Citizens Say

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1024, 15 July 1930, Page 8

Citizens Say

(To the Editor.)

AN UNKNOWN ARTIST Sir.— Xow that it is proposed to demolish tlia old Post Office building in ►Shortlarki Street, it would be a pity if the carvings, which adorn the facade, were to fall into the hands of vandals. They are the work of the same artist who did the carvings at the Supreme Court. 1 suggest that, before the Government hands over the building, the ornaments be removed and placed with the others at the Supreme Court. We would then ‘have a collection of all the work of this unknown artist, one of our earliest colonists, which would be unique and of which Auckland might be justly proud. Trusting The Sun will give its support and also make an endeavour to find the name of the artist, —MAC. LIFE AND DEATH Sir - .— I have been very interested in the correspondence on capital punishment and whether it should be abolished. There have been many opinions, but not much food for thought. Can any of your correspondents answer one or two questions to help me think this tiling out. First: What is life? Can we destroy it? If a man commits suicide, does he take his life? If we hang a man, do we take or destroy his life? Which was first, life or body? I have my own opinion, but want other opinions to help think this question out to its ultimate conclusion. JAMES TOOMATH. “ALL QUIET” AGAIN Sir, — The New Zealand censor is to be congratulated on his unique effort in banning the film version of Herr Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front.” It is somewhat stupid to say the least of ft. For apparently that

which.we may read on the printed page ( is totally.unfit to be imprinted on our visual sense. We may not see, or hear, that which we are allowed to read. Elsewhere, in less conservative lands, this film has been hailed as a faithful presentation of the famous novel. The majority of critics claims that the screen version points the antiwar spirit even more forcefully than the original novel. The censor. Mr. Tanner, even admits this quality, yet apparently does not attach any importance to it. Doesn’t Mr. Tanner believe in the real need for peace propaganda? But apart from such seriously inclined arguments, the thoughtful pic-ture-goer cannot but feel disgusted that he is to be denied the opportunitv of seeing the film production of this fine and stirring tale of man’s comradeship in times of fearful stress. We must sigh, obediently, I suppose, and l>e content with endless musical comedy or with morbid sex problem films tentatively labelled “More Suitable for Adult Audiences.” WELTSCHMERG. NEW ZEALAND IS TOO MODEST Sir, I have made several visits to New Zealand, and though a world traveller for over 50 years, during which time I have visited most countries of the globe, I maintain without he that New Zealand is the most charming, interesting, picturesque, and intriguing of all—so much so that in my office in Liverpool I have on the walls many striking views depicting its delightful scenery, kindly supplied by the Tourist Bureau, and. I never cease urging everyone I can to visit our most loyal and most southern Dominion; ami I am always sorry that the charms of New Zealand are so little known in the Old Country. It goes without saying that the High Commissioner and the Tourist Bureau are doing all in their power to bring them before the British public, but I wonder if I may bo allowed to suggest a scheme of pro- I paganda in which all could take part, J

viz., regularly and frequently to po**t to friends and acquaintances at Home not only illustrated, but even dail v . papers and picture postcards, partKiJ* larlv the latter. To assist in this good work, the Government or the Tourist Bureau might see its way clear to put on the market picture postcards retailing at one penny each —thirteen for 3s. as printed in large quantities 1 do n ® l think any loss would be sufferedJust imagine the wonderful effect 01. say, a million people in the Old Country receiving picture postcards a n<l papers every year from New Zealand. To my mind, such publicity would produce most excellent results. The cost to each individual would only W trifling, possibly u shilling or two shillings a year, and the entire ] üblic would benefit by the increased number of tourists. W. H. SAUNDERS, F-R-GJ3. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS A.D. (Dargavii’e).—The results cl tho draw for small . prizes in the Golden Wings Art Union were published *n Saturday.—Ed.. The Sun. ‘‘Hunt.”—lnquiries at the public libraries show that a commission investigating the subject you mention was set up in the late eighties the Berlin Society of Medicine. Tji# commission is referred to in Encyclopaedia of Social Jleforw* published by Funk and YVagnamln this work the subject is <*ea ; with comprehensively.—Bd-, T Sun.