A Spectator's Notebook
I do not know much about gunsmiths but I imagined that Purdeys — unquestionably the finest in the trade — and Holland and Holland have business systems and accounts departments that operate with a certain shabby efficiency proper to these ancient crafts. As others report the first cuckoo, I have to admit that my biannual account has arrived from the firm of Holland and Holland.
At once I should say that I have never written or visited this concern or had any dealings with them. Nevertheless E. L. White, Assistant Secretary, says that unless I pay E13.69 for 'shooting lessons' plus interest of £1.36 within seven days they will put the matter in other hands. Year after year a similar bill arrives in the post. Year after year I say that I have not been in their shop and promise I never shall but to no avail. Malcolm Lye11 is the Managing Director and I once chanced to sit next to him at an official function. I told him the tale and he promised to try to help. Malcolm, if you are listening, please talk to Mr White.
Tariff reform and Law
Before the first world war Bonar Law said that the only two things I care for are Tariff Reform and Ulster — the rest is mainly a game." VV.ith the EEC-allowing no opportunity to make bilateral deals (though Harold Wilson seemed to be doing something uncommonly like that in Moscow last week), and the Ulster problem, and that referendum vote (still more important than, even, inflation), little has changed in the sixty years since Sonar Law was scolded for his cynicism.
StiggeStion 'Aims of Industry' have made a notable impact under their director, Michael Ivens, in presentig a distinguished case for free enterprise, '.Luring the past few years. They are proposing to emulate such organisations as the Roman Catholic Church and the Rosicrucians by Offering to the public booklets on various aspects of free enterprise, the relationship between freedom and capitalism and so on. More significantly they are going to steal the clothes of socialism by setting up a Free Enterprise Day to rival the First of May, and have suggested to the Minister of State at the !Department of Employment that July 1 should be a public holiday to rival Labour Day. They are Composing a song to rival 'The Red Flag.' at about 'I'm an old-fashioned girl'?
Lady Sharples
It Must be two years since Sir Richard Sharpies as W brutally murdered while Governor General
°f Bermuda. Lady Sharpies was created a life
peeress, presumably as some sort of consolation.
The murderers have not been charged though there are reports that the authorities think that they may have them under arrest in connection with other matters. During this protracted period and in spite of submissions through Lord Goodman and Harold Lever, no legislation is in prospect to provide death duty protection to civilians killed on national service in a similar manner to servicemen. This has gone on too long. No particularly expensive precedent will be set by the Treasury conceding a word or two as an amendment to the existing law. Meanwhile I hope Lady Sharpies is unharried by the Inland Revenue.
Journalists for Europe
Harford Thomas, who has recently retired as City editor of the Guardian, and should know a good deal better, has been writing to ask all journalists if they will support British membership of the European Community and will agree to be associated with a group called "Journalists for Europe." Further, "Journalists for Europe" want to be able to publish in the press a list of their members supporting British membership. And they are also asking journalists to allow their names beneath letters to the press in the same cause.
Thomas says that, although journalists should be seen to be impartial, a powerful declaration of their support could have a considerable effect on the referendum campaign, particularly if they are joined by other professions in making similar declarations. It is tragic to see a respected member of the journalistic trade throwing himself behind a campaign which is intended to muddle the thought and quiet reflection which undecided members of the reading public deserve from the commentators on whom they are forced to rely during the developing debate. Meanwhile it might be as well to view with a suspicious eye letters from lists of people who appear to have spontaneously written to the ever-open (to pro-Market opinion, naturally) correspondence pages of the national press, or at least that part of it which ha hardened its editorial line behind the Europ n Movement.
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