The gentle art of kite-flying
“Certainly, no member of the press is ever under any delusion.”
Part 35 in our series on William Hills
William Hills had not been in Pretoria long before he discovered the many currents affecting the official life of the State.
Among other things, he learnt the “gentle art of kite flying” as carried on by politicians Hills wrote in stories about his many years as a reporter.
“This has been brought to perfection in certain quarters but required much finesse.”
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The reporter was the string and the newspaper he represented was the kite. It went more-or-less like this:
“The kite flyer: ‘No, I don’t think there is any news this morning, at least for publication.’
Myself: ‘Nothing? Well, what’s in the wind then? You know you can trust me.’”
“A long discussion follows. I am permitted to publish the news, but no suggestion of the place of origin must be given. It is qualified by the words ‘it is understood’.
“The item creates a sensation, and when those interested realise that it will be prejudicial to them a strong agitation against it.
“Later: official denial. ‘No foundation whatever.’ The wind wasn’t in the proper quarter.”
Reporters knew that all officials wanted was to establish the public’s reaction to a proposal for taking any definite steps.
“If favourable, the scheme would go on. If unfavourable, it would ‘never have been born or contemplated’.”
The official entrusted with the kite-flying knew that it had to be a “calculated indiscretion” on his part and that if anything ever leaked out, he would personally have to take the blame and receive castigation for even hinting at official secrets.
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The pressman knew that if the gentle breezes blew in the wrong direction, he alone would be held responsible not only for the “mistake” but the editor’s published regrets that any member of his staff should so mislead his readers.
“On the other hand, if the matter was carried through, what a scoop!”
But it was all in the game.
“The amusing part about political kite-flying, both as to forthcoming legislation and aspirants for vacant appointments, is that everyone seemed to have his tongue in his cheek.
“Certainly, no member of the press is ever under any delusion.”
Article: Carol Stier.
Next: Hills joins the army of cyclists
