STIFLING FREEDOM

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20524, 14 June 1938, Page 2

STIFLING FREEDOM

AIMS OF THE SOCIALISTS j CONTROLLED RADIO AND NEWS (Special to Times.) TE AWAMUTU, Wednesday “A controlled press and a propagandist radio will give us such information as State officials may regard as being good for us, said Professor R. M. Algie, organiser of the Auckland Provincial Freedom Association in claiming, at Te Awamutu last night, that socialists sought to lead public opinion Into a state of impotence by control of the press, newspapers and picture theatres. There was a large attendance over which the Mayor, Mr G. Spinley, presided and also present was Mr \V. S. Goosman. National Part} candidate for the Waikato electorate. “Picture theatres will have no effective control over their own pro- j gramme**, but will be required to place before bored audiences such un- j inspiring themes as the progress In public works methods, the doings of ' the Bureau of Industrial Efficiency, to- j gether with reel after reel depleting Cabinet Ministers opening new schools, laying foundation stones and doing all the other trivial things incidental to j the propaganda side of politics.”

Professor Algie said the broadcasting services were under the complete domination of the Prime Minister, which was utterly preposterous. He also condemned the socialist alms to control newspapers which would eventual}- be reduced to such a state that they could not publish any matter which reflected upon the socialist government. A careful study of the recent Order6-in-Counctl relating to picture theatres would show quickly enough that the present Government was tightening its hold upon that branch of public entertainment and instruction.