Book Cover

A memoir

The trick is to keep both eyes open. This was the advice George Fraser gave to guests struggling to see through the telescope in his living room overlooking the Manukau Harbour. It could have stood as a motto for his life.

George Fraser (1916-1986) had possibly more links in both the cultural and commercial sectors of New Zealand society than any other of his time. Michael King describes him as a man of many contradictions: the devout atheist with a disconcerting ability to quote scripture, the passionate lover of rugby yet supporter of H.A.R.T.; the one-time Marxist who, in his prime, devoted his energies and loyalties to New Zealand's largest capitalist corporation.

His extraordinary range of acquaintance stretched from the Navy, the British Communist Party, the London School of Economics to New Zealand politics, public service, trade unions, industry, television and fine arts. George Fraser did, both literally and metaphorically, keep both eyes open.

Includes a chapter covering his time as Chairman of South Pacific Television (1974-76), a member of the Broadcasting Council, and a member of the Broadcasting Corporation Board.

Comments