Ming And The Master

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday February 17, 1992

SIR: Re Fred Osborne's observation (Herald, February 4) "Even Menzies, was cordially disliked by many who voted for him", I offer the following from an impeccable source.

As part of its centenary celebrations, Sydney University conferred honorary doctorates on a number of distinguished Australians. While this distinguished company was robing before their dignified entry, Menzies suddenly began scrabbling around repeating the words "has anyone seen my hat?". To which the master of BHP, Essington Lewis, who had a high regard for Chifley, but little for Menzies, sourly observed, "there isn't one here big enough for you, Bob".

Alex Smith,

February 4

Toowoon Bay.