STRONG PROTEST

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 24, 29 January 1934, Page 10

STRONG PROTEST

BROADCAST STATEMENT

UNFAIRNESS ALLEGED

A strong protest against the action of the Broadcasting Board in broadcasting a statement handed to the1. Press by the; Prime Minister (the Et. Hon. G. W. Forbes) in defence of the sustenance payment policy of the Unemployment Board was voiced by Mr. R. Semplo, M.P., when speaking at a deputation today.to the Minister of Employment (the Hon. A. Hamilton). "The statement given to the Press," said Mr. Scmple, "was read word for word by the announcer in Auckland while I was in that city. In that statement the Prime Minister ridiculed and misrepresented those of us who have taken exception to this new scheme. As a matter of fact, the statement was very -unfair, as it. suggested that the' people protesting against the scheme were Communists, and it was suggested that the Labour Party was allied with the Communists. It was a political statement, and if I went to the Broadcasting Board and asked to be allowed, to make a statement I would bo refused. I suggest if it is right for the Prime Minister to be allowed to give his views over the air, then it is right for others to be given the opportunity." ' The Minister: The Prime Minister wasn't speaking himself. Mr. Scmplo: Tho statement was read by the announcer. Mr. J. Eoberts: That would improve it. Mr. Semple: I haven't got a wireless set and I'm not going to get one. I wouldn't 'give tho Government 30s a year On principle, not while broadcasting is going to be used for political pur- j poses. - I