Effective probing made by “Gallery”

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33382, 14 November 1973, Page 4

Effective probing made by “Gallery”

“Gallery” effectively probed behind the headlines last night as it took a look at two quite different but related topics—the I.A.T.A. conference in Auckland with its airline fuel-cost problems, and the | uneasy political situation I in the Middle East. As expected, Arab and Israeli airline representatives responded guardedly to questions by the interviewer, Ross Stevens, on oil shortages and prices. The Air Egypt man per-) mitted himself a meaningful chuckle when asked what he thought about the increase in fuel prices in his own. country, ft soon became] clear delegates were unwill-i ing to become involved in a discussion of politics. The real meat of the piece came from the two overseas journalists interviewed and this was a rewarding move for “Gallery.” These men, thoroughly conversant with the international aviation scene, were able to explain how the airlines are welcoming the crisis as something they can latch on to to rationalise operations. Admittedly the result of a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Commission, the series of interviews on

the Middle East situation were well-conducted and the subjects articulate and intelligently chosen. The film provided insights] into the result of the war] jfrom the Arab point of view, and the psychological boost it gave. The programme suffered through not including comment from Egyptian and other Arab leaders, but this was compensated for to some extent by the comments of the three of the estimated !one million Arabs living within Israel. It was topical, informative, 1 and reasonably well-balanced through the efforts of an objective interviewer. Although rather pedestrian;

in presentation, the earlyevening programme, “Your Money’s Worth,” had answers to some of the questions that often puzzle people for years. Subjects such as what happens to an estate when a person dies without making a will and what should be done to avoid crippling death duties can become vital to many people. “Your Money’s Worth” performs a valuable public service and is no doubt wel-; corned by professionals and, future clients alike. ■ “The South Tonight” had. a full and mixed bag. John Knowles raised an interesting question with his piece 'on Government funds for 1 sport and recreation, but ’more light could perhaps have been thrown on the subject by inclusion of a Government view of what is likely to qualify for subsidy ] funds. j The other highlight was I John Gilmour’s interview of ’traffic officers who had taken ipart in Christchurch’s traffic ] blitz. This was a good idea ] which provided candid views j from the men who have been I freely dishing out tickets. Poor Rodney Bryant—so he i has the mumps and they won’t go to visit him from CHTV3. No doubt they’re all 'scared of being similarly affected; but surely, Brian, a wave through the window. ] some flowers, even a; message? —K.C.I