RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 27

RANDOM REMINDER

METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING

We do not fully appreciate the part the metaphor plays in our speech and writing until we find ourselves in the midst of the slings and arrows (you see what happens) of an election campaign. In no time at all we are whisked off to an unreal world where the literalminded is soon at sea unless he keeps both legs firmly planted on the ground. A typical election campaign scene might look a little like this: The tide appears to be running both ways, though it hasn't reached landslide proportions, and in it can be discerned the floating voters busy nibbling at election bait, which, as any wise metaphorician knows, will boomerang back on them like a ton of bricks once the trap has been sprung. On the

hustings sit the candidates who are standing. Some are sitting members; others are sitting ducks. Most of them are giving out planks from their platforms and others are busy working the parish pump overtime in spite of the sword of Damocles lurking in the wings on the international scene. Some are throwing mud at those on the other side of the fence. Some sticks, for where there’s smoke there’s fire. There is thunder from the left and right and the smell of red herrings being led up the garden path pervades the air. Over in one corner, galloping among the grass roots, can be seen the little straw polls, busy clouding the issue so noone can see the breakers ahead. In the middle, at the bar

of public opinion (no moaning bjr request) stand the real rulers of the country, girding their loins, shouldering the wheel, poisoning their barbs and keeping a tight rein on those dancing on the political stage. Each is armed with one small sharp vote, which is liable to buckle against a safe seat, but which can be a terrible weapon if all use it the same way. It has brought down the curtains on many a political drama, written finis to many a chapter in political history, snuffed the limelight from some figures and brought others into sharp focus. It will not be long now before they are marshalled to go to the polls, cast their ballots, exercise their democratic right and give their verdict. New Zealand will be hanging on their lips.