CENSORSHIP POWERS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLX, Issue 14670, 21 February 1941, Page 5

CENSORSHIP POWERS

URSURPATION ALLEGED ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT CRITICISM STR HENRY HORTON CONDEMNS PRACTICE. Electric Telegraph—Press Association ROTORUA, February 20. “It must be recognised that in British countries there is fortunately no opportunity in peace time for practical experience of the duties imposed on censors in war time,” said Sir Henry Horton, chairman of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union, at the annual meeting of that body to-day. “Tlie censorship is consequently experimental and mistakes and inconsistencies are certain to occur. Because of their inexperience, the officials should be readily responsive to suggestions 4or improving tlie administration of the rules.

“Though there has never been any formal proposal to impose greater restrictions upon,, the independence of the newspapers in New Zealand, there is an increasing tendency to suppress information which cannot have any militarv- importance. This development has occurred within the official censorship.

“A more serious manifestation is the withholding of information by persons and institutions upon the

excuse that its publication might affect the conduct of the war or disturb tlie public mind. This unofficial censorship is entirely wrong. Censorship is justified solely and exclusively by its assistance toward the successful prosecution of the war. The withholding of information to prevent criticism of the administration of public affairs in any sphere cannot bo defended, and the newspapers have a duty to protest strongly whenever they find that powers vested in the official censorship are being usurped by persons or services having no authority to restrict the freedom of the Press.’