Hurrah! It’s Armistice Day tomorrow!
John Lentell
November 10th, 1968
(November 11th, 1965 was also the date the Rhodesian government, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, illegally severed it’s links with the British Crown by making the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) after days of tense negotiations with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
One guinea to the first person who correctly predicts the name of the next Royal Naval vessel upon which Mr. Harold Wilson will meet Mr. Ian Smith?!
‘Dreadnought’ perhaps? If there is such a ship?
John Lentell
November 7th, 1968
I have sometimes found myself thinking how nice it would be to be a ‘Minister Without Portfolio’. More purposeful, perhaps, than being a politician without a party.
John Lentell
November 6th, 1968
I do not play Putt Putt!
John Lentell
November 5th, 1968
I am to young to know much about politicians of bygone days but my complaint about politicians of this day and age is they talk at us as though we are a lot of nincompoops unable to see for ourselves even the most obvious facts.
John Lentell
November 4th, 1968
I know I am not a very clever business man so would someone please explain to me why they are not excavating a basement (or two?) at the new Parking Garage? I suspect, anyway, that those who promoted this particular site will never live it down. Resigned to this fact perhaps that is why they are only building up!
John Lentell
October 30th, 1968
“Ross, if you don’t lend me your Orlando book you are a bad Samaritan.”
(Dickon Lentell – age 5 – to his brother!)
John Lentell
October 22nd, 1968
I have a London-tailored, double-breasted, dark grey, narrow pin-striped, fairly up-to-date cut, winter weight suit. It cost the earth and I never wear it. Winter is upon Europe and should the next round of ‘talks’ be held there, or in a climate as chilly, I would willingly loan my suit to a size 40 Rhodesian delegate. If the journey is successful I would be delighted and, understandably, not a little proud of this ‘old friend’ who came into my life with good intentions but who has lead such an uneventful existence so far. Nothing up the sleeve – I swear.
John Lentell
October 21st, 1968
If on November 11th we are, by chance, asked our opinions of the new flag – what alternative shall we have but to say that it is ‘up the pole’!
John Lentell
October 11th, 1968
(11th November was Rhodesian Independence Day to commemorate UDI, the Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the UK)
I am told that our views are (flag) poles apart but by Mrs. Gadd, Sir, I do like her letters. (See Monday’s Rhodesia Herald – “perSmitive” society – the cattle are lewing – and all that!).
John Lentell
October 10th, 1968
PRINCIPLE VIOLATED ON NEW FLAG QUESTION
If Mr. Lardner.Burke is so sure that 99.9 per cent of the population will respect the new flag, why did he not put it to a referendum and remove all doubt? Or is it just possible that there is some substance to the rumour emanating from sources high in Government that orders were placed for this flag in readiness for November 11, even before the legislation had been drawn up?
It is easy to say no better suggestions were forthcoming – like suggestions on a new constitution – when the powers that be have already made up their minds that their own ideas shall prevail. While it was certainly the responsibility of civil servants to go into the matter of suitable designs for national approval, the right of choice was not theirs or that of a handful of Members, but the choice of those they serve.
Certainly we will respect the new flag – we haven’t much choice. Who would wish to pay fines or sit in solitary? But I would advise Mr John Newington, MP for Hillcrest, that scathing comments on members of the public at least his equal in intelligence, are not likely to enhance his image. Come the next elections and it is just possible that some voters will show him how ‘unctuous and sanctimonious’ they can be.Quite apart from any personal feelings in the matter, I believe that on the question of the new flag a principle has been violated. Governments are elected to govern, but a distinction must be drawn between a dictatorial authority and government by popular consent and no intelligent electorate, valuing its rights and freedoms, would ever let any government forget it.
If the majority are now prepared to abrogate their rights and submit to what is now in essence a perSmithive authority, they must not complain when they find themselves in the position of Mr Ian Smith’s cattle who do not embarrass him by asking questions or expecting any answers. They will have brought it on themselves.
(Mrs.) B.C. GADD
Rhodesia Herald – letters page
Monday, 7th October, 1968
“My tYpust is io her vacutiuon,
My trpist’s away fo r a week,
My trupdt us in hwr vacarion,
Wgile thse damu kews ploy hudge and seek.”
John Lentell
October 8th, 1968
“A politician thinks of the next election, a statesman of the next generation.”
John Lentell
October 7th, 1968
“REPUTATION” – What the world thinks about us; character is what our wives know about us!
John Lentell
August 19th, 1968
The last 24 hours have for me been delightfully punctuated by splashes of colour round and about Salisbury and marred mostly by dirty dust from unsurfaced pavements. Above the pavement at Vivian & Watson in Gordon Av, I saw the most uplifting display of flowering plants. Let’s go to town on colour and get rid of the dust which is a menace to good health as much as Bilharzia. Positive thoughts for what they are worth!
John Lentell
August 16th, 1968
I once asked a Mayor of Salisbury what was being done about ‘the dust problem’ and drew his attention to sidewalks in the centre of Salisbury which have remained ‘unsurfaced’ throughout my 17 years here, giving rise to all manner of problems, not least concerning health, and in front of an intelligent and large crowd he had the nerve to say “what dust problem?”. Perhaps dust is the wrong word? Maybe it should just be good old plain dirt. Anyway, for what one opinion is worth, I think it is costing us, one way or another, a lot of money.
John Lentell
August 8th, 1968
If you want to know if your M.P. is paying for his keep and which M.P.’s are worthy of their seat – subscribe to ‘Hansard’ (the official report of Parliamentary Debates). It is only 15/-d per annum (post free) – cheaper than any other publication known to me! I often ponder why there has never been a campaign to promote the sale of it?
John Lentell
August 4th, 1968
“Our constancy t’ our principles
In time will wear out all things else.”
John Lentell – P.O. Box 2679, Salisbury
March 17th, 1968
I wonder how many people know that they can receive ‘HANSARD’ (the official record of Parliamentary proceedings and debates) through the post for only 15/-d per year? It works out at only 2d or 3d per copy and is wonderful value at that price. You could resell it at a handsome profit!
John Lentell – P.O. Box 2679, Salisbury
March 16th, 1968
Tax relief in respect of interest payable on building society loans would be a worthwhile incentive to young Rhodesians to build or buy dwelling houses and a great attraction to prospective settlers.
John Lentell – P.O. Box 2679, Salisbury.
March 15th, 1968
“Our constancy t’ our principles
In time will wear out all things else.”
John Lentell of Hunter’s Lodge
February 22nd, 1968
Lentell Soup 