CONTROLLED THOUGHT?

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 6

CONTROLLED THOUGHT?

I muet thank "New Zealander" for hi* implied suggestion that when the actions of my country's leaders are distasteful to me I should "give the dial and. take no further interest. In turn, I would suggest that when as a body the people of the Dominion are prepared to follow such advice then indeed will the cause of democracy be lost and the spirit of freedom be dead. Here the Press is still an organ of public opinion, but it seems that if the broadcasting service of New Zealand had its way it would become an organ of Government opinion. If "Xew Zealander" does not like the political opinions expressed on one page of the "Star"' ■he can. to use his own words, "turn over to page 18 and read the full report on Labour's policy." In the one newspaper he finds clearly presented both sides of the politics! question. It would appear, however, that the elector who does not like the political outlook from, one Government-controlled broadcasting station, could only turn to another Governmentcontrolled station, "provided for this very i purpose," where politics are not under discussion. Would '""Xew Zealander" expect a jury to return a just and accurate verdict when, it had heard only the case for the prosecution ? Obviously not. Then would he expect the electors of Xew Zealand to return a just and accurate verdict at the polls if they had hea'rfl only the ease for the Government? Apparently yes. Mr. Savage has already presented his case, and we are now waiting to hear the other side. The public has a right to hear both sides of the question. Any attempt to control public opinion by withholding or suppressing one inspect of the position while extolling another ! is. a definite attack upon the principles of J democracy, which we. a« a freedom-loving I people, should resist to the utmost. Surely I the stauiK-hcst supporter of any political party I will admit that justice demands a fair hearing for the Opposition. And so I am -till WAITIXG.