FILMS IN ELECTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 55, 2 September 1943, Page 4

FILMS IN ELECTION

Sir, —In connection with the forthcoming elections, I notice that one candidate is making use of a film at his electoral addresses. If this film is Government property, is it available for use by candidates? If Government, films can be used, then why not motor-cars and in fact any other Government property that a Government candidate may decide will assist his campaign efforts? Apart from this, however, I am under the impression that among conditions covering the conduct of campaigns is one that the candidate is not allowed to give entertainment, although I am aware that on occasions a candidate may quite easily furnish impromptu entertainment.

My purpose in writing is to draw attention to this use of films that are not accessible to other, candidates. We also have unbalanced use of radio propaganda, and I certainly think that this is the time to call a halt and to revise drastically and immediately .the rules covering the conduct of candidates' campaigns.—l am, etc.,

CAVENDISH.

[So far as can be ascertained the legislation provision regarding entertainment—if the film is regarded as entertainment—refers to^ polling day.]

WAR AND CIVIL PENSIONS

Sir, —I was glad to notice at a meeting of Mr. Scrimgeour's that mention was made of the difference between the present civilian widow's pension and that of the war widow.

For a civilian widow with children, this is particularly hard, as it means her child is penalised as compared with the child of the war widow. The civilian probably remained a civilian through circumstances over which he had no control, but the main injustice is that the child should have to suffer through no possible fault of its own. I feel that the soldiers themselves would not wish this position—after all, their fight is for all of the rising generation.—l am, etc.,

DEMOCRACY.