PART IN THE EMPIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 68, 17 February 1939, Page 7

PART IN THE EMPIRE.

PRESS UNION REVIEW.

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Feb. 15

Major J. J. Astor, M.P., chairman of the Times Publishing Co., presiding at the annual meeting of the EmpirePress Union in London to-day, announced that the theme of the discussions at the annual conference in June is to be the relationship between the Governments and the Press of the Empire. Overseas sections of the union were already engaged in preparing papers on the various headings under which the subject is to. be divided, and a number of authoritative speakers had already consented to take part. This would he the first time that the Empire Press had attempted a comprehensive review of its own position in the life and structure of the Lmpire, said Major Astor. “At a time when part of the world must almost have forgotten what a free Press is,” added Major Astor, it may he opportune to re mmd mmselves and others of the part which the Press plays in maintaining the cohesion of an empire in which foreign countries scorn able to take a considerable interest.”