NO REFLECTION ON JOURNALISTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 November 1950, Page 5

NO REFLECTION ON JOURNALISTS

PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Last Night (PA).—Ministerial replies to questions were circulated and discussed in the House of Representatives today. Mr Holland (Prime Minister), answering Mr McCombs (Opp., Lyttelton), said the Government did not approve of any instructions to displaced persons on the "Hellenic Prince’’ not to talk to reporters. The advice given the passengers was given by officials responsible for the passengers' welfare. Steps had been taken to ensure that there would be no cause for future complaint. Mr Sullivan said the greatest difficulty had been experienced in gettin* a suitable ship. The best ship that was available had been taken by the Americans for use in the Korean war. Nevertheless, he had not yet heard of any complaint from any passenger aboard the Hellenic Prince. Mr Sullivan said that in the message sent to the Hellenic Prince there was no reference whatever to “irresponsible renorters.'’ The message had been reconstructed after it was received on board and published in good faith by the 1.R.0. official. He could assure the House, and the Press generally, that there was no derogatory reference to journalists in the message and no such reference was evep intended. Mr McLagan (Opp.. Riccarton) asked lhe Minister whether it would he better to secure a bigger ship to bring future contingents of displaced persons Io New Zealand.