Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 649, 29 April 1929, Page 8

Citizens Say —

(To the Editor.)

FLAGS ON ANZAC DAY Sir.— Surveying the city on the morning of Anzac Day, I noticed that many buildings which had flag-poles, flew no flags in memory of those who gave their lives to preserve such businesses in British hands. It is a pity that a fee cannot be collected from firms failing to fly flags on Anzac Day for neglect of their civic duties; the fee to be paid into the Poppy Day fund. COMMON COURTESY. VOTING ON MAY 1 Sir,— There is an idea prevailing among many of the electors that it is essential to vote for 21 candidates at the forthcoming City Council elections. This, however, is entirely erroneous, as a vote for one or more candidates is valid as long as not more than 21 are voted for. A. RATEPAYER. WAS IT BAD TASTE? Sir, I was a member of the audience at a recent performance by Sir Harry Lauder and an interesting point was suggested to my mind. Toward the end of the show—the time was 10.30 —several people rose to leave the theatre. . Sir Harry called to them, and said: “Unless you have a train to catch it is very rude to leave the theatre while an artist is on the stage.” Now, sir, this is the point: Sir Harry was singing several songs, and none knew when he was going to leave the stage. Secondly, I paid for my seat, and although I was not one of those to leave prematurely, I would have considered myself justified in doing so if I became tired of the show or had a boat or tram to catch. Who, then, committed the breach of taste—Sir Harry Lajjder or the people who had to leave the theatre, and who had paid for their seats? STALLS. A REFUTATION Sir. —- Judging by published statements made by candidates for the Mayoralty of Takapuna and others, a report has been freely circulated that the North Shore Transport Company is desirous to dispose of its bus business to the Takapuna Borough Council. Permit me, sir, to state that there is not the slightest truth in such a report—nor is there the slightest foundation for such a report. It is Inconceivable that such a misleading and utterly untruthful statement could have been made, for at no time has there been any suggestion or proposal ■ —not even a thought—by the directors of the North Shore Transport Com-

pany, to dispose of‘ its bus undertaking either to the Takapuna Borough Council or to any person or persons. Such a baseless report could only have emanated from some person who, in his statements, is careless of the truth, and has promulgated this report as an election cry. Mr. Williamson and Mr. Wilkie are to be commended for publicly intimating that they would not support such a proposal. It would certainly be opposed to the best interests of the Borough of Takapuna if municipal transport were undertaken by the council. E. W. ALISON* Chairman of Directors. April 29, 1929. CHOOSING A MAYOR Sir, — The forthcoming election for Mayor and Council is causing wide public interest. It is right that it should. Never at any time during the last has the management of local affairs been so poorly handled. The time has now arrived when the citizens of Auckland should wake up to the fact that q, drastic change will have to be made if we are going to protect ourselves from being placed m a much worse position than we are at present. It is bad enough now. and it is plain that we are gradually slipping backward. I have heard the four candidates speaking, and I have come to th-* conclusion that, there are two who S 6? *° have the Qualifications to hold the important position as Mayor : —° ne is Mr. Bloodworth. with his long local-body experience and lUs grasp of civic matters generally; the other is Mr. Vaile, who seems to have potentialities for this high office. It is to be hoped that the electors will give attention to the state of affairs that exists at present, will cast prejudice aside, and vote for the ablest man Sir.- CIVIC ' ONE FROM FOUR Sir. ‘ Here is a “Who’s Who.” Let us take the names of the mayoral canbiH a ot eS paper:U y ™ onUSe Baildon Retiring Mayor. The man responsible for the control and organisation of municipal affS-s during the past two periods I? ratepayers are satisfied that the present organisation of the cit*s affairs are all that could be desired; that Mr. Baildon is an effithentcUW l i r 01 *y. e council and tne city s affairs— I’m easy- ” I Y° t 6 v. for Baildon, whw policy has been, “I’m Eaiy'" Bloodworth Labour Candidate Member of the last council. Mem- ? Bower Board. Trades-Hall-nominee. Clever, capable (Continued jn next column!

business man. Keen advocate of State control of all industry, advocate of municipal control of milk. meat. etc. A vote for him is a vote for municipal control of the milk, meat, etc., controlled by Trades Hall. Murray—Member of the last council. Not seriously in the campaign. Vaile—Successful business man. Director of a number of public companies. Only candidate who has offered a constructive platform. Only candidate asked to stand by a representative body of business men. The only candidate who in spite of the fact he is not popular, has the confidence of the business men of the city. The candidate who lias proved his business ability by building up a sound business organisation. On Wednesday citizens have to decide which of these four men they are going to make Mayor of the city. The Press of Auckland, with the exception of The Sun, has been silent on the subject—up to the moment of writing this. The Press has, however, in the past two years on numerous occasions told readers that it was time a change was made. Would any worker feel safe in his job if the “boss” managed it on the same lines as the City Council’s business? Efficiency, control and good management are of as much importance to the worker as to the owner of the business. His job depends on it. He has no control over the appointment of tha manager of the business in which he works; but he has over the appointment of a City Manager. I suggest the appointment of the only sound business man offering—at the request of his fellow business men—his services. Unless those who have the right to vote exercise their citizens’ privilege, they will lose their right to criticise. I make an urgent appeal to fellow-citizens to bring about a change—to remove this stain of inefficiency; of mess and muddle, from our civic affairs. A. J. HUTCHINSON.