FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 54, 26 November 1937, Page 7

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

i— PreBs AssociaL)on.>

"Fundamental of Democracy Threatened" PROPOSED LEGISLATION

(By Telesrapi:

AUCKLAND, Last Night. • "It is extraoi'dinary that at such a time and with such a Government in power the very fundamentals of dem0" cracy should, be threatened in such a way," said Mr W. R. Pee, chairman, at a meeting of the council of the Chamber of C'ommeree to-day with reference to the intention of the Government to enact legislation compelling contribut'ors to sign articles on political matters in the daily Press. Mr. Pee said that tho Prime Minister had not. committed himself in any way, and the infonpation appeared to have been a leakage from caucus. ' 'The freedoln of the Press is- a heritage handed down for hundreds of years," said Mr. Fee. "It is embodied in the coustitution of the Unitod States of America, and it would be distinctly derogatory and a backward step to allow. any interference with its actions in the way proposed." Mr. Pee expiamcd that a safeguard xvas provided by the laws of libel, and. he testified to the high standard of the Press in New Zealand, in which people had the utmost confidence. He moved; "That this council viows with concern the suggestion that there may be interference with the traditions al freedom of the Press, which is one of tho most cherished possessions of the English-speaking race, ahd expresses the hope that no legislation wliich would in any way curb the presenb liberty of expression will be introduced in New Zealand." f "Ilegarding the suggestion made in the Press of lack, of publicity for Parliament, I cannot conceive of it. Tlfe publicity they get is wonderful," said Mr. A. G. Lunn in seconding the resolution. He could not help feeling that the motive was fear of criticism of the Government against some of the laws going in the Statute Book. "They have no need to fear," Mr. Lunn added. "The Government has an enormous majority and can do what it likes. We must do our utmost to retain freedom." Tlie resolution was carried.