Reporters shown the door

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 1

Reporters shown the door

(By

P. A. WORTHINGTON)

Reporters sent to cover Thursday evening’s meeting of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra Foundation were berated for their past “sins” and those of their colleagues, then shown the door. Before the meeting was 10 minutes old, the first division had been taken (presumably it was not the last) and the three scoundrels, representing “The Press,” the “Christchurch Star,” and Radio Avon, were sent packing, by 85 votes to 43.

Newspaper and radio reports over last months about the troubles which have beset the foundation have incurred the wrath of some members, and it was on the basis of past malfeasance that the hapless trio was dismissed.

The meeting opened 19 minutes late to allow the 200

or so present to be seated. Apologies were submitted and accepted, then the question was asked. Mr T. W. Turner, chairman of the subscribers’ committee, asked the chairman of the Interim Management Committee of the foundation (Mr D. B. Rich) if “members of the press” were present. Mr Rich said they were. “Then I move that the press be asked to retire,” said Mr Turner. Mr P. D. Barton seconded. Mr N. H. Buchanan—who, teliable sources assure us, was elected the foundation’s president later in the evening —began the debate with a broadside.

“In my personal opinion, the reporting of the meeting held in Knox Hall last November was so inaccurate that a repetition of that tonight would not give the public a fair representation of what went on,” he said. “And then earlier this

week, one of our daily newspapers, for which I have long held some regard, published a commendatory and onesided version of the constitution we are going to consider tonight. Then this was followed up with a supporting editorial,” Mr Buchanan said.

Another sneaker suggested that the reporters should stay. No-one, he said, expected a newspaper or radio report to “bear any resemblance to the facts,” but why should the public “miss out on the fun?”

Mr N. G. Pickering, immediate past president of the foundation, also opposed the motion. “The press should remain; it would be a retrograde step otherwise,” he said.

“I am sorry but I must protest the views expressed by Mr Buchanan when he said the reporting at the Knox Church hall was inaccurate. I cannot agree with

that,” said Mr Pickering — a remark which drew laughter. “Often I have felt that I have been misreported, or not reported correctly, but there are other occasions when reporters have assisted me. This is very much a public matter and it would be a pity, a great pity, if the press were excluded,” he said. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay), who was also a member of the Interim Management Committee, caused merriment when he began by saying: “I find myself in agreement with Mr Pickering.” "I support very strongly the presence of the press,” Mr Hay said. “We know, and your presence here tonight shows, that there is a strong public interest.” To a woman speaker, Mr Rich said that a report could be given to the press after the meeting, if those present wished it.