ACCEPTED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1939, Page 8

ACCEPTED

BROADCAST CHALLENGE

"PUBLIC ENEMY NO. 3"

LETTER TO MR. SCRIMGEOUR

Arising out. of the public protests by various branches of the Farmers' Union concerning the attacks which the Controller of Commercial Broadcasting is said to have made against the farmers of New Zealand, a challenge was issued by Mr. Scrimgeour on Sunday night. Speaking during his "Man-iri-the-S"treet" session, he offered (if it be proved that he used the words , complained-of) to resign his present position, and not i to. speak over the radio again.

Mr. J. J.-Maheiv farmer, of Mungaroa, has taken up the, challenge. In a letter to Mr. Scrimgeour he asks to be informed of the time* and place at which he is to attend before a Judge of the Supreme Court for a settlement of the issue.

Mr. Maher's letter tp Mr. Scrimgequr accepting the challenge is as follows:—

Dear Sir,— During your broadcast on Sunday evening to what you described as "a potential audience of a million people," you replied to the recent protests of thousands of farmers, by issuing a challenge, in' the course of which you-offered to resign your position as Director of Commercial Broadcasting and never tp speak over the radio again, if anyone proved before a Judge of the Supreme Court that you used the objectionable expression complained of. In order that New Zealand, may be for ever rid of your- methods of propaganda and the calm- of our Sabbath evenings restored, I hereby accept your challenge and undertake to prove that two Sunday nights ■ ago • your voice was heard over the radio referring to the Farmers* Union as "Public Enemy, No. 3." -

Please inform me as soon as possible of the time and place at -which I am to attend before whatever Judge of the Supreme Court you. may select for the purpose-of settling this matter.

It is very desirable that the numerous witnesses whom I propose.to, call should have an opportunity .of- giving their evidence before the Courts close for the summer vacation. ■

Mungaroa, November 27, 1939