N.Z. Standards

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 14

N.Z. Standards

Sir,—There may well be something in what the conductor of the Israel Orchestra, Mr Mehta—not, one understands, himself an Israeli —has said about certain aspects of the New Zealand way of life. Most of it, however, is “old hat” by now, having been said dozens of times by other visitors: and it is only of value so far as it reflects the opinions of people who have been here long enough —which is not just a few days, or weeks, or even months—to make their views worth consideration. This, of course, applies equally to New Zealanders or anyone else visiting some foreign country; and most of us, one believes, being by virtue of our profession a welcome and honoured guest in that country, would think twice before airing our unflattering views of its hospitality.—Yours, etc., ILAM. September 9, 1966.

Sir, —I note from your issue today that last evening’s conductor of the Israel Orchestra. Mr Mehta, is not happy about hotel accommodation and meals in this country. To those of us who have been overseas in many other countries. and we are legion, his feelings are completely understood, and we ask his forgiveness as being a young and small but progressive country (I would not exchange it for any other) which will make the grade in time. May he always remember the way in which last night’s audience

took him and the members of the orchestra to their hearts.—Yours, etc., AUDIO. September 8, 1966.

Sir, —Mr Zubin Mehta’s remarks regarding our immigration policies are particularly apt. We white Kiwis have a well-established but very strange attitude towards the members of other races (including Maori). Judging by various recent opinion polls, the majority of us maintain that we would be agreeable to any number of Norwegians, Asians, “etc.,” settling here—“as long as they become like us.” Why should they? Are we afraid of comparisons in culture, quality of friendship and service, and enrichment of life? Can an advocate of this belief please enlighten me as to why “they” must be made to go into reverse gear, as it were, and pick up our culture and way of life at the stage we have, so far, reached, practise only our comparatively empty way of life, or be virtually ostracised? Visitors must be secretly pleased to leave our shores and get the taste out of their mouths. —Yours, etc., PINK GIN. September 8, 1966.

Sir, —As a teen-ager who does not accept rubbish, and having been brought up in a country of plenty, I do not see why Mr Mehta should criticise us so severely. Have he . and his fellow-musicians stayed in the best hotels? His criticism of New Zealand food may be right to him. but has he taken any note of the healthy people around him? He recommends that we should house and cater for many of Europe’s starving millions, but are not our immigration officers more knowledgeable than he in this matter? He also states that we are a selfish country, but after reading this I turned to read that C.0.R.5.0. has sent £360,350 for hunger relief. This is one organisation only. If Mr Mehta becomes ill through lack of Continental food, I am sure we could find a healthy Kiwi substitute.— Yours, etc.. NO TUMMY RUMBLES.

September 9, 1966. [This correspondence is now closed.—Ed., “The Press.”]