Newspaper “War”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31783, 13 September 1968, Page 26

Newspaper “War”

“Zealandia,” the Roman Catholic Church newspaper published in Auckland, has joined issue with the “Tablet,” its counterpart in Dunedin, and says it is not afraid of competition.

Whatever reasons Archbishop Liston may or may not have had in stopping churchdoor sale of the “Tablet” in Auckland parishes, the decision had nothing to do with protecting “Zealandia” or its circulation, says the latest issue of the Auckland paper. Mr J. P. Kennedy, the editor of the “Tablet,” had said that his paper was sold in a limited number of churches in Auckland, apparently because the Church authorities wanted to protect “Zealandia," the Auckland paper says. “Mr Kennedy is indulging in pure speculation,” it continues. “‘Zealandia’ has no need of protection. It has always sold on its merits and will continue to do so. Unlike the "Tablet,’ it has never been subsidised by a printing plant or any other source. It has always stood entirely on its own feet.

“ ‘Zealandia’ has always had cordial relations with the "Tablet’ and has given assistance to its editorial staff on many occasions, including the use of its editorial offices in Auckland."

“Zealandia” sold in only four parishes in the Dunedin diocese, the newspaper says. This was a courtesy gesture in the days when the “Tablet” was struggling for circulation. “However, we feel sure that Mr Kennedy will now recommend that the ‘protection’ for the ‘Tablet’ in Dunedin be removed and that all parishes in Dunedin should place orders for ‘Zealandia,’ ” it says.