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New Zealand Listener, Volume 11, Issue 272, 8 September 1944, Page 22

Sir,-I would suggest that your correspondent, H. W. Schofield, of Tinui, re-read "Miserere’s" letter quietly and objectively as it was written. He will then see that "Miserere’s" objection is not to the idea of two minutes’ silent thought and prayer but to the very real danger of it becoming mechanical and ritualistic and in that way defeating the purpose for which it was conceived, Mr. Schofield should not find it hard to believe that there are those who do not need the nine o’clock reminder for their thoughts to dwell on the tragic suffering and waste in an otherwise civilised world and to remember with a very real sorrow those who are bearing the burden and paying the price. It is because of this and because they regard such things as Verdi’s I] Trovatore as in some small degree a symbol of the finer things which alone can bring nations together in a common emotional and spiritual experience, and so lead us along the road (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) which will eventually deliver us from these recurring catastrophes, it is because of all this that they are disconcerted at such cold-blooded maltreatments as "Miserere" complains of in his letter. They feel it is not too much to ask that if our radio is to feature any fine artistic effort it should be given at least sufficient respect and thought to avoid the necessity for such an interruption, "Miserere" is to be congratulated on his wise and timely

remarks:

D.

M.

(Wellington).