Meet Mr. and Mrs. Hawera

New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 797, 29 October 1954, Page 18

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Hawera

Sir,-Anyone who publishes a book | lays himself open to favourable and unfavourable criticisms, competent or but he is entitled to expect that the critic wi'l be accurate in his facts, Here are nine inaccurate statements that O.J. made:- | ; 1, "Neither of them particularly want a community centre." This question was not asked. 2. "If others would like to build one well, it’s up to them to pay for its upkeep." No one suggested that those who are building the community centre should pay for its upkeep. The majority answer was "Those who use it." 3. "The sample barely reached the minimum that the report admitted to be reliable." The reports did not state a minimum "to be reliable." It stated: "The true test of the validity of the sample lies in the comparison of its structure with that of the actual population." 4. "This cross-section was further reduced by refusals to answer and ‘not at home’" The cross-section was not further reduced by these figures; as they had previously been deducted. 5. "The over-50s preferred the indoor gymnasium." The over-50s mentioned the indoor gymnasium more than ary other item as a desirable facility in the community centre, but were lowest in the three age-groups in térms of "Would you use the indoor gymnasium?" 6. "It. was the 30-49-year-old group who plumped for the lounge for the elderly." This group gave the highest priority to this as a desirable facility. but it was second to last on their "Would attend" list. 7. "90 per cent. definitely would not attend (more leisure time activities if facilities were made available)." The wording of the question (Are there any léisure-time activities in which you would participate if facilities were available in Hawera?) does not warrant the inclusion of "definitely" in the negative answers, which were stated as 80 per cent, not 90 per cent. 8. "51 per cent. were ignorant of the United Nations’ work." This is entirely incorrect, Of those people interviewed, over half (56 per cent.) indicated that they were interested in the work of the United Nations, but 51 per cent. of those who were interested were unable to state the particular aspect which interested them most. 9. "92 per cent. preferred to spend their evenings listening to the radio." Nowhere in the report is there justification for this statement. When the people interviewed were asked to indicate the various. things. they did in their leisure time, 92 per cent. mentioned (among other things) "listening to the radio." A. K. FYSON, Chairman, Hawera and District Progressive Association. (This letter was shown to O.J., whose reply is printed below.-Ed.) Sir,-It is comforting to know that from 215 pages closely packed with facts and figures, Mr, Fyson pulls out so few inaccuracies, some of which may indeed turn out to be not so inaccurate after all. In any case, most of his points refer to conclusions drawn. These may be reason-

able or unreasonable, but can hardly be challenged on the score of accuracy. Mr. Fyson may disagree with them, but I con assure him they were formed after several careful studies of the Survey, and were based on a fairly considerable experience in the adult education field. They seemed reasonable enough to "one on the outside looking in." Let's take Mr. Fyson’s points as they come. 1. Nobody said this was asked. The interviewers were hardly likely to produce such a leading question, but I think it can be fairly assumed from the Survey that Hawera was not yet 100 per cent. behind the idea. 2. This is a bit of a quibble. Surely those who are building the Centre (i-e., causing it to be built), will be among the most enthusiastic users. 3. Mr. Fyson unfortunately misreads my comments, which made no reference to the Survey "stating" a minimum reliability of sample. I inferred this from the various qualifications given in regard to the using of a 10 per cent. sample. The sociologists seem certain of their ground, but there are sufficient questionings on their part to warrant the question: "Is this what Hawera really thinks?" 4. The cross-section (i.e., 10 per cent. sample), was further reduced as I mentioned. I refer Mr. Fyson to page 45 of the Survey. ; 5 and 6. My particular reference was to the discrepancy between the preference both for the indoor gymnasium and the lounge for the elderly, and the use of such. Mr. Fyson should read the particular paragraph in the review again. 7. 89 per cent. is right. Apologies to the other 10 per cent. But if you are asked the question: "Are there any leisure-time activities, etc., etc.,"" and out of the choice of Yes, No, or Don't know, you choose "No," surely that is definite enough, 8. The figure should have been 72.56 per cent. not 51 per cent., which rather strengthens my argument. I leave this calculation for Mr. Fyson to work out for himself, but would suggest that in such @ matter as the United Nations if you are not interested at all or cannot define your interest, it’s an even bet that you are at least uninformed, which may be interpreted as ignorance. Anyhow, the had backs up my argument (see page 9. "Listening to the radio" is almost universal, says the report; and if to this you add the next preferences of gardening, visiting friends, entertaining friends and going to the pictures, you still have a not very imaginative use of leisure. I hope Mr. Fyson will forgive these rather succinct answers to the points he vaises. To explain fully the assumptions I made would take another review, or perhaps even another Survey. At least it confirms that figures, if they don’t prove anything, can be turned to a number of accounts. From this point of view, one questions the wisdom of making the Hawera Survey public property. At least it has put Hawera on the map as a progressively minded place anxious to make the best of itself, and I am sure everyone will wish Hawera well in its Community Centre.

O.

J.

(Wellington).