AN OMISSION AT WAITANGI

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21090, 15 February 1934, Page 10

AN OMISSION AT WAITANGI

+ EDITORS NOT INVITED REFERENCE AT PRESS CONFERENCE (rr.r.ss association telegram.! HANMER. February 14. "I have earlier in my address made reference to the assistance given by the late Lord Burnham in maintaining the rights and privileges of the press," said Mr Henry Horton in his presidential address to the Empire Press Union at Hanmer to-day, "and it is gratifying to know that in most countries they are willingly conceded, but in New Zealand, where we are frequently complimented upon the excellence of our newspapers, it is regrettable that courtesies which we have every right to expect are withheld. "For instance, I would mention (hat very interesting and historic gathering that has just taken place at Waitangi. Elaborate arrangements were made at the public expense for the convenience of visilors, but no provision was made of essential facilities, including accommodation for representatives of the press engaged in recording the celebrations for the information of the general public. Opportunity Missed "It would have been a wonderful opportunity for our editors to have scon something of the Maori population of this country, and lo have made contacts with them that would have led to a better understanding of the difficulties that often arise between our white and

our native population, but the Government did not, sec fit to ask a single editor in the Dominion to be present. "The reason could not have been economy, because special trains were run, innumerable Maoris transported and cared for, roaas and bridges built, unci in every other way everything done was worthy of a great occasion. "Perhaps the excuse will be that there was no accommodation, but surely this could have been secured in advance at hotels in Russell. Unfortunately the Government is only too eager to use the press of this country foi: its own publicity purposes when it suits it, but in return it is very unwilling to afford the privileges the press has a right to expect.

Different Attitude "Mad a function of equal importance to Waitangi been held in Great Britain or any other of the overseas Dominions, I have no hesitation in staling that editors of the newspapers would have been the first to have received invitations. "Seeing what the press of New Zealand ' did by their publicity to make Waifangi a memorable success, I think I am fully justified in making these remarks." Mr C. W. Earlc warmly endorsed Mr Horton's remarks, and expressed the hope that Mr Horton's protest would receive the widest publicity.