EXPORT DAIRY PRODUCE

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1786, 24 July 1926, Page 5

EXPORT DAIRY PRODUCE

> SELLING PRICE IN LONDON.

A CABLE AMD ITS CONSEQUENCES

There T?as a further development yesterday in connection with the trouble which has arisen over a cablegram, relating tto dairy export control which was dispatched to an English paper by the editor of the “New Zea'land Times." The question Was again before the House of Representatives. Originally the matter was brought up in the House by the Labour Leader, who drew attention, in the form of a question, to the Postmaster-General, to the published statement that the Press Association had suppressed an important statement by the chairman of the Dairy Control Bbard in reply to what Mr (Holland had described as “an attempt by methods of falsehood' to damage the dairy industry.”' Mr Holland’s point was that steps should he taken to ensure Itha't the Press Association did not use its concessions to the advantage of one side in conflict of public opinion by suppressing the statements of the otheT. MINISTER’® REPLY.

In his reply which was circulated this week the Postmaster-General (Hon. W. Nosworthy) stated that the newspapers throughout the Dominion pay the same Press telegram rate, irrespective of policy. The views expressed in any editorial or contributed item were of public interest and entitled to be sent at the ordinary Press rate for general publication. If it were attempted to carry out what the Leader of the Opposition suggested, a Large censorship staff would be required, and heavy delay on Press telegraphic traffic would occur. In addition. it woulfl be impossible to verify the correctness; of every statement

contained in Press telegrams present- 7 < ed for transmission. The matter would, however, be further looked into. Mr Holland, in dealing with his question, stressed the fact itliat whether it was suppressed by the Central Press Association or by the local agents, the fact remained’that . the chairman’s reply was suppressed, and the. Press Association could not escape its responsibility by telling hon. members that it was the local reporter who was responsible. Someone was responsible, and a deliberate atteffipt had been made to damage the dairy industry. The Hon. W. Nosworthy: I agree with the'honourable member, and I will have further inquiries made. Mr Holland said the last paragraph was the saving part of the Ministerial reply to the question: the Minister was going to have the matter further looked into, and so far so good. The main point he wished to emphasise, however, was that the Press Association, although they had expressed regret, had xfot sent out his (Mr. Holland’s) question on the subject—they had refused to do so, and stated they would not send it out until the answer - had been placed before the iHouse. They stated they did not send out statements which reflected on themselves; but statements made in the House concerning him (Mr Holland) were sent out without waiting for his answer. .These statements were sent out in 'double-quick time. Why did the Press Association suppress a reply to a deliberate attempt to damage the dairy industry of New Zealand? asked. Mr Holland. It (the attempt) was a deliberate falsehood. The Hon. W. Nosworthy: I agree with that, too. 'Mr Holland: I think we are all pretty well agreed on that point because all sides know the facts as well as myself. Mr Holland, continuing, said that he would, put it to the PostmasterGeneral who might like to have the information, if he did not know the position, that there was a loss of * £50.00.0 to this country on ;the work clone for the Press Association. But nobody was going to object to that Joss, provided' th© Press Association, which got the benefit, gave the same treatment to all sides which paid all .costs when the costs were being met. A member: How can you insist on that? Mr Holland stated that over and over again he himself had his matter suppressed, and there were other clear cases. The Dominion must get a fair deal from the Press Association, and there must be no party connection as far as they were concerned.