‘SHREWD, THOUGH SHABBY’

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 289, 27 February 1928, Page 1

‘SHREWD, THOUGH SHABBY’

Mr. Trevor Stringer Reveals Inner History of His Dismissal

CHANGES AT IYA

IT is refreshing to obtain any definite statement from Mr. Harris, even if untrue,” is the attitude of Mr. Trevor Stringer, in reply to Mr. A. It. Harris, managing director of the New Zealand Broadcasting Company, Ltd.

r pHE reply is to Mr. Harris's statement published in The Sun on Saturday, in which Mr. Harris stated: “Commenting on an artfcle appearing in your issue of February 22, to the effect that no reason had been given to Mr. Trevor Stringer for the termination of his engagement as station-director at IYA, the position is that he is quite aware of the reasons for his dismissal, and has been aware of them for the last seven weeks. I would appreciate publication of this accordingly in to-night’s issue.” MR. STRINGER'S JUSTIFICATION "My attention has been directed to the telegram from Mr. A. R. Harris, managing director of the Radio Broadcasting Company,” states Mr. Stringer. “It is refreshing to obtain any definite statement from Mr. Harris, even if untrue. “Until publication of this telegram I had no intention of making any comment: Mr. Harris has a perfect right to appoint and dismiss whom he pleases without making explanations to anyone. I severed my connection with the Auckland Listeners’ League to join the Radio Broadcasting Company. and. was well warned as to my possible fate with the latter, and in consequence I was not astonished when the sword of Damocles fell. “I asked for no explanation, nor was i given one, but since Mr. Harris has seen fit to discredit me publicly I feel bound to substantiate my original statement. “In Christmas week, Mr. Bellingham, musical director, came to Auckland, and after he had been here for a little over a fortnight he suddenly informed me that he had been sent up with instructions to take over from me immediately upon his arrival here. : i do not know why he did not endea-

vour to do so, but in that fortnight his opinions led him to conclude that he should use every endeavour to alter the decision Mr. Harris had evidently made. “I refused to hand over. TRIED TO GET RESIGNATION “My written appointment was terminable in a proper manner. An endeavour was then made to persuade me to resign. It would look so much better, I was told, “I refused to do this as I considered thlt should I eventually be dismissed it would be no dis- | grace—so many others had paved the way. “Mr. Bellingham then wrote to Mr. Harris asking for further instructions, but no reply, that I am aware of, Was forthcoming. Christchurch maintained an absolute silence despite further inquiries, and not until 16 days had passed did any reply arrive, when a telegram informed Mr. Bellingham that on January 11 a letter was posted to him containing an enclosure for me. This letter, addressed for some extraordinary reason to the Royal Hotel, was received on January 27, and the enclosure was a brief note giving me a month’s notice. Just that —nothing more. ACTIONS CRITICISED “Mr. Bellingham assured me that he knew of no reason for this action except that he had heard me ‘severely criticised’ at head office concerning two actions of mine: “ (1) For consulting Mr. Kent, sol- j icitor to the company (without first consulting head office), on what appeared to me to be a matter of vital importance, calling for immediate action in the interests of the company; and (2) for the payment of a donation of £5 to the Christmas tree of the Auckland Hospital Children’s Ward. This latter action indirectly secured for listeners and the company a popular feature of the Christmas programme. “Why this caused Mr. Harris so much heartache I fail to appreciate as I am still £5 out of pocket over the transaction on the company’s behalf. “Mr. Bellingham seemed to knoW of nothing else of importance, and I must say, was obviously uncofcfortable in carrying out instructions *of a somewhat shrewd, though shabby nature. I regret having to drag Mr. Bellingham’s name in at all. The methods adopted by Mr. Harris are not characterised by charm. I had appealed for, and was granted, leave for February 21 and 22. Unknown to head office I changed my plans and consequently was present when Mr. Hayden arrived, unheralded, from Wellington, on February 22. “Nothing has been said or written to me by Mr. Harris that could be in any way construed as reasons for dis- ! missal, and as Mr. Harris had denied that either of the matters Mr. Bellingham mentioned affected the position I am at a loss to understand this telegram. In fact it is untrue.”