REPORTERS ASKED TO LEAVE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23806, 27 November 1942, Page 6

REPORTERS ASKED TO LEAVE

♦ EXPLANATION SOUGHT BY JOURNALISTS’ UNION The Christchurch Journalists’ Union is to seek an explanation from the Minister of Primary Production for War Purposes (the Hon. J, G. Barclay) of remarks made at recent meetings of primary production councils in Canterbury and his direction that reporters should be excluded. This was decided at a special meeting of the union yesterday, It was held that the Minister had not made himself explicit. A letter to be forwarded to the Minister states: “As journalists, we are not concerned with the question whether publicity should, or should not, be given to the deliberations of these councils, or with your opinion of editorial policy, only with the unnecessary reflections on the integrity of working journalists. “Particularly are we concerned at the inference to be drawn from your request that the reporters be asked to leave the meeting at Christchurch, after the meeting had gone into committee. “The suggestion that confidential ~1 formation would be published is one that Canterbury journalists resent. “In view of the fact that this letter has been submitted for publication, would you indicate whether you wish your reply published. The matter is of vital importance to the union, as it affects the professional reputation of every one of its members in Canterbury. Had you dealt with the question other than by inference and innuendo this letter would not have been necessary."