" The witness answered Of course. I would,” and the officer conducting the case retorted: "Then you would take anybody's word.’” Now, surely an officer of tire Crown has not the right to use his opportunities in his Majesty’s Court room to oast a reflection on any section of the community, provided their presence in the country is approved by the Government. „’ Aalyl ? ody Who has been much in contact with these people knows that they are noted, firstly, for their honesty; secondly, for their hard-working and thirdly, for minding tAeir own bnsiness. Certainly thensection I 'nf l iivL amon » “'em. but what section of the commumtv is free from such. And at least, they prey on their own people and not on ours no - l am not a Dalmatian. I I le grandson of four pioneers, all British, but I like fair play. My old ?f a the a w m (Wh ° carved a home out with hi r rlless and lived in Peace '”V-‘ , his foreign neighbours) often iewel *! ne: y boy! Kalr Pbry’-s a ’ ~*V 5 m an chooses his birthhis m-fne the .. measure of a man is in i ls .. . n V lllllness - He was thoroughly also IS a; a R T°V y at that - but be was also an English gentleman, and his education had not included the instilling of insular prejudice. UU B. THOMAS.