EMPIRE PRESS UNION

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1928, Page 3

EMPIRE PRESS UNION

(Liy lelograph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. Fob. ‘22. The New Zealand branch of the Empire .Press I'liion met to-day. Jn lii.s address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press L'nioii to-day, Sir ■George Fenwick (Chairman) alluded to the growing importance of wireless and the watchfulness maintained by the Lnion- over its development. Wire loss equipment in the offices in New Zealand newspapers had' not yet become general, but it was only a matter ol time liefore it would. It was not suggested that the new form of transmission would immediately become a practical alternative to cables, on account of its uncertainty, but meanwhile a start has been made by the Imperial Government with regular official messages despatched from Rugby, that was an appreciable addition to the fine cable service enjoyed by New Zealand. The interests of the press and the public were intimately concerned with the future control of wireless and cable services and a conference was now going on in London on the subject. There were advocates of amalgamation but it was questionable whether competition would not be more likely to secure a reduction in the cost to the public and press, than a gigantic monopoly. This matter was sure to be sharply looked after by the Council of the Union. At the instance of the League of Nations a general conference of press representatives was held at Geneva last. August, at which 118 delegates from 38 countries were present. Lord Burnham, as President, characterised it as the most influential press congress ever brought together. The main discussions centred round the means of entering more rapid and less costly transmission of press news, and the solution of technical problems. After alluding 'to the sale of the london “Daily Telegraph - ’ and the possible retirement of Lord Burnham from the position of president of the Union .Sir George said he himself had been .president of the New Zealand branch for over 18 years and had wished to retire, hut had been persuaded to retain the position for another year on condition that he was then allowed to retire. \t the annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union, twentv-four members were present, Sir George Fenwick presiding. Flic report mentioned that the wireless press cables since tlie advent nt the beam system had been reduced to two-thirds of the reduced cable rate New Zealand members of the branch totalled sixtv-two, which compared most favourably with other countries. The balance at credit after remitting £llO to the Council was £B.l. One new members was elected ■ " George Fenwick was re-elected Chairman "and the present committee were also re-elected.