FREE SPEECH RIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1934, Page 11

FREE SPEECH RIGHT

MIND OF METHODIST SYNOD. RECOMMENDATION APPROVED. A recommendation defining the attitude of the North Canterbury Methodist district Synod on the question of freedom of speech was approved at the concluding session of the synod, The recommendation proposed during a discussion of the report of the public questions committee. Tire Rev. Clarence Eaton was in the chair. The Rev. A. H, Fowles moved: “That this synod affirms the principle of free speech upon all subjects and problems that confront, our national, industrial and moral life. We believe it to be a fundamental principle of democracy that men should be permitted to express their thoughts and ideas on matters of public welfare without undue interference from the state, subject to the reasonable provision that any such expression of opinion in public places should not disorganise traffic, nor incite to violence or destruction of property. As there . are indications that this right to. free speech is at present in danger of being unduly curtailed, we urge that such curtailment be resisted.” “Some of us believe that the right of free speech can be overdone,” said the Rev. C. B. Jordan, seconding the motion, “and so it can be if people are allowed to advocate crime or violence. But the fact remains that we cannot get nearer to truth unless we allow absolutely free discussion. There is certainly a danger in this country of . curtailment of the rights of free speech. I know wrong opinions are put forward, but if people are given freedom of utterance the errors will be corrected.” The Rev. W. Grigg asked why free speech was imperilled. The Rev. Arthur Ashcroft: The reason is the unbridled license taken by some people to say what they like when they please. That is the reason for our protest. After a short discussion of details the recommendation was approved.