ROTARY AND THE PRESS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22337, 26 February 1938, Page 18

ROTARY AND THE PRESS

POTENTIAL FORCES FOR TRUTH

INFLUENCE OF PUBLISHED WORD

Rotary and the press were identified as two powerful influences for the moulding of public opinion and promotion of truth and international goodwill, in an address given by Mr James Hogg, of Dunedin, to the national conference of Rotary Clubs yesterday. The columns of the press in the leading articles, cabled news, special articles, etc., exerted a tremendous influence in the councils of the nations, he said, and in the shaping and forming of public opinion. The people's whole contact, outside of radio, with world affairs was through the columns of the newspapers. Without them Rotary would have only limited channels of expression for its aims and objects. Mr Hogg spoke of the activities of trusts "and combines in the control of British newspapers, saying that New Zealand and Australia had yet escaped the dangers of a controlled group press. Even in political matters the press of New Zealand, no matter what their party views or policy, never failed to give full and impartial reports of the meetings of those to whom they were politically opposed, nor failed to give space for letters from people of all shades of,,opinion. Some great personalities were outstanding in the history of the press in Britain and in New Zealand. Among New Zealand newspaper men he mentioned particularly three who had been associated with Rotary. They were the late Sir George Fenwick, of the "Otago Daily Times," the late Mr T. C. List, of the Taranaki "Daily News," and the late Mr A. M. Burns, of "The Press." Christchurch.

Truth for Public The public was entitled to the truth in its newspapers. It should know the facts of international affairs so that they might weigh such facts and judge them correctly. Was it not ignorance on the part Of the great masses in countries with an inspired and controlled political press, like Japan for example, or Italy,' that laid the foundation for danger and. misunderstanding in international affairs and a prejudice and hatred that made peace impossible to maintain? The democratic nations, headed by Britain and America, were vitally interested in maintaining that complete freedom oi the press, which could be threatened by State inferference and government control, even to-day. Our press was allowed fully to criticise Government policy no matter what party was in power, and considerable freedom was allowed papers in criticism of the conduct of even military and naval affairs during and after the war. It had to be acknowledged that on several occasions in the Empire's history, as for example the Crimean War* it was due to the press that the public became aware of the inadequate strength of the British navy and of the deplorable lack of organisation of food and transport, and medical and hospital facilities. Through press campaigns the public demanded and obtained vital improvements. The press had also in times of great economic change prepared the attack and forced the hands of Governments on problems such as free trade, tariff protection, and drastic change in monetary policy. Public opinion, led and fostered by the press, had exerted its power in many a national crisis. Right of Criticism It might be asked "Has the press exerted too great an influence in national policy decisions as against the judgment of the people's representatives?" While there had been instances of papers tending to upset public confidence in important Government appointments, yet he believed it must be held that it was this right of criticism that kept British politics pure and gave the actions of public men full light of day. Rotary had a vital interest in the press. At home Rotary must undoubtedly thank the whole press of New Zealand for its unstinted support at all times of any community effort by Rotary and by the community at large. Whether it be crippled children, health camps, boy scouts, Plunket work, or * other worthy efforts, the press was most generous in the free service of its columns and its strong editorial support.

There was a great affinity between the press arid Rotary: both worked for community service and for the highest ideals of mankind. With the assistance of the press, Rotary work would become better known and better understood. International friendship through the columns of the press and through the ranks of Rotary was the call of the future.