RADIO AND POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22716, 31 October 1935, Page 6

RADIO AND POLITICS

BROADCASTS BY LEADERS DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 30. The Minister of Finance, Mr J. G. Coates, who opened his campaign at Riverhead last night, interviewed by telephone this morning, said that he had taken no part in the discussion on the question of broadcasting by the party leaders in the election campaign. He knew that it had been discussed thoroughly by party leaders on both sides of the House, and understood that they came to the conclusion that it was better not to broadcast any speeches. He had had nothing to do with the decision. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr M. J. Savage, interviewed, said: "The Post-master-general is the man who should be approached. It is not for me to say anything. I believe, however, that the radio should be available, but, with so many parties and so many candidates, it is difficult to devise a plan. It looks better on paper than any other way. I shall leave it to the Minister to make a statement." WELLINGTON, October 30. The New Zealand Broadcasting Board has received advice from the Government and Opposition parties to the effect that both parties have decided not to avail themselves of the board's offer to broadcast political speeches during the forthcoming election campaign.