PROPOSED BROADASTING OF POLITICAL SPEECHES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6852, 6 March 1929, Page 7

PROPOSED BROADASTING OF POLITICAL SPEECHES

“VISION OF HORROR.”^

Aust. Press Assn.—United Service. Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, March 4.

In the House of Commons, during the discussion of the Post Office estimates, several speakers referred to the use of broadcasting in the forthcoming election.

Major Crawfurd expressed the opinion that people listening in at their homes were better able to reach sane national views on the issues than in the midst of the excitement of political meetings.

Commander Kenworthy said he believed portions of the House of Commons debates should be broadcast.

Mr Lloyd George said in view of the vastly increased electorates, party leaders ought to bo permitted to outline their principles and measures by microphone. Sir W. Mitchell Thomson, in replying, said it would be a vision of horror to contemplate candidates in 600 constiuencies all broadcasting. The British Broadcasting Corporation was sure to take the view that when the parties had agreed among themselves, arrangements could be made for a few leaders to broadcast speeches. He deprecated the light-hearted optimism concerning the prospect of a reversion to ponny post, which would cost six millions a year.