THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1943. TIMES CHANGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32305, 27 August 1943, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1943. TIMES CHANGE

Early signs suggest a double interest in the coming election, the first result of the election itself, the second the verdict in the three-cornered contest for Wellington Central where Mr Scrimgeour is tempting political providence by entering upon ground hallowed by the 25 years’ unbroken presence of Mr Fraser, and where Mr Appleton is waiting hopefully on the outskirts. Mr Scrimgeour’s opening shots to very large, and apparently well-disposed, audiences are up to expectations in invective and recrimination, and it is no longer in doubt that the voters of Wellington Central; —and others—who venture out to meetings will get their full measure of interest and excitement.

It is, ■of course, regrettable that the notorious record that is the Government’s exhibit No. 1 against the Director of Commercial Broadcasting cannot be played over and amplified for the mass benefit of voters. Nevertheless, it is certain this record will be well worn before pollingday comes around, as a shocked Government, with ponderous tut-tuts and a grave lack of humour, plays over the record to “select” groups. But if a prophecy can be risked, it can be expected that by September 25 Mr Scrimgeour will have done and said some sensational things that will leave Mr Fraser, the Hon. D. Wilson and the trade union pundits in even more humourless mood than, at present. Mr Scrimgeour knows quite a lot about mass psychology, about political provocation, and Mr Fraser may come to regret his words six years ago when he said of Mr Scrimgeour and the radio directorship: “The Government accepts full responsibility for the appointment.” Times certainly change. Even the Hon. D. Wilson once defended the appointment in an Upper House debate. The Hon. H. G. R. Mason also changed his mind. He once said: “I know how disinterested a man Mr Scrimgeour is.” But politics is- a queer taskmaster ; the friend of to-day may be the enemy of to-morrow. It seems that the Friendly Road has led not to the comradeship and goodwill its prophet expounded so sympathetically but to some choleric clashes that will season an otherwise insipid campaign.