CHARACTER IN A SERIAL

New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 391, 20 December 1946, Page 5

CHARACTER IN A SERIAL

Sir,-I have been listening to the broadcast of Early Days in New Zealand from 3ZB. I feel in duty bound to protest that the character of Sgt. Seager in the McKenzie serial hardly depicts the character of the man concerned. I have listened intently and find that Sgt. Seager is portrayed as a bluff individual exhibiting none of the characteristics of his true nature. He was originally a schoolteacher and came to this country in the early days of the Canterbury settlement; in fact was one of the pioneers. A more even-tempered and kindly man it would be hard to find. His language showed none of the slang attributed to him in this serial. Nor was he boastful in his manner or words. I feel, Sir, that in portraying a character, it is the duty of the author to keep to facts, both as to history and character. Many are the stories I have listened to from my grandfather about this same Sgt. Seager who was known for his kindness and thoughtful actions. Perhaps one anecdote about McKenzie may interest and amuse. The musical society (now the Royal Orchestral Society) of which my grandfather was a foundation member, was holding a meeting in Lyttelton, when in rushed a constable saying the gaol was going down the . street. Out rushed Sgt. Seager to find that McKenzie and some sailors who

were locked in, had lifted the gaol. from its foundations and were carrying it down the hill. When stopped, they were quite content to go back to the foundations and the musical evening was’ concluded. Some years ago Mr, Seager published his reminiscences in a local paper, copies of which I now hold. They: make: interesting reading. Mr. Seager died, at the age of 97, some years ago.’ =~

E. H. S.

BATCHELOR

(Christchurch).