“Whispering” Campaign

Northern Advocate, 1 August 1938, Page 6

“Whispering” Campaign

[Per Press Association. Copyright! CHRISTCHURCH. This Day.

The discovery of a local “whispering campaign” was referred to by the Mayor, Mr. R. M. McFarlane, when welcoming the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, at a civic welcome on Saturday.

“Since you were here last we have had a ‘whispering campaign,’ ” said the mayor to Mr. Savage, “We have discovered some people with very vivid imaginations, and the press also have been very anxious about your welfare. They have devoted a considerable amount of time and space to you.

“The newspapers have developed another form of criticism, that is by a system of cartoons,” he added. “As far as the cartoons are concerned, the newspapers are making a contribution to art and science in Now Zealand.”

Vivid Imagination,

“Some of my critics have a very vivid imagination,” Mr. Savage remarked, in the course of his reply. “They have imagined Savage with a wife and five children, but those who know me best know it needs fairly elastic imagination to imagine that.” $ “About our friends The newspapers, I don’t mind what they have to say, because I know there is something wrong with me when they start to praise me. His worship has connected their cartoons with art, I don’t know if there is anything wrong with him, but I don’t see much art in cartoons.”

» “However it is delightful to be with you this morning, because I am at least free from those voices that come from the opposite side of the House." continued Mr Savage. "The greatest Leader the world ever knew had His critics, so why should I complain ? Sometimes it is a bit annoying, but I have to take it as it comes, and go on my way to do the job I am here to do. “I have right to my side, and am satisfied that the people are behind me. They are not all behind me, of course. Some are picturing the Big Bad Wolf, and it is a remarkable thing that there are people in our midst who cannot see anything ahead but gloom.