PRESS OF NEW ZEALAND.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13932, 14 July 1917, Page 3

PRESS OF NEW ZEALAND.

meeting of proprietors' REPRESENTATIVES, :. DEALING WITH PAPER SHORTAGE. (Per Pross Association.) WELLINGTON, July 13. The Executive of the Newspaper Proprietors > Association of New Zealand and the provincial section of that body lias been meeting this week in Wellington in reference to a communication from the Minister of Supplies, re cut

ting down the size of papers, and amal

gamation, with n view to economy in the use of paper. The difficulty of securing paper was also discussed.

After considering the situation, it was unanimously resolved to point out to the Minister that the publication of newspapers should be classed as "essential," instead, of "partially essential," as classified by the Efficiency Board, in the present crisis. It was also unanimously resolved that the executive of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association are deeply impressed with the gravity of the position in winch newspapers are placed through their inability to secure tonnage for conveyance to the Dominion or their paper supplies, and therefore urge on all members the necessity of strictly conserving their present very limited stocus of paper, by restricting the number of pages thev publish. To secure this end they suggest for the consideration of proprietors the necessing of refusing orders for advertisements which Would occupy a large space,, and the ieduction of such of the spaces at present under contract. The Executive is couviuced of the imperative noersit.v for prompt action in this direction, as otherwise members may find themselves unable to publish ' their papers at all.

A deputation, Numbering about thirty proprietors from all parts of the Dominion, waited upon Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. A. Myers (Minister of Supplies), in reference to the matter, find suggested that certain steps should be taken by the Government to relieve the situation, The interview was a very lengthy one. Both Ministers fleie impressed with the'representatives, were entirely sympathetic, ami undertake immediate action, am] also to represent the position to Cabinet.