EMPIRE PRESS UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21264, 19 February 1931, Page 3

EMPIRE PRESS UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING. (Per United Press Association.) ROTORUA, February 18. The annual meeting of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union was held to-day. Mr Henry Horton, chairman of the section, presided over a large attendance. A motion of sympathy, with the sufferers in the Hawke’s Bay earthquake was carried. Reference was made to the practical sympathy that is being shown by the Empire press overseas. The chairman graphically outlined the manner in which the news from the stricken area had been dealt with, despite the disorganisation of the telegraph services. A special tribute was paid to Commodore Blake and his officers for the very great assistance they had rendered in making available their wireless communication. The most important newspaper event of the year was the Imperial Press Conference, held in London in June last. New Zealand was represented by a delegation of 12 newspaper men. Important business was transacted, embracing proposals (1) for a wider dissemination pf news relating to Empire affairs, both in the interests of Empire security and the extension of reciprocal trade; (2) Empire Press Union news letters for a wider distribution of information between the component parts of the Empire, covering economic and cultural development; (31 cheaper means of communication; (4) development of wireless telegraphy and long-distance telephone. The next conference of the union will be held in South Africa in 1935. A proposal is under consideration for the holding of the following conference, which is scheduled for 1940, in New Zealand. Congratulations were conveyed to Sir Cecil Leys on his knighthood. The interesting description of the proceedings at the London conference was given by Mr R. J. GTlmorr, chairman of the New Zealand delegation. The following officers were appointed for the ensuing year:—chairman, Mr Henry Horton (r'e-elected); committee— Sir Cecil Leys, Messrs C. W. Earle, L. P. Blundell, P. Selig. C. Stanley Smith, E. C. Huie, R. J. Gilmour, J. Coombe, W. C. Weston, A. M'Nicol; hon. secretary, Mr G. C. Codlin; auditor, Mr D. A. Taylor.