Stimulus to Rugby by “Sporting Life”

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33252, 15 June 1973, Page 4

Stimulus to Rugby by “Sporting Life”

Rugby this season will i have cause to be thankful ; to the N.Z.B.C.’s television programme “Sporting Life,” produced by Des Monaghan. The Springbok tour is not taking place and major interest is virtually restricted to inter - provincial matches and the internal tour, so programmes such as Wednesday evening’s close look at the trials are doubly welcome. The programme was a good example of what can result from a well-planned, professional approach. Early on, it looked as though discussion might be rather limited and desultory by the panel consisting of. Colin Meads, Terry McLean and Norman Wilson. But the edited highlights of the trials and skilfully directed questions provided [plenty of scope to examine individual players, and aspects of play such as scrummaging and lineout techniques. It was also interesting to; see the discussion touch on the wider implications of holding trials and the reflection of views this provoked. Mr Monaghan fortunately possesses the facility for seeing and meeting the need for a light touch and provided this with the inclusion of spectators’ comments. The piece was nicely rounded off by pertinent comments from the selector, Mr John Stewart. It was an intelligent and well executed approach to coverage of the trials, and infinitely better than just a flat screening of play. * * “Inquiry” upheld its reputation with its investigation into the law governing divorce and whether changes are needed. It broke new ground for the media in this country which curiously has tended

ito shy off a serious approach; Ito this subject. ; The opening, using players jfrom Wellington’s Downstage; 'Theatre, was imaginative and I effective. i The co-operation_of_the

i “private eye” also added I another dimension to the programme and provided useful information on how some i unscrupulous operators in (this field are fleecing the public. The programme came up [with the startling informaItion that one in eight New Zealand marriages end in divorce and last year there were 3500 divorces. Almost as startling was one divorced man’s claim to have held five jobs in order to meet his payments. Although the brief obviously covered just an examination of the law and how it works in relation to needs, it would have been interesting to include some reference to the reasons for the increased divorce rate. Members of the Divorce Law Reform Association provided handy subjects for the programme and their views were well balanced by lawyers’ comments relating to the law’s concern for the welfare of the children of divorced parents. The programme was timely, relevant and interesting. $s s'i “The South Tonight” survey of the relationship between orthodox religion and the religious flavour of the show, “Godspell,” was imaginative and topical. There were signs of rather hasty editing here and there, and we never did get to hear what one cleric had to say about the show, although he said he had seen it twice. It may not worry other viewers, but sometimes Dylan Tate’s seeming obsession with punning does tend to grate. His introductory patter was superficial and overlooked the very obvious religious development outside the established churches. However, Dylan’s obvious enthusiasm makes up for deficiencies in other directions. sjs * sis “Please Sir” continues on his boisterous way trying to keep one step ahead of the 5C mob. But undoubtedly the star of Wednesday night’s episode was Potter whose facial contortions were a delight to behold. The photographer Courtenay was rather a gem too. Occasionally this programme produces some good comedy.—K.C.