IMPROMPTU LEVEE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 April 1934, Page 6

IMPROMPTU LEVEE

G. B. SHAW IN CIIRISTCTIUR.CII

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, Bth April. .-Air George Bernard Shaw entertained half a dozen reporters and as many listeners and spectators at an impromptu levee in the lounge of the United Service Hotel for more than an hour after his arrival on Saturday afternoon. Air Shaw seemed to enjoy himself just as much as his audience.

After his arrival lie disappeared for an hour to rest, and then reappeared in the lounge. “Well, what do you want me to talk about?'' lie. asked as ho approached the group of reporters. “What is it to he to-day?" When tlio talk began many others came to join the party of listeners, and questions were fired at him from every direction at once.

Someone asked him why lie came to Christchurch. He threw back his head and laughed. “Christchurch claims to bo the most intellectual city in New Zealand,” he said, “and I was most disappointed when the itinerary planned for me did not include it. However, tlie boat on Sunday night from Picton was suddenly changed to Saturday, so I decided to come to Christchurch. I am sorry I could not give you more notice, because, of course, you didn’t have the chance to put up all the necessary triumphal arches and decorations !”

LIKE A POLITICIAN An impressive voice from the audience, Dr. Thacker’s, asked: “Do you know, sir, that we have in the museum here tlie largest moa skeleton in the world?”

Air Shaw (looking surprised): “Well, no, I didn’t. I’m afraid I don’t know what a moa is !”

Dr. Thacker: “It is the largest wingless bird in New Zealand, sir.” Air Shaw: “A wingless bird?. But I don’t call a bird wingless unless it has wings. Wait a minute, though. It sounds rather, like a politician to mo; one of those politicians who haven’t the slightest knowledge of politics.” Another questioner asked All* Shaw if he knew anything about Spiritualism. “I know all about Spiritualism,” Mr Shaw replied. “1 attended my first seance at tlie age of about six. Why, tlie first planchetto board in Ireland was used in my parents’ home in Dublin. The man who used to work it—it wrote very well for him—afterwards went to' Australia—not voluntarily, though !” The talk turned to New Zealand scenery.

“There’s one thing I notice about you New Zealanders,” said All* Shaw. “Wherever I go people say to me that they must take me to see New Zealand’s last bit of original bush. I have driven through miles and miles of it since I have been here, and eaeji bit seems to be just as much tlie last and just as original as the one before. I must say, though, that it is unlike any bush I have ever seen before. The ferns and other native plants make it delightful, but I don’t like your stumped paddocks. They look like "the old battlefields on tlie Western front, with the tree trunks all battered and smashed and burned bv shells. The Government should compel the owners to take them .out. No expense should be spared for tlie sake of appearances.” A questioner asked what Air Shaw thought about vegetarianism. “Of course, the difficulty is these sheep!” Ah* Shaw replied. “If only they would be content to taka the wool off them and leave the meat it would lie. quite easy.” “But you can’t cat wool, sir!” remarked an aggrieved voice, and Mr Shaw joined in the laughter. “Have you enjoyed the very strong New Zealand limelight into which you have linen thrust?” lie was asked.

“Oil, T’lll used to it,” Ah* Shaw re plied. “I don’t mind it.”

NEW ZEALAND GIRLS

A questioner: “What do you think of New Zealand girls?” All* Shaw: “Oil, well, I’m too old to be a judge of that. I find them very good looking—indeed, better looking than the average English or Continental girl. They are happy aiid cheerful, too. That seems to bo characteristic of your New Zealanders. Even you reporters, who —Heaven knows ! —have not much reason to he happy, look cheerful enough, and (Ibis with a smile) you all seem to be quite sober, too !”