OVER THE AIR

Southland Times, Issue 22728, 2 November 1935, Page 6

OVER THE AIR

POLITICAL SPEECHES COMPLAINT BY DEMOCRAT LEADER ALLEGED WIRE-PULLING (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, November 1. “Apparently the Nationalist and Labour parties are afraid to avail themselves of the opportunity of speaking over the air in case a like offer should be made to the Democrat party,” declared Mr T. C. A. Hislop, Leader of the Democrats, in a statement this evening. “The whole thing smacks of political wire-pulling and party intrigue aimed at the Democrat Party, and I think the public is entitled to know the full facts.” Mr Hislop was making comment on the statement of Mr H. D. Vickery, Chairman of the Broadcasting Board, in which Mr Vickery said that the Board had offered to permit the broadcast of political speeches, but the facilities offered had been refused. “I want to say that neither myself nor any member or representative of my party was approached with this offer,” said Mr Hislop. “Apparently the offer was confined to the Nationalist and Labour parties to which action I take strongest possible objection. It looks in the circumstances like a deliberate attempt on the part of the Government and Labour Party, by mutual arrangement, to ensure that - should not be allowed the broadcasting facilities. The very fact that I was not consulted is very significant. Not only is it extremely discourteous, but it seems to indicate a distinct fear of the Democrat Party. Such hole—and —corner business reflects on those responsible. I would like a public reply, both from the Board setting out the details and circumstances of the offer and the reason why it was not extended to my party, and from the Nationalist and Labour parties explaining their reasons for refusing the offer and the agreement that they have apparently reached.