A “Scrim” Sensation; Opposition Attacked; House Echo Expected

Northern Advocate, 9 August 1938, Page 6

A “Scrim” Sensation; Opposition Attacked; House Echo Expected

{.Special To “Northern Advocate.” I WELLINGTON, This Day. ' TAEVELOPMENTS OF A SENSATIONAL CHARACTER ARE EXPECTED IN THE HOUSE DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS, OWING TO AN ATTACK MADE ON MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITION FROM THE COMMERCIAL RADIO STATION, 2ZB, ON SUNDAY NIGHT. ALMOST THE ONLY TOPIC OF CONVERSATION IN PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS YESTERDAY WAS THIS BROADCAST, GIVEN BY THE CONTROLLER OF THE COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE, MR C. G. SCRIMGEOUE. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, and another member of his party were pamed during the broadcast. Reference was also made to prominent members of the National Party, who have been associated with its growth during the pa<-t year. It is understod that an Opposition caucus has been called to discuss the ♦ attack, and the Parliamentary measures that should, be taken to obtain redress.

► What May Happen. There is a possibility that the Opposition will move the adjournment of the House in order to put their position before the country, and that a strong request will be made to the Government to silence the Director of Commercial Broadcasting by barring him from the microphone if he uses it for political purposes. In normal circumstances, the matter could be fully ventilated by members in the financial debate, which is at present in progress, but 15 Opposition members have already taken part in this discussion, and are not entitled to speak again. This position could be overcome by the moving of an amendment to the motion which gives rise to the financial debate. There has been no indication of the attitude of the Government towards Mr Scrimgeour’s broadcast. Last night Mr Savage declined to make any comment on the matter.