FACING BOTH WAYS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11028, 17 March 1914, Page 4

FACING BOTH WAYS.

Wo- publish to-day, side by side, a brace of sumplo articles front the Christehurch " Press," showing how completely the political point of view is liable'to warp the journalistic judgment. Four years ago. at the instigation of some of the leading doctors of New Zealand, Sir John (then Dr) Fincllay brought down pome proposals to check the spread of venereal diseases. He was attacked in the .most sneering And offensive way by the, " Press," which said that the bringing down,, of the proposals "is a proof el' his belief in laws as a panacea for the mora,!, rtiul physical ills of humanity." 1 Tho Press" announced that it might be doomed "■ old-fasioncd and timid," but it was against "drastically restrictive education," preferring-" the strengthening of parental influence and tho (.Hiltivfltion of the virtues of self-control and purity." To-dav the " Press " accuses the community of being consumed with " inexcusable false . delicacy," and declares that " public opinion will insist on the Government'aild the Legislature " dealing with the problem of venereal disease m a practical way. We publish tho articles to "indicate that, apart from politics, the Christehurch "Press" is an upright and perfectly respectable journal, but that in dealing with political -opponents it is both rabid and unreliable. ...