Recent Talk on Richard the Third's Character

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 18, 9 November 1934, Page 6

Recent Talk on Richard the Third's Character

To the Editor. Sir -I also listened to the broadcast by Mr. Rushworth, M.P., from. Wellington, ‘on the historical subject of Richard III, and shared his regret that he found. himself unable-to-diseuss pyesent day history. With regard to Ric’ ard’s personal character, it has been generally accepted that he was-a fiend in human shape, and that the young Princes were disposed of by his orders, ‘With eyery deference to thé opinion of Mr. Lloyd, however, I think it can be said that records of monarchs. handed ‘down n succeeding generations may not on tbe account be invariably entitled to On ‘tioned acceptance, Shakespeare would certainly not scruple to avaii himself of the license allowed in. poetical plays, in . depicting Richard as the villain of the piece. His Marcus Brutus, friend and assassin of Julius Caesar, resembles the Brutus one reads of elsewhere, in personal excellence, much less than the Richard of Mr, Rushworth's talk resembles ‘the detestable monster described in ortho dox books of history. No one could admire the character allotted to King Rich

ard in traditional records, excepting perhaps his prowess and courage in battle, which: seems sadly out of harmony- with his alleged child-killing pfopensities, It: may be that your — correspondent was\ quietly having a sly dig’ at the distinguished speaker’s well-known penchant for endeavouring to persuade "honour--: able members" to discard old traditions in shaping their present day policy. Captain Sir Ian Fraser, M.P., in a recent broadcast talk in New Zealand, mentioned that in Great. Britain talky were allowed at certain periods by promiuent members of Parliament on highly controversial mat ters, within reasonabie limits,, with opportunity afforded to che opposition — to reply, shortly thereafter.‘ But I fear our chosen representatives in this Dominion will continue to serve up "ye-olden times"

* which in the instance under, review can scarcely claim to have ruled ‘out the con- _ tkoversy considered: so objectionable -I

#W, Elc ,

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