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New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 57, 26 July 1940, Page 5

The Editor, f "The Listener" Sir,-Here is another kick for Betty, but for a different reason. Kicking Betty seems to be a favourite pastime at present for Listener readers, but my complaint is that Betty, or you, Mr, Editor, have surrendered to the kickers. This week’s diary by comparison with those so many of your readers were rude about is flat and lifeless. Even the recipes are dragged in formally, Surely Betty ig mot, going to let them get her down! Where’s her fighting blood. Up, girl, and at them! Waterloo and all that. Here is something for Betty to remember. Five hundred people like a thing and not one will say a word. Ten won't like it, and nine of them will write to say so with variations, People are always quicker to complain than to give thanks. I remember when I was very young other people’s ideas used to worry me. One day I was reading a book and was greatly perturbed by some of the opinions expressed. Then the thought came-no matter what he writes it is only one man’s opinion. I felt happy after that because I realised that my opinion could be as good as hiss Betty’s diary has become very real to me. I am a solitary person and have more time to read than most people. I read a lot, and I enjoy immensely what I read in Betty’s diary. Yet I get a mere £175 a year (less this and that) and should therefore

be 75 times more angry with Betty than those on £250 a year. If I enjoy her diary on that salary there are hundreds and hundreds of othets who enjoy it too. I will be very sorry if Betty ceases to be Betty. e Yours, etc.,

M.

B.

Whangarei, July 12, 1940,

The Editor, "The Listener" Sir,-Having read in your paper some very unkind and uncalled-for letters about Betty’s Diary, I feel I would like to say my little word. After the dry-as-dust serials and the boring drivel we get over the air from some of our Parliamentary speakers, Betty is a pick-me-up and a relief. Her diary is fresh, clean, and useful in her little hints on how to do different things. It may not be high-brow, but it is an example to many. In her way;,she is keeping her home fires burning and her own family happy. Good luck to her, Yours, etc..

GERTRUDE M.

PALMER

Picton, July 15, 1940,