‘Spectator’ Contributors Protest Over Macleod

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30287, 13 November 1963, Page 34

‘Spectator’ Contributors Protest Over Macleod

(Special Correspondent NZJ’A.)

LONDON, Nov. 12. Opposition to Mr lain Macleod's appointment as editor of the "Spectator” is growing. Besides the protest made last week by the editorial staff of the weekly journal, two further protests have been registered. In these a total of 27 journalists who have been associated with the “Spectator" in recent years express their disquiet either at the "shabby jeatment” meted out to the present editor, Mr lan Hamilton, or at the way the proprietor, Mr lan Gilmour, Conservative member of Parliament for Norfolk Central, had compromised the "Spectator’s" reputation as an independent journal by appointing as its editor a former chairman of the Conservative Party.

“Mr Gilmour finds marshalled against him on this issue not only the present editorial staff but also almost all those who have worked on the staff in recent years and nearly a score of the ‘Spectator's’ regular contributors.” says the "Guardian.” “This is not likely to alter his determination to substitute Mr Macleod for Mr

Hamilton nor can a meeting of the board of directors do more than delay the new appointment. “However, the widespread hostility to his appointment may affect Mr Macleod's willingness to take the helm while the present storm is raging,” says the “Guardian.” Joining Bank Board Mr Macleod, the former leader of the House of Commons, has joined the board of Lombard Banking, a hirepurchase and banking group with total assets of £90,000.000. It was announced that Mr Macleod’s function would be to advise and guide his fellow directors in a general field. He would not be involved in day-to-day details of running the business. Mr Macleod told reporters he was “delighted” to accept an invitation to become a director. "This is a bank which has particular interest not only in Britain but in Canada, Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

Wallet Stolen.—A wallet containing approximately £2O was stolen when a house in Chester street was burgled at the week-end. The burglar got in through an unlocked window.