“THE JAPANESE HOUSEBOY”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23333, 27 October 1937, Page 12

“THE JAPANESE HOUSEBOY”

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—As a protest against the brutality shown by. the Japanese in their malicious carnage of Chinese civilians, "Up China" writes: "I would like to suggest that the National Broadcasting Service discontinue the transmission of 'The Japanese Houseboy' numbers. I would like to know, Sir, why the New Zealand Broadcasting Service should do as he suggests. Is the fact that Japan is making war on China a sufficient reason why the Broadcasting Service should discontinue the transmission of an item styled " The Japanese Houseboy? " In the first place, to do so would be a waste of money, and, secondly, this item is much enjoyed by a fairly large section of listeners-in. Does "Up China" object to "The Japanese Houseboy" because occasional reference is made to Japan and Frank Watanake's cousins, etc? What good purpose would be served if the Broadcasting Service acted upon this suggestion? We are not a Chinese community, and have no reason for being offended by these records. If they offend the ears of Chinese listeners-in, surely it is a simple matter for them to switch over to another station while this number is on the air.—l am, etc., Dunedin, October 25. Houseboy.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,— "Up, China," is obviously another of these ignorant students who do not bother to analyse the political issues in the war in China—a struggle obviously between the Communist Chinese and the Fascist liberators of the real China. That this is the case is proved by the Japanese spokesman, who declared that there is no invasion, but that the Japanese are merely endeavouring to preserve China from the dread scourge of Communism. / . In am in sympathy with " Up, China, as far as "the Japanese Houseboy records are concerned, as they do not give a true picture of the Japanese, but I am entirely opposed to him when he wishes to impose a boycott on Japanese goods. We should be doing all we can to support the Japanese in their holy war against Communism.—l am, etc., Catholic. October 25.