NEWSPAPER AND POLITICS

Southland Times, Issue 23437, 18 February 1938, Page 4

NEWSPAPER AND POLITICS

APPEAL TO RESIST THREATS MEETING OF EMPIRE PRESS UNION (United Press Association) ROTORUA, February 17. The annual meeting of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union was held at Rotorua today. In moving the adoption of the annual report, the chairman, Sir Henry Horton, said the year just closed had been, a difficult one for newspapers in the Dominion. Increased wages, shorter hours and higher prices for newsprint and other supplies had added greatly to the cost of production. “Not only are the difficulties of the New Zealand paper today commercial ones, but the publishers have had many threats made by our political leaders against their liberties,” said Sir Henry. “It has been suggested that all political articles should be signed and other restrictions introduced. However, I believe the New Zealand people are proud of their Press and I am sure they will raise their voices with no uncertain sound if any attacks are made on its liberties. The objects of these attacks have only the same purpose, and that is to reduce our influence. For these reasons it behoves us to be watchful and to resist to the uttermost all attacks whenever they are attempted-” • , j j Sir Henry said the committee had decided to recommend the publication of a monthly news letter by the New Zealand section in the same manner as was done by the Canadian, Australian and other overseas sections. At. the 1938 annual conference of the Empire Press Union in London New Zealand would be represented by Mr W. J. Blundell and another delegate, who would be appointed subsequently. Appealing for increased membership of the New Zealand section, Sir Henry said the Empire Press Union was a very active body that was doing much good in looking after the interests of Empire newspapers and this surely was a time when it was desirable to unite for the defence of those liberties that had been so suddenly snatched away from tne Press in many foreign countries. The following officers were elected. Chairman. Sir Henry Horton; committee, Sir Cecil Leys and Messrs C. W. Earle, P. Selig. C. Stanley Smith, R. J. Gilmour. L. C. Young, R. P. Fw ? e .Sh W. J. Blundell, T. M. Geddis and W. Easton; honorary secretary, Mr R. u. Horton; honorary auditor, Mr D. a. Taylor.