CENSORSHIP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 16, 14 October 1942, Page 4

CENSORSHIP

Statement By N.P.A. Supported

RIGHT OF LEGITIMATE CRITICISM

The stand taken, by the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association regarding censorship was strongly supported at a meeting of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. The hope was expressed by speakers at. the meeting that the statement issued by the N.P.A. would be taken up by all organizations and people who valued liberty and the right of legitimate criticism, which was the most effective stimulant of efficiency in the conduct of national affairs. It was agreed, said -the president (Mr. A. M. B Isley), that the censorship was charged with the duty of preventing the publication of any information that would (be of use to the enemy, but he objected strongly to the use of censorship powers for political purposes. They were fighting for democracy, and the public bad a democratic right to freedom of expression and of criticism so long as information of value to the enemy was not divulged. The N.P.A. had taken a stand in defence of those democratic rights and should receive support from . liberty-loving people throughout the country. Delegates of several organizations represented at the meeting were asked to bring the matter before their organizations for such action as might -be deemed desirable. The meeting appointed a committee to draft letters to the Prime Minister and the Newspaper Proprletons’ Association expressing the feeling and decision of the meeting. Promise of Support.

“My executive views with gratification the statement published by your association pointing out the grave state Of affairs as regards censorship in this country.” writes Mr. -M. M. Shaw, secretary of the Dominion provincial committee of the Awake New Zealand Campaign, to the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association. “Some mouths ago this campaign made earnest endeavours to have this rectified, as it recognized that free criticism is a fundamental essential to a best war effort. Tins being so, you may rest assured that your association will have the absolute support of this campaign.in any steps .von may take to remedy'this unwarranted interference with our democratic rights. "We have already urged all our 51 branches to lend their support to your endeavours to have the itosition rectified at the earliest possible opportunity, and in addition we have urged our brandies to endeavour to enlist the support of lite local chamber of commerce, Returned Soldiers' Association, and Farmers’. Union to seriously take up the question without delay.”