Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 309, 30 December 1914, Page 8

Australia.

THE CENSOR BUSINESS AND THE NEWSPAPERS. United Press Association. Melbourne, December 29. The Argus newspaper, in a leader commenting on a statement issued by Colonel Legge regarding the censorships says that if Colonel Legge or Mr Pearce lias fault to find with any newspaper, he should have the pluck to give the names. Referring to the Navy Office, the Argus declares it has shown a capacity for blundering and obstructiveness which only knowledge of the facts could make credible. The gentlemen in authority there seemed afraid of their own shadows. They gave the most timid and childish interpretation to the regulations and instructions, and events freely discussed in Australia were not allowed to be published. Mercantile clerks and others in similar occupations were called upon to deal with newspaper work which they did not in the least understand. Could it be believed that the Press was actually ordered not to publish the news of the bombardment of Scarborough, notwithstanding that it was authorised by the official Press Bureau and passed by the British censor? What right had Mr Pearce to set np a moral censorship? Neither Mr Pearce nor Colonel Legge could pretend to know when news was incorrect, and neither could they know how to conduct a newspaper.

THE MINISTER IN REPLY.

(Received 10.20 a.m.) Svdnev. December 30

Senator Pearce, replying to tlie criticisms of the Argus on the censor, ship, said he did not desire to pose as a journalist. He had endeavored to show that the department was doing everything to prevent assistance being given to our enemies. He deprecated the publication of erroneous news emanating from German sources and likely to create a feeling of insecurity or alarm. The action of certain West Australian newspapers in' criticising the censors was an interference with the subject, and prosecutions would follow shortly. REINFORCEMENTS AND RECRUITS. (Received 10.$0 a.m.) Sydney, December 30. Mr Cook, commenting on the Government’s latest proposal to despatch reinforcements at the rate of 3000 per month, points out the inadequacy, and urges the hurrying forward of at least 100,000. On the other hand, the Commandant states there is no need for a special appeal for recruits, there being sufficient men of splendid type to meet all present requirements.