PUTTING THEMSELVES RIGHT

Grey River Argus, 18 October 1948, Page 3

PUTTING THEMSELVES RIGHT

DUNEDIN, Oct. 16 .

The statements made recently by the Newspaper Proprietors’, Association and the New Zealand Journalists’ Association, expressing disapproval of the action of some public bodies in asking reporters not to record a discussion taken in open meeting, instead of formally moving that the matter be heard in committee, were brought to the notice of delegates to, the conference of the Harbours Association of New Zealand by Mr A. R. Kingsford (Nelson), The subject arose from a motion put forward by Mr T. J. Guthrie (Oamaru), in which he suggested that , the association discuss with the Minister of Marine, Mr Hackett, the complete decentralisation of overseas shipping.

Asked to comment on the motion, Mr D. A. Robertson, representative oi the Dock and Harbour Authorities of Great Britain, said that he could make a few observations, but would prefer that they not be reported. Mr Kingsford: “I would move that we go formally into committee. I have read in the press recently that reporters have had instructions about their position when asked not to take a matter discussed in open meeting. It is only fair to the press to go into committee. . Seconding Mr Kingsford s motion, the chairman, Mr W. H. Price (Wellington), remarked: “If you go into committee, you put yourself right With the reporters.” The motion was carried and the conference heard Mr Robertson s statement in committee.