Accepts Scrimgeour Challenge

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1939, Page 6

Accepts Scrimgeour Challenge

“Will He Called F.U ; Public Enemy ”

1 per Press Association. Copyright .] WELLINGTON, This Day.

Mr J. Maher, a farmer of Mungarca, has taken up the challenge issued on Sunday night by the Director of Commercial Broadcasting iMr C. G. Seri mge our).

Mr Scrimgeour offered, if it could be proved that he had used certain words complained of. to resign his position and not to speak over the radio again. In a letter to Mr Scrimgeour, Mr Maher asks to be informed of the time and place at which ho is to attend before a judge of the Supreme Court for the settlement of the issue. Mr Maher's letter reads: Wants Sabbath Calm. “During your broadcast on Sunday evening to what you described as a potential audience of 1.000,000 people you replied to 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 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 fer ever rid of your methods cf propaganda and the calm of our Sabbath evenings may be restored, I hereby accept your challenge. “I 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.’ “As Soon as Possible.” “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 elect 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.”