Uninformed Critics Resented

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31197, 22 October 1966, Page 1

Uninformed Critics Resented

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 21. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) told Parliament in his farewell speech today he was sick and tired of “uninformed criticism.”

One reason for his retirement was because he was “sick and tired of uninformed criticism by people who have no idea what they are talking about.” “1 particularly resent very much the criticism of some leader writers in our newspapers,” he said. The Minister said that no

leader writer had ever rung him up to say, “What would you say,” before going into print. “The cities have grown up and the newspapers should have grown up, too,” he said. “They are too parochial.” Mr McAlpine said that Parliament would reconsider its procedure next session. “I would suggest they have a look at the night work in this House. This sitting until 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning is unnecessary and unproductive.” The Minister said that he wanted very much to spend ■ more time with his family and to get to know his grandchildren. “I have made it quite plain that I do not want to go to London or Washington. 1 want to make it quite clear that I would not accept these positions if they were offered to me.”