Don’t look now, but Manitoba’s generation gap is showing.

Premier Ed. Schrever’s invitation to Beatle John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono to atterul Manitoba’s 1970 centennial celebrations has drawn reaction that ranges from ecstatic to downright hostile.

Metro Chairman Jack Willis said. “I think it is absolutely ridiculous.’’

The ecstasy is apparently confined to the young and the would-be young. Radio talk shows have been brimming with hostility.

Many adults over 30 years old say they oppose the invitation. But others indicate they think it’s a good way to involve r young people and that not every idea can please evervone.

One Winnipeg businessman h asked “Why do we play up to these hairy mongrels” He said the government and the press should play down this “creepy type.” The man said Premier Schreyer is “dead wrong” inviting the Beatle and that he’s “cut himself down in such a i manner that he’ll never get over it.”

Eric Bays, minister of All Saints Anglican Church, said the Beatlc’s “appearance doesn’t bother me.” He seems to have his peace movement going “and I think he’s got a message that everyone would do well to listen to,” said the minister. “The invitation sounds like a good idea and, besides, the kids will enjoy it.”

Maitland B. Steinkopf, of the Manitoba centennial corporation, said “his coming during the centennial year is more by accident than by design or planning.”

Mr. Steinkopf said Mr. Lennon’s preparation of a program of peace in 1970 is something people can think about. He said ’ when he looks on the front page of newspapers and sees only stories of war and potential war, he wonders if the time hasn’t come to listen to someone different, who has a new approach to the problem that has plagued mankind since time began.

“Maybe we should listen to John and Yoko until we’re shown different.”

Mr. Steinkopf said he backs the invitation because “any way we can attain peace will be worth it.”

L Anthony Harwood-Jones of Ail Saints said he is intrigued by the invitation. “I didn’t think there would be a premier who would extend an invitation to the famed Beatle.” He said he thinks Mr. Lennon is sincere and that “he wants to be peaceful in his usual unusual ways.”