Wizard and census

Press, 30 August 1986, Page 20

Wizard and census

Sir, — I agree with Ron Wallace’s comments regarding lan B. Channell (August 23). We have more than our share of people making a mockery of the law as it is, and many of them think it is funny also. Mr Channell might well have “vanished” on census night, but can he prove where he vanished to, and where does he live now? He might call himself a “wizard.” I say he is unemployed and, while he influences responsible people, dangerous. I am unimpressed with his references to certain signatories in his support and wonder if they might be afraid to admit they cannot see the “emperor’s new clothes.” — Yours, etc., M. L. STUART. August 28, 1986.

Sir, —How does Mr lan Brackenbury Channell’s activities make him different to anyone else? He can call himself the “Maharajah of Cooch Behar” if he likes, but when he is fined by the Statistics Department (if he persists in his refusal to complete a census form) will he also refuse to pay a fine? No doubt some of the debtors of over SI6M in outstanding court fines have "disappeared.” The point is that: (1) certain law-breakers have refused to pay fines, citizens are shocked by the enormous total and by the thought of the law being flouted, wondering how many others will follow suit; (2) Mr Channell has refused to complete the requirements of the law and citizens are being asked to regard it as a great joke. What is good for the goose is good for the gander—Yours, etc., RON WALLACE. August 28, 1986.