Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 886, 1 February 1930, Page 10

Citizens Say —

A QUESTION Sir,— Will the advocates of producing more by consuming less explain how to perform that seeming miracle? WILLIAM PERKY, Great Barrier Island. THE NEED FOR A BRIDGE Sir,— I should like to draw your attention to the following facts, which appear to emphasise the great need for a harbour bridge. On Tuesday, the 28th instant, I arrived at the vehicular ferry landing at Auckland, intending to travel by the 5.15 p.m. boat to Birkenhead but, together with other cars, mine was cut out because the boat was full. It went only to North - cote, unloaded there, and came back to pick up the 13 cars waiting in Auckland. One result of this inability of the present ferry service to cope with the traffic offering at the advertised time of departure was that the cars waiting at Birkenhead to catch the 5.40 p.m. to Auckland had to wait while this extra trip was being made. The special importance to me of this delay was the fact that I, a medical man, was delayed for over half an hour in attending to a man so seriously injured in a motor-car accident that he died subsequently in the Auckland Hospital. I do not say that, if the Ferry Company had been able to cope with the traffic offering, the man’s life would have been saved; but, most certainly he would have been spared more than half an hour’s suffering. My experience on this Tuesday is not the only instance of these exasperating delays. The same thing happened to me on the 31st December test yea.u; and many other residents ol Birkenhead will bear me out when I state that I am not the only one thus inconvenienced. Pending the arrival of the bridge now long overdue, it would be very much to the Ferry Company’s interest to montain a regular time-table and to endeavour to. establish a faster and more frequent service. J. W. CRAVEN, M.D. Birkenhead. BETTER BROADCASTS Sir.— "Disgruntled'' is not satisfied, but I suggest that just as the word "disgrruntled ’ is not to be found in every dictionary, dissatisfaction will not be found in every listener.

(To the Editor.)

As one of the "mediocre" performers who is occasionally heard—or perhaps the only one—l suggest that of the Auckland talent, the best singers available are heard from ITA. Glance over the city programmes of all important concerts held during last winter, and you will find with an odd exception they are well-known voices at IYA. There may be performers who do not want to, or who may place too great a cash value on their ability -—for which reason they are not broadcast —although I do not know of any. Could “Disgruntled” name half a dozen outstanding performers in this city wbo aro not heard? I don’t think so. I couldn't.

“Disgruntled” spoils the value of bis complaint by inexcusable exaggeration. To say that lie would sum up the worth-while performers as one violinist, one humourist and one or two vocalists is not fair comment, and I suggest it is not true. f have not taken the trouble to check the figures but I would say that a perusal of the programmes for any calendar month would reveal a list of 150 to ::00 individual voices, apart from the bands and choirs which are heard during that period. Any ordinary broadcast programme would compare very favourably with any concert programme given in this city during 1929 for variety, quality and quantity. I would like "Disgruntled” to write again and define his understanding of “mediocre” and “good stuff.” The contributing performers might find it a guide to define their own level. The “cheap rate” referred to may find more than one sympathetic ear—among the performers—but I suggest if the rata was more liberal it would be the present performers who would enter into that enjoyment. I should hope so. MEDIOCRE. CR. BURTON FOR THE DEFENCE Sir,— Your editorial comment on the appointment of the City Engineer calls for some comment. A section of your opening remarks: “if Mr. Tyler is given opportunity to work without stupid interference by amateur engineers, he should have no great difficulty in proving worthy of a distinctive and possibly lucky preferment,** is at once a rejoinder, proving as it does that The Sun does not doubt Mr. Tyler’s undoubted qualities. Speaking as a first-year member of the council, having still the first flush of a critical outlook, I want to say that the past six months I have not seen more than one or two out of hundreds of recommendations by Mr. Tyler rejected by the Works Committee or, in

turn, by the council, despite the closest n py ’ication of committee members to the minutest detail of every question submitted. Does this suggest stupid interference in the pust? In my judgment it augurs well for a helpful influence in the work ahead by the new City Engineer. It is obvious that where a principle in appointment was in doubt, tiiefP would be difference of opinion, hence the council’s attitude generally but not unanimously. When the sub-commit-tee appointed to reduce the number or applicants to nine had given its verdict, the whole council had full opportunity of studying the qualifications and attainments of the candidate The scholastic attainments of an engineer and their meaning and value are not difficult of differentiation to any JaY* man. The next point was to set. out the record of achievement of the candidates. Surely it is not suggested that such record and attainment are not -intelligible even to the city councillor. As to the suggestion that heads were counted, this is contrary to fact* and I make this statement deliberate!). “That the final three balloted for last evening by ie council were not discussed by * o with any councillor, nor I believe by any body of councillors in any secret conclave.” . As to the comment that it have been far better to have appointee Mr. Tyler without any farcical co °J* petition with such a statement 1 tirely disagree. The Auckland City Council bad a duty to ratepayers to get the best PJJ _ sible man for the job, and I lieve that every councillor faced tn task of appointment with that objective, irrespective of Mr. Tyler or an.' body else. Despite all that has said, I maintain that the choice of Y* successful applicant did not call in outside advice; qualification is dete mined not only by scholastic ment, but by practical common-sen effort, determined by results tna count, and at least in my humble j ll , l "®*. ment the council made no mistake night. IT. P BURTON. January 31, 1930. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT R.G.—There is always a tendency J** young horses to “play up” at the ing barrier. The two horses you tion were the only ones to leave , mark correctly. That was at the time.—Ed. The Sun,