IMPERIAL PRESS CONFERENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12239, 12 June 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL PRESS CONFERENCE.

ADJOURNMENT FOR A FORT-

NIGHT.

LONDON, June 10. The Conference discussed the literature of journalism, brilliant speeches being made by Viscount Morley (chairman), Lord Milner,- Mr Churchill, Mr Birrell, and Mr W. L; Courtney. Other speakers were Sir Edward • Russell, Messrs Douglas (Auckland), Englebery (Pretoria), and Banerjee (India). The Conference has adjourned till the 25th, when it resumes the discussion on the question of defence. Received June 11, 10.0, p.m. '

LONDON June 11

At the Conference, Viscount Morley, said that much had recently been said about the rebarbarisation of Europe. He asked to what extent the Press shared in creating the processes which so threaten? Has the influence of the Home and Colonial Press been systematically and perseveringly used on behalf of the peace of the nations? '

Mjr Winston Churchill admitted that we were living in anxious times, and humorously added that after a. discus sion which, opened the most appalling prospects of an approaching A*"m ige-1-don he thought the conference -lu>\ve 1 gre«it courage to calmly sit Joy.ii to literature and journalism.

Lord Milner described the idea :■£ the rebarbarisatipn of Europe as .Jro.vdfnl nonsense. He believed disputes t)\v:idays were legs frequently settled by War than at any period. For one reasm the European nations were now mostiy an organised system of national armies, and citizens armies make for peace.

Mr Douglas (Auckland) said the Conference had been -discussing the supreme question of defence. Tho cojoxiies realised that a catastrophe meant the ruin of this great Empiro,' and they were ready to supply the Motherland with men,- ships, and money. "Tell us what you want us to do, and we will/do it!" (Cheers.) Turning to. the • of diseiission, ho said the newspapers misseJ being literaturs/tlirougli want of time. Their primary purpose was not the cultivation of literary style^, but the presentation of news, which'was never so well and promptly done as to-day. He believed the Press at Hohie,-.and in the Colonies were honestlyi v striving .to maintain the traditions already"l won, and if they were maintained theVt>ress would remain a great and beneficent

force