EMPIRE PRESS UNION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 295, 2 September 1918, Page 6

EMPIRE PRESS UNION

CONFERENCE WITH OVERSEAS EDITORS NEED OF IMPROVED CABLE SERVICE (Rec. September 1, 5.5 p.m.) London, August 30. Lord Burnham (London "Daily Telegraph") presided at the Empire Press Union Conference with the Australian, New Zealand, and South African missions. It was unanimously resolved that the union should use its influence to secure, better, quicker, and cheaper facilities for the dissemination of news throughout the Empire, and such co-operation as the Government may give should ho limited to assisting in the provision of such facilities. Lord Burnham, Mr. Sowden ("South Australian Rogister"), and other speakers insisted that if an Imperial news service were arranged tho newspapers must be, left to make their own arrangements for obtaining news. The Dominions would not stand for a Government-controlled news service. The conference also resolved that the union should use its influenco to induce the newspapers of the United Kingdom to give moro attention to news from tho Dominions in the interests of the Empire.

Presiding at a subsequent luncheon, at which 200 were present, including Sir Thomas Mackenzie and Agcnts-Uen-enl and representatives of all Australi r.i and New interests, Lord Burr.ham proposed the toast of the visitors. He said the Home Press was full of respect and admiration for the Dominions Press, which inspired the Dominions. The future lay with the democracy, which must be educated and choose its leaders well and decide its policy wisely. In order to do this it must have the best possible service of the world's news. Therefore the newspapers must not bo crippled by any restrictions on cabled news, but should be allowed the greatest possible freedom for cabling.

Sir James Fairfax ("Sydney Morning Herald") said he recognised tho necessity for some war-time censorship, but not so much as we were gettiug. The delegations' visit had been very helpful, enabling them to see face to face what was going on near the seat of war.

Mr. C. Earle (Dominion, Wellington) also replied. He said the Press of Britain owed a duty to the public in the matter of educating it. Regarding the conditions in different parts of the Empire, unless the Press took a lead in that direction there were possibilities of misunderstanding and future troubles. He was gratified that the trip Home had revealed to the delegates what they previously had been unable to appreciate—the marvellous spirit which enabled. Britain to carry on the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.