REPLY AWAITED FROM MR SCRIMGEOUR

Southland Times, Issue 23992, 6 December 1939, Page 4

REPLY AWAITED FROM MR SCRIMGEOUR

CHALLENGE TAKEN UP BY MR J. J. MAHER (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 5. The following letter from Mr J. J. Maher to the Director of Commercial Broadcasting (Mr C. G. Scrimgeour) has been given for publication: “On Tuesday last I wrote in reply to a challenge issued by you. In my letter I asked you to name a judge of the Supreme Court, selected by you, and to inform me of the time and place and when and where my witnesses were to attend. I further asked you to inform me on these matters without delay because of the proximity of the Court vacation. To date, I have had no reply. “I am sure you will agree that, as the evidence of witnesses must necessarily be based on their recollection of your broadcast, it is essential that the matter should be disposed of at the earliest possible moment. “I have no hesitation in saying that in view of your delay in acknowledging my letter and in view also of your references to the matter in your broadcast last evening which to say the least, was in very bad taste, your challenge is not backed by your sincerity. However, if I am wrong in saying so your immediate reply to my letter will establish this.—Yours truly; JAMES JOSEPH MAHER.”

Arising out of public protests by various branches of the Farmers’ Union concerning attacks which Mr Scrimgeour is said to have made against the farmers of New Zealand, a challenge was issued by Mr Scrimgeour offering if it could be proved that he used the words complained of, to resign his position and not to speak over the radio again. Mr J. J. Maher, a farmer of Mungoroa, has taken up the challenge. In a letter to Mr Scrimgeour he asked to be Informed of the time and place at which he was to attend before a judge of the Supreme Court for settlement of the issue.