THE PRESS CONGRESS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9467, 9 June 1909, Page 5

THE PRESS CONGRESS.

TWO HOURS WORK. AND MUCH PLAY. United Frees Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, June 8. To the Press Conference Earl Minto sent India’s greetings. Tne casual mention of Mr Joseph Chamberlain provoked loud cheers, which were renewed when Mr Austen Chamberlain stated that nothing struck his father more than the unity of thought aud sentiment throughout the Empire. Upon the occasion of national rejoicings overseas congratulations were received immediately.

Earl Crewe quoted figures to show the great number of words cabled about cricket, compared with general news. It was possible that wireless telegraphy and the use of cables when otherwise unoccupied would provide a partial remedy for tne inadequate treatment of subjects of greater importance.

Mr R. Kyffin-Thomas, of Adelaide, said it would be a great delight to the Commonwealth if the next Conference was held in Australia. Cheaper cable rates would enable the colonies to secure much fuller reports of the doings of the Home' folk.

Attention was also called to the poverty of colonial news in the London papers, and it was mentioned that the Commonwealth offer of a Dreadnought, though one of the greatest subjects of the hour, was given in four lines. Mr Austen Chamberlain hoped the Conference would not forget the pioneer work of the cable companies and would treat' them but the companies mast make up their minds that times were changing and fresh needs arising.

Mr Thomas Temperleyr New South Wales, adyooated the ‘‘All Red” route and the nationalisation of the Pacific cable.

Mr George Fenwick, of the Otago Daily Times, said the Conference would be honiiliated if the resolution already cabled was not adopted. The Postmaster-General said that business men were reducing coding to a fine art,:but this was impossible in press news. Therefore it was right that special rates should be granted in order to place newspapers on an equality with business men. Ms Buxton added that he anticipated the Conference had consulted the cable companies, who, he understood, were willing to consider the reduction of rates if assured that considerable additional matter would be sent. The amount spent on press telegrams at present was small as compared with the total expenditure.

Sir Hugh Graham proposed, and Lord Northcliffe seconded, a resolution the members of the Confrence a standing committee to consider the question of an Imperial news service, and to take measures to secure a reduction of rates. This was carried nnanimously. Mr Ross, of Ottawa, moved a resolution in favour of State-owned cables ip the Atlantic and Pacific. This was adjourned till the 25tb, as it was found that two hours were wholly inadequate for the proper discussion of the problem.

The Speaker presided at the House of Commons’ luncheon, and Mr Asquith,' Mr Haldane, Sir Edward Grey, and Lords Milner, Ourzon, and Cromer were present. Mr Birrell, in a humorous speech, proposed “Our Guests.” Mr Kirwin, of Westralia. replied to the toast.

After listening to the Budget debate the delegates and their ladies motored to Marlborough House, to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ garden party. The King and Queen, the Prince and Princess Naahimoto of Japan, and representatives of the press, professions, services, and society were present. In the evening Lord Derby, Mr Austen Chamberlain, the Hon. Harry Lawson, Mr Moberley Bell, Mr Spender (editor Westminster Gazette), Mr Donald (editor Daily Chronicle), Mr Kennedy Jones (director Associated Newspapers) entertained the party of delegates at dinner. They afterwards attended Lady Salisbury’s reception at’Arlington Street, ’where they met a brilliant gathering of politicians and aristocrats. THE PRESS AND THE NAVY. Received June 9, 8,30 a,m. London, June 8. The Conference discussed the question of the Press and the Navy. Mr McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, presiding, urged placing the Navy above party and making it an Imperial question in the sense that partnership in the Navy is common to all. Sir Edward Grey discussed the functions of press criticism and held that !it should not be partisan. Newspapers in wartime should show patiyotism by silence upon many things they knew. Lord Cromer urged stricter control of the vernacular press. Mr Ward, editor of Sydney Daily Telegraph, made a notable£speeoh. Other speakers were Mr Alfred Lyttelton, Messrs Groynne, Maitland, Park, Amerfy and Banergie.