POWERFUL INFLUENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 76, 26 February 1938, Page 11

POWERFUL INFLUENCE

ROTARY AND PRESS. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 25. Rotary and tlie Press were identified as two powerful influences for moulding 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 and, said Mr Hogg, New Zealand and Australia had as yet escaped the dangers of the controlled group Press. Even in political matters the Press of New Zealand, no matter what its party views or policy, never failed to give full and impartial reports of the meetings of those to whom they were politically opposed nor failed to give space to ■ letters from people of all shades of opinion. The public was entitled to the truth in the newspapers. It should know the facts of international affairs so that it could weigh tile facts and judge correctly. Through Press campaigns the public demanded and obtained vital improvements. The Press had also in times of great economic change been prepared to attack and force the hands of Governments on problems of free trade, tariff protection and a drastic change of. monetary policy. Public opinion, Jed and fostered by the Press, had exerted power in many a- national crisis. Rotary had a vital interest in the Press at home. Rotary must undoubtedly thank the whole Press of New Zealand for unstinted support at all times. In any community*, effort by Rotary and the community at large, whether it be crippled children, health camps, boy scouts, Plunket work or other worthy efforts, the Press was most generous in free service in its columns and strong editorial support.

There was a great affinity between the Press and Rotary. Both worked for community service and the highest ideals. AVith the assistance of the Press, Rotary work should be better known and better understood. International friendship through the columns of the Press and the ranks of Rotary was the call for the future.