FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Southland Times, Issue 23443, 25 February 1938, Page 8

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

MR D. McDOUGALL’S ATTITUDE NO COMMENT BEFORE BILL APPEARS A few weeks ago- the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce, acting on the expressed wishes of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, wrote to Southland members of Parliament protesting against the proposed legislation restricting the freedom of the Press in New Zealand, and asking them to support the chambers’ protest if and when the Bill was introduced. Two replies from members of Parliament, Mr D. McDougall, of Gore, and Mr W. M. C. Denham, Invercargill, were read at the meeting of the Invercargill Chamber yesterday. “I beg to state that I will consider whether I should support the Bill or not when it comes before Parliament, as I am of the opinion that it is time enough to bid the Devil ‘good morning’ when I meet him,” wrote Mr McDougall. « “As requested, I have noted the views of your chamber in this matter,” said Mr Denham, in his reply. The letters were received. There were present at the meeting: Mr J. H. Reed (president), and Messrs W. Grieve, C. S. Stevens, G. E. T. Dorman, W. R. Rea, F. G. Nind, J. S. Brass, H. F. Drewe, P. L. Hodge, R. A. Douglas, F. G. O’Beirne, A. le H. Hoyles. STEWART ISLAND MAILS A letter was received from Mr F. G. Nind, Chief Postmaster, in reply to the chamber’s request that an improvement in the Stewart Island postal service be effected. “Investigations are still in progress, but it is hoped that a full report will be available for the next meeting of the chamber,” wrote Mr Nind. “In the meantime the door of the office is not being closed while mails are being sorted.” It was agreed to meet the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr A. G. Lunn, at luncheon at Elmwood Garden next Thursday.