SHARP COMMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 82, Issue 305, 24 December 1938, Page 7

SHARP COMMENT

SYDNEY RADIO BAN “ DICTATORIAL CENSORSHIP ” TOUCHES FREEDOM OF SPEECH [By Telegraph—Pr.M Association—Copyright] Received Dec. 23, 6.5 p.m. SYDNEY. Dec. 23. The Sydney Morning Herald, in an editorial commenting on the banning of the Labour radio station 2KY, says: “The Postmaster - General, Mr. Cameron, appears to think he owes nobody an explanation of h'.S unprecedented action. Since the principle of free speech would seem to be involved, the fullest justification will be required by the public t>f a procedure which, unexplained, savours ton much of a dictatorial censorship to be palatable to a freedom-lovir w community. This autocratic method of administering a department may be suited to Mr. Cameron’s temperament, but it is contrary to the ordinary amenities of intercourse between the post office and its clients. It Is angering the public, and pending a satisfactory explanation must be damaging to the Government, which has already been shaken by Mr. Thorby’s recent intolerant outburst. The Lyons administration was earlier embarrassed by Mr. Paterson’s blundering handling of the Freer case, Mr. Thorby's errors and indiscretions did it further injury, now a third Country Party Minister’s maladroit handling of a matter touching the freedom of speech has raised a fresh storm. "A tendency to clothe heads of departments with arbitrary powers and to legislate, adjudicate and pass sentence without resort to the courts is one of the most vicious features of the present day poltical life. If it is not checked democracy will narrow down from precedent to precedent until bureaucracy is ultimately enthroned in its place.” Strikes Threatened Labour organisations are in a frenzy over the peremptory closing of their radio station. 2KY, and are preparing a public meeting of protest by business men, advertisers, and sympathisers generally, also petitions for signature throughout the State. Certain key unions are threatening direct action. The metal trades contemplate irritation strikes on the defence contracts and munitions and power-house employees are considering a partial blackout of the city. Officials of 2KY declare that they are receiving sympathetic messages from listeners in all parts of the State. A report from Adelaide states that the Postmaster - General, Mr. A. Cameron, refuses to be stampeded by Labour threats and resents accusations that Ire is attempting a dictatorship. He is getting quite used to the designation of Fascist when something is done by a Cabinet Minister which Is disapproved by the person affected. STATION TO BE RESTORED Received Doc. 23, 9.5 op.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 23. Advice was received in Sydney this evening that the PostrnasterGeneral agreed to terms of an agreement for the restoration of station 2KY on the air.