ME. J. A. LEE ALLEGES DISCRIMINATION

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 206, 31 August 1943, Page 5

ME. J. A. LEE ALLEGES DISCRIMINATION

AUCKLAND, Aug. 30. Discrimination against himself and his candidates in the matter of broadcasting privileges during the election c&mpaigu was alleged to-night by Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P., leader of the New Zealand Democratic Labour Party. “It has just been announced that the leaders of the Labour and National Parties would broadcast over the four main national radio stations and that representatives of the parties would have their election meeting broadcast over two stations. This arrangement is to operate until tho night before the election." Mr. Lee said that although he was in the election with 50 candidates, he was to be allowed only one broadcast on Thursday night, and that over two stations. When he was offered this on# oroadcast, he had telegraphed to th# Prime Minister, objecting to the arrangement, pointing out that while the two parties mentioned were to have frequent use of the broadcasting system, he would be deprived of the opportunity to reply to any statements which their speakers might make. In any case, having regard to the fact that he was to have only one opportunity of speaking to the electors over the air, he felt he was entitled to a Dominion coverage.