STRENGTH IN FREE PRESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 256, 28 September 1942, Page 5

STRENGTH IN FREE PRESS

NEW YORK, Sept. 26,

"The observance of Newspaper Week in October will afford an opportunity to rededicato ourselves to the freedom that is as vital as our daily bread—freedom to think, speak and write the truth as we see it," said President Roosevelt.

"War imposes grave new responsibilities on all, but upon no public servant does the responsibility for truth and integrity rest more heavily than upon the Press. Theirs is the duty of keeping people fully and truly informed. Their correspondents are braving the enemy fire to send stories of far-off battles, and their editors and publishers are deeply awake to their responsibility for the faithful presentation of the news. The American people are vigilant of their precious heritage of a free Press. They will permit neither its corruption nor its perversion for selfish ends. They! will continue to regard it as their strong right hand in war as in peace. I believe their confidence will be justified." WORK OR FIGHT.

Senator Austin has introduced a "Work or Fight" Bill drafting all manpower between 18 and 65 and lowering the military age to 18. Men deferred from military service and those between 45 and 65 would be liable for service as war production or agricultural workers. The Labour Board has adopted the principle of equal pay for equal work for women employed in war industries.