Murray Sale, hero of his own story

Ian MacKenzie’s recollection of Murray Sayle is revealing and interesting but, according to my memory, in error on one point. Murray Sayle did work for Reuters. Briefly.

My memory, confirmed by other old-timers, is of a holiday relief sub on the old Central Desk in the early 60s.

Sayle was one of several itinerant Australians hired in those days. He was a good journalist but a disaster as a desker. Time-keeping was never part of his nature. Scheduled as the 7 am sub, it was a good day when he arrived by nine. On some days he just didn't turn up. Then he disappeared completely. On the desk we never knew whether he had been told to depart or had just decided to move on. ■