Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 641, 18 April 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

WORK AND PLAY Sir,— The revelation that, of over 700 members of Great Britain’s Parliament, the average number present—even when measures of national importance are being debated—is considerably below one hundred, sets me wondering if the representatives of the British electors have found a cure for unemployment by working and playing turn about. It looks to me as if they are giving the world a very instructive exhibition of Socialism, which, when it comes, will provide equal time for work and play to all. WILLIAM PERRY, Great Barrier Island. CHEAPER POWER Sir, — I think it is about time centralisation of power distribution was adopted. What need is there for two power boards in Auckland? Would it not be much easier and certainly much cheaper for the bigger organisation, the Auckland Electric-Power Board, to administer both districts efficiently? As it is, expenses are duplicated, and we, who are consumers, have to pay. Do we get anything we could not get if the Waitemata board was absorbed by the .Auckland board? No, sir! It is high time consumers generally realise that agitation for lower administrative costs must come from the consumers. The Waitemata board members will naturally hang to their jobs as long as they can. This is a matter, then that should be taken up immediately and pushed by all who -want to reduce the cost of electricity. HOTPOIXT. “A TAIHOA POLICY” Sir, As a resident of Birkenhead, who has continually urged the need for awakening civic pride and interest in borough politics, I view with pleasure the evident signs that the residents are at last determined that Birkenhead shall no -longer deserve the sobriquet “Cinderalla of the Suburbs.” Without doubt the strong opposition being arranged against the present administration is the final protest of the longsuffering ratepayers against the “Taihoa” policy of the last four yars. I must commend the action of the Ratepayers’ Association in arranging for a public meeting where the views of the candidates can be heard. It is to be hoped that the electors will take advantage of the opportunity of hearing these views, and that they will then elect a live, progressive council. “NEW BROOM.” “A SMACK IN THE FACE” Sir The proposal to construct an infectious diseases bloqk in the hospital ground is so preposterous that I wonder the citizens are not moved to march in force on the board’s offices and demand that the members wake up to the perila of the situation. Surely, sir. It does not need an overplus of brains to realise that so long as an infectious diseases block is con-

structed in or near* the main buildings there will be ever present the risk of cross-infection. What would any parent say who sent his child into hospital for a minor operation and found that the youngster subsequently developed measles or diphtheria? Is is not time, sir, that the Health Department stepped in? Even if foundations are under way the work should be stopped and steps taken to secure land well away from the city for the construction of an adequate and up-to-date isolation hospital. To refuse to heed the protests of the public is to deliver a smack in the face, collectively, to the citizens of Auckland, and heaven knows we have had enough of those from men in administrative positions in recent years. BOILING. UNEMPLOYMENT Sir, — A keen reader of The Sun since it first began to shine through the murk of journalistic Auckland, I am now long accustomed to its invigorating freshness, brightness and splendid breadth of outlook on all matters pertaining to the common weal. I have been particularly struck by the ability and determination of its treatment of that least excusable of all present-day abominations—widespread unemployment. In marked contrast -with other journals, with their fatuous pooh-poohing at the outset, and their stodgy platitudes that have followed, The Sun has, from the first, recognised unemployment for what it is—a national evil, and has dealt with it accordingly. I know from bitter tunately past, and, with equally good fortune, remembered—that there is nothing so eats into the very heart and soul of a man, and of a nation, as protracted unemployment. The Sun’s leader of 14th inst., in particular, must surely have won the unstinted approval of all fair-minded thinkers, and the gratitude of all sufferers. Soup kitchens and doss houses are once again looming on the horizon, many people are at the moment suffering keenly, and there is every indication that men, women and children in hundreds are again about to be reduced to conditions of life that must ever be a foul blot on this—one of the richest little countries in the world. THINKER. Devonport. POLLING CLERKS Sir,— * ? ot A? e in. reading The Sun that for knn tO ,^ COmin ¥, municipal election some ,5? clerks will be required. Surely Hjif news will be gladly welcomed by the great number of unemployed clerk® fn struggling along endeavourmg to eke out an existence with what ever jobs may turn uT. Let us hope in all sincerity that there nened°nt b t a re Petition ofwhS happened a.t some of the polling booth®, during the Parliamentary election- ! and the other— m 3,

Having at one time filled the position of poll clerk, I am well aware that it does not need a very brilliant man to carry out the duties. Now I sincerely hope that the opportunity to earn a few shillings may be given to those most in need. Very fortunately I am not one of the great army of unemployed at the pres* ent. Anzac Day and its commemoration services will have just passed when election day comes round, and this may do something to influence those who have control of booths and the employment of clerks to give those who gave so much a helping hand or A chance to help themselves. “FAIR PLAT. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT ‘‘Motor-Car” (Otahuhu). —The which you paid covers your liability for any physical injury you may do to any third party—that is, any P® 1 * son not a member of your family or a servant, and not riding in y oar car. The cover is practically tinlimited. Even drunken drivers come under it. —Ed. The Sun.