24 FEBRUARY 1961, Page 15

PLEASE DON'T TEASE THE KANGAROOS S►R,—i have read with rising

indignation Mr. Peter Michaels's article in your issue of January 27 on 'Teasing the Kangaroo. It seems a poor return for the great generosity of the Australian people in their Parcels for Britain scheme during and after the last war.

As an • Englishman with some knowledge of Australia gained from three visits in the last few years varying from a few months to a year I can assure your readers that though some of it may be true to some extent it does not give a true picture. I know well the passionate love many Australians have for music, the ballet and the drama. Some years ago I saw a performance of The Merchant of Venice in Melbourne which, in my opinion, was much superior to one I saw after my return to this country at Stratford-on-Avon. The warm hospitality and friendship I received from all classes is ever present in my memory.

It seems to me that Mr. Michaels in trying to he clever only succeeded in being offensive. I am very surprised that the Spectator should be willing to publish an article which can only tend to undo the work of the various societies which exist to promote good feeling and friendship between the nations of the Commonwealth.—Yours faithfully,