TRUTH AND GOODWILL

Evening Star, Issue 22893, 26 February 1938, Page 22

TRUTH AND GOODWILL

TWO POWERFUL INFLUENCES POTARY AMD THE PRESS [Peb United Pbess Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, February 25. Rotary and the Press were identified as two powerful influences for the moulding of public opinion and) the promotion of truth and international goodwill in an address by Mr James Hogg, of Dunedin, to the national conference of Rotary clubs to-day. ' New Zealand and Australia has as yet escaped the dangers of a controlled Press, Mr Hogg said. Even in political matters the Press of New Zealand never failed to giro full and impartial reports of the meetings of those to whom it was politically opposed, nor failed to give space to letters from people of all shades of opinion. The public was entitled to tbe truth in newspapers. It should know tbe facts regarding international affairs so that it could weigh them And judge correctly. Through campaigns in the Press the public demanded and obtained vital improvements. The Press had also, in times of great economic change, prepared the attack and forced the hands of Governments on the problems of free trade, tariff protection, and drastic changes of monetary policy. Public opinion, led and fostered by the Press, had exerted power in many a national crisis. Rotary had a vital interest i» the Press.

Rotary must undoubtedly thank the whole Press of New Zealand for unstinted support at all times of any community effort, whether it be the crippled children, health camps, Boy Scouts, Plunket work, or other worthy efforts. The Press was most generous in free service of its columns and strong editorial support. There was a great affinity between the Press and Rotary. Both, worked in the community service and for the highest ideals. The ideal of international friendship indicated through the columns of the Press and the ranks of Rotary .was the call of the future.