THE DOMINION'S WAR CORRESPONDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 155, 30 June 1916, Page 2

THE DOMINION'S WAR CORRESPONDENT.

DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT. SERVICES TO BE CONTINUED. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Beporter.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. While the Internal Affairs vote was under consideration in the House last night, Mr. Hornsby moved that the item of £1000 for the New Zealand war correspondent be reduced by £100, as an indication that the appointment should cease. Mr. Hornsby expressed the opinion that the whole thing h fl d been a gross and utter failure. The Hon. G. W. Ruaaefl replied that Mr. Malcolm Ross had done his best to keep the Dominion informed of the movements of New Zealand troops, but his letters had been heavily censored for State reasons. Mr. Witty: He got some information about a wood-chopping competition. The Minister said he thought that the cablegram was indiscreet and unwise. He hoped, however, the House would negative the amendment. Since he had been a member of the National Government he had realised that Mr. Ross was a sincere and enthusiastic ■writer. Many articles of his were also appearing in British newspapers, advertising New Zealand, besides which arrangements had also been made in the last few months by which authority had been given Mr. Ross to send cables not exceeding 300 words, containing early news of movements by New Zealand troops. Newspapers were making special payment for these cables, and the cost was being practically covered for the whole of the cable service by Mr.. Ross. He considered it would be unfortunate now, when our troops -were in France, if the proposal were carried, that we should not have our own journafisttciepresentative at the front. Mr. Hornsby said if t*ere -was a definite agreement by which the appointment of Mr. Ross was to continue tin the end of the war, he would withdraw the amendment, but not otherwise. He protested against the manner and method of the appointment. The amendment was lost on tie voices.