QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 795, 15 October 1954, Page 5

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Sir,-After listening to perhaps half a dozen recent quiz session broadcasts, of one kind or another, I have been impressed by the number of wrong answers that were supplied by those who set the questions. For example, one question included an inquiry for the name of the highest waterfall in New Zealand, and the answer supplied was "Sutherland Falls." These falls descend about 1900 feet, in three leaps. Above Doubtful Sound is Lake Browne, close to 4000 feet above sea level, and the outflow comes down in one leap of about 3600 feet, or possibly more. Another questioner asked what library in England receives a copy of -every book published. Actually the British Museum, Bodleian and Cambridge University Libraries get a copy of each book published in England (and, incidentally, a library in Dublin does the same), but the only answer acceptable in this case was "The Bodleian," although the first contestant mentioned the British Museum. Another question was about the river upon which Oxford is situated, and the only answer acceptable was "the Thames," the familiar name of Isis being ruled out. Even in New Zealand we have an example of a river that has a change of name for part of its length. The question "What is a periwinkle?" was to be answered by reference to what the Concise Oxford Dictionary describes as "Gastropod mollusc: much used for food."’ I did not hear this question, but am told that a reply about a genus of plants with light blue flowers was ruled out, though obviously correct. One of the worst mistakes was on the air some years ago, when someone who evidently knew nothing about hydraulic shock absorbers asked, "What liquid is compressible?’ apparently believing that a liquid had been obtained that would compress like a spiral spring. Probably many other listeners could quote examples of incomplete, misleading, or wrong answers being supplied for these competitions, although in some cases very valuable prizes may be involved. What is the position if someone challenges the answer? I do not think that the quizmaster should be bound by incorrect answers supplied. I suggest that anyone who sends in a question should guarantee the answer, and if his answer is challenged by. a contestant who also ‘offers the correct answer, the questioner "should pay this Contestant the sum of five pounds, This should do

more than remove a cause of dissatisfaction: it should also add a good deal of interest and amusement to the quiz

session.

ARTHUR

LUSH

(Christchurch)