TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30586, 31 October 1964, Page 14

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

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The Prime Minister, Mr Holyoake, said he had been advised by the New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Mr E. B. E. Taylor, that the bowing to the Emperor of Japan by a group of New Zealand athletes In the Olympic stadium “was grossly overdone, but was neither meant to be insulting nor was interpreted in this way.”—News item.

Whatever was, in simple Truth, intended— Whoever, if Anybody, was offended— By Those who unceremoniously bowed Themselves OUT, Sir, does Anyone feel proud Of THIS athletic Feat? They meant no Harm. Was it their Fault, the Gesture didn’t charm? Like the Prime Minister, I’ve read the Papers, That’s All I know about these dubious Capers The Ambassador says, ‘grossly overdone’— Could hobbledehoyish Kiwis, having Fun, Cloud even momentarily the Rising Sun? The first Reports were an Exaggeration? I’ll settle for the official Explanation: Over the Facts (what THEY were, now, Heaven knows!) The warm damp Cloud of diplomatic Prose Descends —confusing, if it can’t dispose Of the Suspicion (if you like, misplaced) That What was done was not in perfect Taste. The social Situation must be saved— As, when a Guest’s spoilt Child has misbehaved, The Host will cover up as Best he can, Laughs at the Antics of the Little Man: He’s cute, he’s full of Fun, one mustn't get Offended with him, let alone upset. Sir, as I write, some further Explanation Explaining All, may be in Preparation. By way of Interim Report, I’d say This wouldn’t be the first (or worst) Display Of the Kiwi’s Habits when abroad—and All Because the World’s so big, and he’s so small! The dear wee Pet, he’s only trying to please The Grown-ups when he shows off Overseas.