“HISTORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 27, 3 February 1939, Page 8

“HISTORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES”

BANNING OF SESSION. PROTEST MEETING AT AUCKLAND. [ Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 2. A resolution asking for Ihe reinstatement of Mr. K. H. Melvin's broadcasts on foreign affairs from Station IZB, which were recently banned, was carried unanimously by a public meeting which completely filled the Town Hall. The orderliness of the proceedings was broken at one stage when a man, who had been persistently interjecting from the gallery, was counted out and then forcibly ejected by a self-appointed vigilance committee. Mr. Melvin, who was received with loud applause, said that there was no political motive whatever behind the meeting. Me had read a statement made that morning by the Primo (Minister giving reasons for the ba.: but he nevertheless believed that representations by the German Consul had had something to do with the decision. After discussing the Gorman and Italian radio propaganda and alleged attempts to control the French and British Press, Mr. Meivin condemned the restrictions or. Australian and New Zealand broadcasting as due to a fear complex, quoting Mr. H. G. Wells, in support of the demand for complete freedom. The following motion was carried: “This meeting of Auckland citizens, believing that the right of free speech is essential to the liberty of the people and to the end that the dissemination of information on foreign affairs as presented by Kenneth H. Melvin in his broadcast session ‘History Behind the Headlines,’ is of outstanding national advantage for the purpose of improving international relations and preserving peace through knowledge and understanding, protests to the Minister of Broadcasting against the banning of ‘History Behind the Headlines’ and respectfully requests the reinstatement of this session to hr authorised immediately.’’