DOMINION'S PRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23280, 24 February 1939, Page 10

DOMINION'S PRESS

DIFFICULTIES FACED ATTITUDE IN ELECTION SIR HENRY HORTON'S REVIEW [BT TELEGRAPH —I\HESS ASSOCIATION] HANMER SPRINGS, Thursday Addressing the annual meeting of the New Zealand Section of the Empire Press Union, the chairman, Sir Henry liorton, said the press of the Dominion was experiencing more difficulties today than at any other time in its history. Increasing wages, higher costs of all kinds, shorter hours and greatly increased prices for newsprint had added to tho burdens, but in spite of these obstacles every effort had been made to maintain the high standard that had called forth from overseas visitors so much commendation.

In spite of these facts, torrents of abuse were hurled at the press. It was really most unfair, but possibly hardship was going to be good schooling. It was to be hoped so.

Since the last meeting a general election had taken place and tho press, while in most instances not approving of tho policy tho Government was placing before the country, had endeavoured to open tho news columns impartially to candidates on either side. Ministerial Statements " I am sure they succeeded, but unfortunately they did not please, as we met with nothing but abuse," Sir Henry added. "At election time feelings aro heated and I hope that now tho situation has calmed down the Government will recognise that they are well treated. Certainly all Ministerial statements, were published at great length, in many instances much against the judgments of sub-editors as to their news value."

New Zealahd would shortly be celebrating its centenary, Sir Henry said, and in this the press expected to play an important part in - educating the people of New Zealand about their interesting history. It was fervently to be hoped that the situation in Europe would allow many overseas visitors to come to New Zealand to assist in the celebrations. He was sure the press would give the Government and local bodies all the help in its power to make the celebrations worthy of a great occasion. Election of Officers Reference to the loss sustained by the New Zealand section of the union through the death of Mr. E. Abbey Jones, of Invercargill, was made by Sir Henry, and a motion of sympathy with the relatives was passed. Sir Henry expressed pleasure at the presence at the meeting of Mr. P. Selig, one of the founders of the New Zealand section of the union (Applause.) The following officers were elected:— Chairman, Sir Henry Horton; committee, Sir Qecil Leys, Mr. C. W. Earle, Mr. P. Selig, Mr. C. Stanley Smith, Mr. I?. J. Gilmour, Mr. R. P. Furness, Mr. W. Blundell, Mr. T. M. Geddis, Mr. W. Easton, Mr. L. C. Youiig; honorary secretary, Mr. R. D. Horton. Sir Henry Horton was appointed delegate to the annual conference of the Empire Press Union in London. HOLE DURING CENTENNIAL ASSISTANCE IN CELEBRATIONS [by telegraph—PßESS association] HAMMER SPRINGS. Thursday The National Centennial Press Committee held its first meeting during the annual newspaper conference at Hanmer Springs. The meeting was addressed by Mr. J. W. Heenan, "Under-Secretary of Internal Affairs, whose suggestion that the press should intensify the work it had been carrying out during the past three years in the interests of the centennial celebrations was approved'. General policy was outlined, including provision for assisting national and local centennial organisations to make the celebrations a success in every way.