Rock And Roll

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28800, 22 January 1959, Page 3

Rock And Roll

Sir,—With reference to rock and roll is seems a pity that such a lot of energy is spent by thpse who perform the acts, when a little energy could be better spent in their homes, even at intervals. Probably, they could whistle a tune and chop some firewood for mother or help dad in the garden, and then go to an evening’s entertainment without such a display of irrational emotion. I am not a prude or spoil sport, but, to, my way of thinking, nothing is to be gained by those who make an exhibition "of themselves In a theatre or dance hall.—Yours, etc..

ELIZABETH McFARLANE. January 20, 1959.

Sir,—As a bachelor, cruelly over-taxed, I look upon teenagers as the finished products of the State education system which, together with • several other worthy causes, eats away great chunks of my weekly wage. After meditating on the untold thousands of pounds involved in the schooling of Mr J. Devlin (the one with the real cool dad) and his screaming admirers I can only cry, “Mr Nordmeyer, I want my money back.”—Yours, etc., PYTHAGORAS. January 20, 1959.

Sir, —The rantings of “T.J.F.” are proof positive that his study of rock and roll is infantile, as no evidence can be produced of any disgusting presentation of music. “T.J.F.” should study more closely the working of a teenage mind. We say good luck to Johnny Devlin.—Yours, etc., THREE WISE OWLS. January 21, 1959.

Sir, —In reply to “T.J.F.” I would say that the stamping, yelling and clapping of teenagers to the beat of rock and roll is the result of an urge to be seen, heard, noticed, due to growing up. Time will cure it.—Yours, etc., A.E.C. January 21, 1959.

Sir,—Parents who are trying, by example and precept, to guide their teenagers into decent, decorous ways .of obtaining their fun and using their leisure, must have deplored the reports of a Cabinet Minister publicly asserting, in the midst of a screaming mob of hysterical girls' who were fighting over a strip of a boy’s shirt, that “there’s nothing wrong with rock and roll,” and even allowing herself to be photographed in the youth’s arms. Such exhibitions ere no doubt good publicity but js it unreasonable to look for a little decorum in the-Teaders of our country? Social security is gained as much by a decent, orderly way of life as by a monthly benefit cheque.—Yours, etc., H.F.T. January 20, 1959.

Sir, —I would tell “Con-ditioned-Martian” to take heart. His Phoenix of the art, Johnny Devlin, has received approval’s kiss from one-eightieth of Parliament.—Yours, etc.. T.J.F. January 21, 1959. IWith this last word from “T.J.F.,” who -first wrote on the subject, . this correspondence may now cease.—Ed., "The Press.”]