POSTPONED BROADCAST

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30151, 7 June 1963, Page 12

POSTPONED BROADCAST

Rationalists' Protest (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 6 The Rationalists' Association has protested to the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) and the acting-DirecLr of Broadcasting, Mr L, A Sceats, at the postponement last Sunday of the broadcast talk by Professor D. F. Lawden. Tlie association asserts that the postponement of the talk, entitled “A Material Basis for Mind," savoured of suppression of opinion and free speech TTie president of the association (Mr P. Campbell) said in Auckland today that the postponement was unnecessary, as Professor Lawden had stated that his talk contained no criticism of Christian ideals and there was nothing in it offensive to Roman Catholics.

“We regard the situation as deplorable, that, when a world figure, such as the late Pope undoubtedly was. dies, the officers in charge of broadcasting should be incapable of rising to the occasion and maintaining a balanced view in regard to a radio programme.’’ said Mr Campbell. ‘‘lt is our opinion that, in this particular case, the responsible officers have been over-zealous. Although the talk is still to be given, the same thing could happen again if a protest were not made at this stage.”

Rain Delays Work.— Heavy rain at Lyttelton yesterday delayed cargo work until 10 am.