PRESS CENSORSHIP

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 126, 21 February 1941, Page 9

PRESS CENSORSHIP

Trends In Dominion Criticized NEWS SUPPRESSION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) ROTORUA, February 20.

The increasing tendency on the part of the censorship authorities in New Zealand to suppress information which cannot have any military importance was criticized strongly by the chairman of the New Zealand Section of the Empire Press Union, Sir Henry Horton, Auckland, in his address at the annual meeting of the section today.

“It must bo recognized,” said Sir Henry, “that, in British countries there is fortunately no opportunity in peacetime for practical experience of the duties imposed on censors in wartime. The censorship is consequently experimental, and mistakes and inconsistencies are certain to occur. Because of their inexperience the officials should be readily responsive to suggestions for improving the administration of the rules.

“Though there litis never been any formal proposal to impose greater restrictions on the independence of the newspapers in New Zealand there is an increasing tendency to suppress information which cannot have any military importance. 'Phis development has occurred within the official censorship.

“A more serious manifestation is the withholding of information by persons and institutions on the excuse that its publication might affect the conduct of the war or disturb the public mind. This unofficial censorship is entirely wrong. Censorship is justified solely and exclusively by its assistance toward the successful prosecution of the war. The withholding of information to prevent criticism of the administration of public affairs in any sphere cannot be defended, and the newspapers have st duty to protest strongly whenever they find that the powers vested in. the official censorship tire being usurped by persons or services having no authority to restrict the freedom of the Press.”