THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1943. EQUALITY AT ELECTIONS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3292, 23 July 1943, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1943. EQUALITY AT ELECTIONS

The Independent group of Parliamentary candidates in conferences at Palmerston North has raised the question of equality for all parties in the coming election campaign. Of this right there can be no question. The main point is equal access, or lack of access, to broadcasting facilities. There are also, the matters of continuation of military pay for soldier candidates and the wearing of the uniform during the campaign. Not only Independent candidates are concerned in the questions raised. Ever since the Government took control of broadcasting there has been a tendency to confine the use of that facility to Government speakers. The temptation during the coming campaign will be strong but the Government must take care that an unfair advantage is not taken of State control of the radio.

The fault begins with State control. Had radio been left as an independent institution the present ridiculous position would not 'have arisen. There are so many degrees of propaganda that even ordinary statements for public information are frequently tinged with party politics. It would be better for all concerned if broadcasting were left severely alone throughout the election campaign. In any case licence-holders do not finance the broadcasting system for political purposes. With regard to the wearing of the King’s uniform, that dress takes precedence over all others in Parliament, and even in the courts of justice, so long as it is worn by a genuine soldier. Does a soldier necessarily cease to be a soldier if he enters an election contest? Even as a member of Parliament he could, presumably, obtain leave to serve in the field, as some are already doing. There is a growing feeling that those who fight for their country should have every possible opportunity to take their democratic share in governing it. In any case, if a candidate is still a member of the forces can he legally wear anything but uniform? Is he to be discharged from the forces on nomination for election?