BROADCAST DECISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22192, 20 August 1935, Page 11

BROADCAST DECISION

POLITICAL CANDIDATES MP. RAISES NOVEL POINT A novel point in connection with the New Zealand Broadcasting; Board's ban on radio talks by candidates for political honours was raised in Christcliurch by Mr. E. J. Howard, M.P. Mr. Howard had been announced to speak from 3YA in support of the Metrppolitan Queen Carnival, but because ho is a member of Parliament the arrangements were cancelled by the Broadcasting Board. It was contended by Mr. Howard that a member of Parliament does not become a candidate until the issue of the writs for the election. Until the writs were issued, he said, there were no candidates, although individuals may have indicated their intention of seeking election to Parliament. Once the writs were issued, however, sitting members who were desirous of being elected for a further term came into tho category of candidates and the broadcast ban could pro perl}' bo applied to them. The statement issued by tho Broadcasting Board makes it clear that the board has decided that a candidate for political honours should not bo permitted to broadcast in any capacity, an exception being rnado where the candidate holds a mayoral position and broadcasts in that capacity. No date for the enforcement of the ban was fixed by the board, but apparently it became operative immediately the'announcement was made.