The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22, 1937. POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22, 1937. POLITICAL.

The interest taken in politics through the broadcasting, has no doubt stimulated extra attention to the proceedings. Unfortunately the weary debate on the Address-in-Replv, and the doomed no confidence motion, introduced by the Leader ol the Opposition, still drags on. Member after member is bent on delivering bis philippic, either denouncing !he Government policy, or reverting to the alleged evil times when the Opposition was in power. Air Hamilton bravely hold on his way while he attempted to justify his motion of no confidence, which was a cleverly constructed catalogue of political sins of omission and commission on the part ot the Government. The debate reveals that members generally have been preparing themselves with statistics and references to the past, to draw comparisons adverse or otherwise from their own point of view. This extra diligence no ■ doubt accounts for the duration of the debate, which will be negative a., iar is the no confidence motion is concerned. and positive in opproving of the address-in-reply. Apparently the flow of talk, so bare of arresting eloquence, will have to be endured. By 'be way, uith the introduction of broadcasting, the procedure appears to be more unruiy cf laic with interjections, r.ud

the position developed to such an extmit that the Speaker had to call the House to order, and ask tor better manners. Interjections can be ot interest. and over amusing in a dull debate. but they are more oltcn made by way of rejoinder which might be reserved for a speech, ibe discussion will, at least, clear the air uy giving many of the members an opportunity to embalm their opinions in Hansard, hut we may be sure they will not be reproduced exactly as said. To that extent Mansard deludes, but it is an offence of long standing. What has been of interest in the political broadcasting. is the news service now supplied each evening from the Prime Minister’s office. The items of Dominion news makes interesting bearing, and being compiled by Departments may be considered official inlormation. I’his system should build up a better understanding of the* Dominion, and its natural progress. There may be « fear in soipe quarters that it will develop into a party advantage, but on the general facts diseminated so far, there arc no grounds lor such tear. The information pul on the air. might well be sent further afield and give some idea to listeners ol the varied conditions of the productions of New Zealand, and the steps being taken to maintain the increasing results. It is a form of advertising which is suitable specially for the air. for it is easier to listen to the statements in heir detail, rather than attempt to peruse them in cobl print, probably .n a back page of a newspaper. Because ol the prompt publicity the feature gives, the new order is to be commended, and it appears to have possibilities as the system develops.