Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1882.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1144, 11 September 1882, Page 2

Poverty Bay Standard. Published Every Evening. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1882.

The Telegrams Protection Bill passed the third reading in the Legislative Council on the 28th ult. Captain Fraser, on the ground that the Bill would affirm what was not true by reason of a statement made therein that the publication of a morning newspaper took place at 8 a.m., whereas, in reality, those papers were sent away by coach or train at 4 and 5 a.m., moved for the re-com-mittal of the Bill. This was opposed by Sir George Whitmore, who thought there was really not sufficient grounds for the re-com-mittal, the point raised being a comparatively trivial one. Mr Robinson agreed with Sir George W hitmohe, and was followed by the Hon. Mr McLean, who said he had given considerable time to the study of this Bill, and had found a good deal of difficulty in coming to any conclusion. He had no doubt that one effect of the Bill would be that newspaper people would go to more expense, and supply the public with more news. Ho had some doubts as to whether the 1 8 hours’protection was not too much ; because, while looking after themselves who lived in big towns, they would be depriving their fellow colonists in the interior for some hours of their news. The only other question with him was whether the time during which the Act should continue in force ought not to be limited. It was, perhaps, easier to decline to renew an Act which was working badly, than it was to pass an Act for its repeal. ' The Hon. Mr said that he had entertained the idea that eighteen hours ! seemed rather a loiv ? * term for protection, but further information and reflection had convinced him that there was no necessity for alteration in the Bill. Eighteen hours would meet the reovdrements for equality of protection as regards morning and evening papers. As regards the question of interference with the free dissemina- ; tiou of intelligence, it would, doubtless, be ! proved that as this protection would enable : the Press Association to expend a large amount in obtaining more ample telegrams, ! it would also make that body more anxious to make a profit by retailing them. A fear ; had been expressed that they would make I oyer heavy charges to papers who did not | join the Association, for the i nk of telegrams, ■ but if tiie charges were extortionate, the monopoly would not be continued. In the i mean time the objects of Loth Association ■ and public—more especially the public— I would be, served if the Press Association were enabled to expend a larger amount in obtaining intelligence. The Hon. Captain Eraser then by leave withdrew his amendment, and the Bill woe read a third time.