PRIVILEGE OF PRESS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 103, 28 October 1933, Page 9

PRIVILEGE OF PRESS

TO CRITICISE PARLIAMENT

RESENTMENT AT CANBERRA

CANBERRA, October 27. Criticism of the "Sunday Sun." .and the daily "Sun" was revived in the Houso of Keprescntatives today. On the matter of privilege Mr. E. J. Ward (East Sydney), of the Lang group, asked the House to deal wi,th the printer and publisher of the "Sun"Newspapers Limited, who yesterday were adjudged guilty of contempt. Mr. Ward .moved to this effect; declaring that the "Sun" had aggravated the offence by publishing a sub-leader yesterday of, a most offensive .character amounting to a challcngo to Parliament. Mr. B. A. Parkhill, Acting Prime Minister, urged Mr. Ward to withdraw his motion, promising that the Government would investigate the matter and ascertain who was actually responsible for the articles.' Possibly the responsibility rested with, the directorate, and appropriate action could bo taken at a later date. Mr. Parlshill emphasised that the printer was apparently innocent, as also were the writers of the articles, who were merely fulfilling instructions, and often wrote against their own eon>victions. He added that the object of these publications was "the pursuit of a bowelless eonunereialisni, which characterised the whole history of the company." Mr. Ward refused to withdraw his motion, and the debate was adjourned. Some members also criticised "The Bulletin" and other newspapers. Protests from all over Australia are reaching Canberra- regarding what is now termed "the salary grab."