Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 533, 10 December 1928, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the

Editor.)

WHO SHOULD PAY EXTRADITION COST?

Sir, — The writer in The Sun of the Sth inst., while dealing' with the case of a defaulting solicitor, perhaps overlooks the essential difference between Stale and individual responsibility. If I lose money through willingly placing it in the care of a solicitor, the State is surely no more responsible than it »»; in the case of any other loss I may incur in business. But, if the solicitor obtains my money without my consent, nr by manifest fraud, then the position is entirely different. P. THE THOUGHTFUL “FLAPPER” Sir,— Several correspondents have recently voiced complaints about manners in tram-cars, and the charges have been levelled more particularly against “flappers.” We must expect to find some cases of thoughtlessness and selfishness. But we must not he too ready to condemn. Often even in young people there is fatigue or infirmity not apparent to the casual observer. My own experience gives me no cause for complaint. Not only do I find it usual for young people of both sexes to be ready to offer me a seat, but even men and women scarcely my juniors sometimes manifest the same consideration. One experience deserves special mention; it shows how a “flapper” can set a good example to us all. I had boarded an Onehunga car, and. when approached by the conductor, found myself without money. With some apology and feeling of shame 1 was hastening to leave the car when, to my astonishment, the conductor handed me a through ticket. Quickly and with attempted secrecy this liad been paid for by a “flapper.” I found my benefactress, and asked her name and address. Her reply was: “Yes, I will tell you, provided yoLi will not attempt to repay a few pence which I am glad to spend in benefitting anybody.” PERIPATETIKOS.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

After reading the letters of “Omnia Vincit Amor” and "Hang ’Km,” I would very much like to know your readers’ opinions regarding capital punishment. Hod set a mark on Cain’s forehead so that no man should kill him. Muses, after slaying the Egyptian, was the man chosen by Cod to make known

His commandments. Why does the law allow n precious soul to be sent to its Maker without a chance of workins’ out its own salvation? We are human, and know the hasty impulse of aroused passions. We often say and do on the spur of the moment that which we very much regret in calmer moments. How can one man judge another when he is not there to see what leads up to men committing such dreadful deeds? Ho we ever trouble to think of a man’s upbringing? Even supposing that he has had a good home, what has been the spiritual influence? Who knows but what the one who commits such an offence hasn’t been appalled at the extent of his action and turned at last to God for mercy and forgiveness? The greater the sin the greater the need for forgiveness. Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Therefore, let us punish murderers in some other way than depriving them of a chance of true repentance. A life sentence should be sufficient to satisfy anybody- seeking earthly justice. To know that the one they love is to face the extreme penalty is not fair to those near to him. They must suffer more than those who do such deeds—-especially wives expecting to become mothers. Again, many people must shrink from giving a fellowcreature up to justice when they feel that a word from them may cost a man his life. CHARITY.

MANNERS IN LIFTS AND TRAMS

Your correspondent, “Nancy X.,” is rather severe on the public which has occasion to use both lifts and trams. Allow me to try and explain. I will start with hats on or off. Now, the head is the safest and most convenient place for the hat. There it is out of the way of everyone. If “Nancy N.” demands that all hats be removed in lifts, will she please tell us where else they can be stowed with safety Just consider a mere man with a' 50s hat being forced to find a safe deposit for this expensive article, about midway down, the most bulky part, of his anatomy. No wonder that “Nancy 2ST." has liad her dainty shoes dented. The mere man has had to go into reverse to save his expensive headgear. While on the subject. Why do not those in yi®. tront of a lift come out first, and so facilitate matters? No doubt this pushing about in the lift is caused the fiont row of hookers pusliin— in an endeavour to allow the light- " Cignts to come through. Custom is a (Continued in Next Column)

hard thing to kill, so few dare to act in the sensible way if it is considered bad form. Yet all reforms have replaced bad habits which in other days were considered to be quite correct. Trams and buses: You will still see men, especially young men, allowing their lady friends to precede them out of the car or bus. This, to my mind, is not the best or safest way, for what chance lias a man of saving the lady in the event of her falling? None whatever, especially with the modern dress. She would literally slip through his fingers; but if the man is at the foot of the steps to receive her, he can then assist her to alight, and thus show that he not only admires her, but is capable of looking her. So I hope that “Nancy N.” will look at this matter from all angles, and give those men who do not seem to conform to her ideas some credit for that which they do after mature thought. A.H.C.