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A FRIEND of mine was holidaying in England when the London season was at its height, and the famous Derby race meeting was one of the early fixtures to take place. A friend of his, who was_connected in some way with the High Commissioner’s Office, told him that he could get him a ticket to see the races, and added that they would go together and make a day of it. Such an invitation was too good to miss, even though it meant that my friend had to hire clothing suitable for the great occasfon.
On arrival at the course, his good Samaritan friend produced tickets that gave entry to a most exclusive enclosure. Next he produced a large circular medallion which he pinned on to the lapel of his coat and then wandered slowly round the enclosure. Here he noticed that everybody was wearing similar devices, and it appeared that if you wanted to know who a certain person was,
you simply had to look at their telltale name-plate. Gradually it dawned upon him that quite a number of distinguished people were quizzing at him, some even going so far as to take their hats off to him. Not being accustomed to this sort of attention, he gradually worked his way to a secluded corner of the enclosure and inspected his own name-plate. You can imagine his surprise when he learnt that he was none other than the Rt. Hon. W, F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Surely a big enough moment for any man! It was too much for him, however, and after the next race he prevailed on his well-meaning benefactor to take him home. While waiting for the car to take him back to London, he began to realise that a Prime Minister’s job was not
all that it was made out to be. Every policemag saluted him, as did every racecourse official, and his right arm worked overtime in doffing his hat (also hired for-the occasion, by the way). In finishing his story he told me that his friend thought he was doing him a good turn, otherwise he would have worn it himself-knowing as he did, that the Prime Minister was spending the day many miles from the hub of the Empire.-("Just Big Moments,’ by Major F. H. Lampen, 2YA, May 1.)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 98, 9 May 1941, Page 5
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390Labelled New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 98, 9 May 1941, Page 5
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
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