BANNED RADIO TALKS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 112, 4 February 1939, Page 8

BANNED RADIO TALKS

Auckland Public Meeting Seeks Reinstatement By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 3. A motion asking for the reinstatement of Mr. K. H. Melvin’s broadcasts on foreign affairs from station IZB, which were recently banned, was carried unanimously by a public meeting Which completely filled the Town Tall. The orderliness of proceedings was broken at one stage when a man who had been persistently interjecting from the gallery was counted out and then forcibly ejected by a self-appointed Vigilance committee. Mr. Melvin, who was received with loud applause, said there was no political motive whatever behind the meeting. He had. read a statement made that morning by the Prime Minister giving the reasons for the ban. "I have believed that representations by the German Consul did have some bearing on the ban,” the added. “I have stated those reasons. Now, however, Mr. Savage assures us that those deductions are incorrect. I accept his assurance and do so gladly.” After discussing German and Italian radio propaganda and alleged attempts to control the French and British Press, Mr., Melvin condemned the restrictions on Australian and New Zealand broadcasting as caused by a fear complex, quoting Mr. 11. G. Wells In support of his demand for complete freedom. The following motion was carried: That this meeting of Auckland citizens, believing that the right of free speech Is an essential liberty of the people and that the dissemination of information on foreign affairs as presented by Mr. Kenneth 11. Melvin in his broadcast session, “History Behind the Headlines,” is of outstanding national advantage for the purpose of improving international relations and preserving peace through knowledge and understanding, protests to the Minister of Broadcasting against the banning of “History Behind the Headlines,” and respectfully requests the reinstatement of the session be authorized immediately.