EMPIRE PRESS CONFERENCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160723, 9 August 1920, Page 2

EMPIRE PRESS CONFERENCE.

OTTAWA, August 7. Australian delegates strongly advocated increased facilities fox the dissemination of news, which would be a means of strengthening Empire relations. After long discussion, the conference unanimously affirmed a motion recommending that the British and Dominion Governments should enlarge communication and reduce cable rates to ensure full interchange of views. Australia’s motion emphasing the necessity for press services to remain independent of Government or official control was supported by New Zealand alid adopted. Mr Leys, speaking regarding the serious shortage of newsprint, suggested that Canada should show practical sympathy by seeing that Australasia obtained reasonable supplies. The Australians were again prominent at to-day’s Conference. The morning’s discussion was devoted to resolutions incorporating Australian wishes regarding an improved cable service. Seconded by Fairfax. A motion was carried declaring the imperativeness of the independence of the press from official interference, particularly the undesirability of the censorship as applied during the recent war. The aftermath conference listened to the representations of the Canadian Pulp Paper Association and mill interests. The paper position, summarised, shows no hope of improvement of supply for a considerable period owing to the extraordinary increase in American consumption, that country absorbing 75 per cent, of the Canadian output. M.r K'night moved a resolution affirming the necessity of increasing paper supplies within the Empire, and urging Canadians to give effect to their oftexpressed sentiment for the promotion of national unity. Mr Leys seconded the motion, which was _ appreciatively debated. Lord Burnham,' in conclusion, urged the mill representatives to give full consideration to Australia’s requirements.