LIBERTY OF THE PRESS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 461, 2 September 1919, Page 1

LIBERTY OF THE PRESS

The " Triad " contains the following scathing remarks on the wartime censorship of the press Many wonderful things arj sure to happen after the war. Most amazing of all to the thinking of a journalist is that there will bo a reversion or return to something approaching liberty of the Press For this the jouraa!i>t should r.ow prepare himself, or otherwise the shock may kill him bye-and-bye. Let liirn try then to realize that, after the war—1. In discharging his duty to the public be will not have to submit to the arbitrniy dictation and uttoily illogical stupidity of some jack inoffice empoweied to interfere wi'h his work, some rummy old party without journalistic insight or train ing, some nobody suddenly jerked up 2 He will once again be permitted to criticize an:l upon occasion condemn tho behaviour of incompetent or corrupt politicians. Ho will be permitted to report public conferences of all sorts wish reasonable thoroughness and impartial accuracy. 1 He will then have liberty to denounce and castigate all unworthy and incompetent persons in tuo pay i.f the puMic. It is much as if o.io should look forward to Utopia with a fair hope of arriving theio.' And tho prospect holds a sweeter pr au.-e tor t'u< harassed journalist He chuckles with satisfaction besause be knows tha' :if! -r the war he will omo itgaiu lie able to tiit back."