"PRIVILEGE ON THE RADIO"

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24141, 6 December 1941, Page 8

"PRIVILEGE ON THE RADIO"

Sir, —I road with delight Mr. R. M. Algio's letter under the above heading. Confined to bed with tonsilitis and seeking any distraction from pain and weariness, I also listened intently to tho Ministerial melodrama at Slatey Creek. When Mr. Semple warmed up, I wondered what terror the voice of Hitler, when raised in wrath, must inspire. Mr. Webb certainly knows how to blarney, and he laid it on thick. Together .they , produce some good showmanship, some fine teamworks Together they sat, not in the cab, but on tho cow-catcher of the engine that cut the ribbon above the new line. It was neatly done, and very much appreciated by the gathering which was otherwise, so I judged from the radio, rather unresponsive. For, after all, both Ministers made clever speeches —of a type. Their technique, apparently, is to commence an address by observing every formality, and then at the slightest encouragement they proceed to laud each other and every member of the Cabinet, including themselves. It was then, as Mr. Algie said, "the 'Bobs' and 'Paddys' were tossed about with prodigal extravagauce." J expect

this makes a meeting much more matey. One thing more I wish to mention. It seems strange that upon every occasion these two gentlemen address us we have to listen to what has become a saga of their doughty deeds as manual labourers or miners, and hear of the toil and sweat and blood and tears they endured so very many years ago—save, of course,- the demonstration Mr. Semple gave in recent times for the edification of the No. 13 Scheme men. One would almost think to hear these Ministers that a manual labourer in our country was as rare as the kiwi, while I suppose at least half our male population earn their daily bread by the noble sweat of their brows. Georgian .