LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1161, 31 October 1917, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE SOMNOLENT SYNOD. To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —Your correspondent "Golensoite" asserts that the "deadly dullness" at the annual meetings of the Anglican Synod is open to question. I feel afraid that the Coleuso doctrines, and the somewhat out-of-date "Higher (?) Criticism" of the Bible in connection therewith are responsible for his doubt regarding the torpidity of the Anglican Church. Tins denomination has not been particularly alert for a long time now, and I am afraid dry disquisitions at Synod gatherings will not rouse it out of its lethargy. If the (iospel of Christ were preached in its simplicity, spiritual inactivity would cease to exist. In this is to be found the "reason" ami "remedy" that your correspondent inquires of. —I am, etc., B. A. BROADIIEAD. j Oct. 30/'l7. SALVATION ARMY APPEAL. To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —I feel impelled to protest against the singling out of the Salvation Army for special public support of its war work. As you correctly say, the same kind of work is done by the Churches and by the Y.M.C.A., and it is done by them for all classes and denominations of men. For example, the Church of England does not ask men using its military institutes in the camps and its huts at the front whether or not they are members of the English Church —all are welcome. What more can be said of the Salvation Army buildings? It, is true that the Salvation Army has not many members of its own from whom to secure donations; but surely the smallness of a denomination is not a just plea for seeking the financial support of the general public.* - One would expect it to be said that if a body of people cannot afford to do a thing, it must be left undone. Of course, Ido not object to the "Army" canvassing people for money; but I do object to the Mayor calling a special meeting of citizens to form a committee to help the "Army" unless he is prepared to do the same for any other denomination that may ask for similar help. It is not true to say that the Salvation Army has not yet asked the public for help in its war work. I believe I am correct in saying that it has asked and received help from every patriotic fund in the Dominion. What would be «aid if the Presbyterian Church or the

Church-of England or the Roman (.' lie Church asked those funds for nn tary help for the war work they doing'? It is unjust to give this :-,!• treatment to one denomination. has been said that the ''Army'' i a denomination; but that is no "Army's" own opinion, and i 1 I the opinion of the Government, vM proposing to exempt officers of the i vation Army from military scrvi. the ground that they are minisuTs - religions denomination. I am anxious not to be misundt :■■ i I have respect for much of the work done by the Salvation Army, ' in and out of military camps; i i religious denomination must not, sbe singled out from others for :,- official support and coniinendnrion. During its recent so-called self week, the Salvation Army lias coii from the general public over K". and now it proposes to go to the | again.—l am, etc., IMPARTIAL IT, TELEGRAPH MESSENGEEG To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —Will you kindly give me in your widely read paper, for wl, thank you in anticipation, to ash good does it do the public to In • out of bed by a poor, tired messe boy at 10 or 12 o'clock at nigld ) Stiiose messages! at thai hour do no any good except to cause a lot of w all night, and would do just as earlier in the morning. It is a disg to see young boys out at all hour night, and certainly it is no credi' our Government to allow such a stai affairs. How can those young. grn>'. boys become strong men when I liave to do 10 and 12 hours' duly >■ busy, which is every day and nighl ' a private employer kept his I such long hours, ami paid no overt! how very quickly lie would be be the Court, and be made to pay a he fine; but in a Government job ; can do what they like with the men. especially with the poor, liard-wor messenger bo\ r , receiving 10/8 a w and that paid monthly. 1 think it is ! time some of our members of Pai meat woke up, and if only for the - of the health of the messenger I tried to put a stop to i ■'■ work. Eight hours a day is more ; enough for any boy. Why keep tl in the streets till they fall asleep their bikes, and when at last they told to go are just glad to tun into bed, and too tired to eat. 1 tli we have epiite enough unfit will making our young lads, who are lucky enough to be telegraph lingers, also unfit through working at night, and in all weathers.— 1 etc.,

A MOTHER WHO KNOWS. [Mr H. P. Wyatt, Superintendent of Telegraphs, was shown the above letter this morning. He said that our correspondent undoubtedly exaggerated the hardships suffered by messengers. The night service could not be abolished, as it had come into force as a result of public agitation, hut every consideration was given boys working at night. Only messages of import, ancc were sent out after 10 p.m., and mi(r experienced boys were put on late ni#( work. The statement regarding 10 or 1 hours' duty is sadly astray, as two-third! of the time worked by both day and night boys averages under seven hours. Hie messengers arc provided with the best waterproof garments procurable, and as ;m offset against what "A Mother Who Knows" says in regard to becoming unlit, they have a social club, with the use of gymnasium and swimming bath. Boys who work over seven hours continuously are allowed a spell and provided with a cup of tea. It is admitted that the work is likely to 111111111' trying at night, but everything possible is done for the messengers.] MILK SUPPLY. To the Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —As a Christehurch citizen, I do take exception to the suggestion made by "Civis" after perusing a copy "t the new Bill, that tlie milkmen are trying to play "heads I win, tail- you lose." In the first place, the quest ion to be promptly decided is whether the present system requires reorganising, and "Civis" and the writer appear to be at one on this point, because ho states "it is quite true that our milk system wants reorganising." Xow I would respectfully ask "Civis" how lie would reorganise, hecause I do value a person's criticism ::ot by its destructive nature, but by ilie constructive ability displayed. I make this challenge: If "Civis" can evolve ;i system for the reorganising of the milk supply and secure a saving to the runsinners without the inclusion of the block system of delivery, I will pay £5 .")/- to any war fund. I forgot to mention that "Civis" has .evidently not made himself familiar with the amended Bill, otherwise he would not have made such a blunder as to infer that the coupon svstem was included in it. 1 failed to' find any trace of it. I did, however, telephone to the Efficiency Board and inquire if the coupon system had been suggi *feil. The answer L received was, yes. in connection with the sale of all foodstuffs tiie coupon system, carrying with it a cash discount, was suggested. lon it is optional as far as the vendor anil purchaser are concerned. Here again, I would ask "Civis" why So per cent, of the consumers who can pay cash shouhl be deprived of a discount because of 1-J per cent, delinquents. His suggestion is in favour of municipal control; if so, how would he (""- pose to distribute the milk ami collect

accounts? Briefly I want a candid eonstrucfirtf proposal. (a) Scheme of reorganising the milk supply. (b) Method of delivery. (c) How accounts are to be collected to give the cash purchasers an advantage over the non-paver.—T am, etc, ORGANISED P.S.—I attach hereto my cheque fol £5 '>/- to be held by you, sir, pending developments.