Power of the Press

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 989, 4 June 1930, Page 11

Power of the Press

EMPIRE-BUILDING INFLUENCE London Conference Opens COMMON PROBLEMS NEEDING SOLUTION THE power of the Press as a factor in meeting the growing •1 problems of the British Empire was emphasised by distinguished speakers at the opening of the Imperial Press Conference in London on Monday. The British Prime Minister made a plea for close cooperation between statesmen and journalists in forging the links in the Empire chais.

United P. A. By Telegraph Copyright Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday, Addressing delegates of the Imperial Press Conference at the opening session as “my friends,” Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister, pleaded in a most eloquent and brief speech lasting only a quarter of an hour, for cooperation between statesmen and journalists in solving the problem of how to combine national freedom with social development. They had to merge the Imperial spirit of rule into the Commonwealth spirit of counsel. They had to do these things in a Commonwealth of Nations, and yet extend the hand of fellowship and co-operation to the rest of the world. Lord Riddell described Mr. MacDonald as the dean of our Gothic cathedral and said he would have made an excellent Archbishop of Canterbury. The motto of the conference was "Let us all stick together.” Whether they did it by weaving words or by some kind of cement was immaterial. "GOOD STUFF” "If Mr. MacDonald had taken his speech to Fleet Street, I would have Veen most glad to syndicate it,” he went on. "It was good stuff.” Lord Riddell concluded by saying that in listening to Major J. J. Astor at the Guildhall he seemed to hear the ghost of‘Lord Rosebery speaking. Mr. MacDonald, In replying, said that 40 years'ago Professor Alexander, 0.M., gave him an introduction to the late Mr. Courtney, who asked him to write a leader on the spread of influenza in Central Europe. The reception of that leader drove him into politics. "The ‘Daily Telegraph’ has not lost much,” said Mr. MacDonald. "I lost the ‘Daily Telegraph.’ I am obliged to Lord Riddell for suggesting I might make the return journey. I will remember that when the time comes.” Mr. Theodore Fink (Australia) said the development of nationality among the Dominions raised many new problems. The Empire was an evergrowing organism and statesmen must meet changing needs. EMPIRE ROPE NEEDED Mr. Esmond Harmsworth, a slim dark youth, who admitted he was not old enough to attend the last conference, said the lead for an Imperial Conference should come from overseas. The Press should prepare the way for the Imperial Conference, as many people believed a stronger rope than sentiment would be needed to keep the Empire together. He predicted the time was not far distant when a newspaper might wireless the whole of its contents from England to Australia. Mr. T. W. Mackenzie (South Africa) described African patriotism as deep and sincere, though perhaps not so loud-toned as elsewhere. If the Empire were to be held together by .

ropes they must be most careful to choose the strongest silken rope of trust, friendship and respectMr. Brundson Fletcher said the only thing one could not get ready-made was a thing with roots. The Empire grew from roots and was still a long way from maturity. If they could get the youth of Australia and of the Empire thinking and acting, all would be well. Captain Wedgwood Benn, Secretary for India, said India rightly asked for recognition of equal status for Indians. The problem was difficult, as force could not provide a remedy, though law must be enforced. Far from using a policy to divide and rule, the Government was trying to secure racial and religious harmony. If a principle of British domination or exploitation were adopted the days of British rule in India were numbered. DELEGATES AT DINNER The United Kingdom Press gave a dinner at Guildhall last evening to the delegates to the Imperial Press Conference. Major J. J. Astor, chairman of the council of the Empire Press Union, presided. The Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Waterlow, wore his robes of office. Turtle soup was served and the traditional waiters were replaced by waitresses from Lyons, the well-known firm of caterers. The chairman read a message from the King as follows: “It gives me much pleasure to think that such a representative Empire gathering is now assembled In my capital. The occasion is one of great importance, for I know how valuable these conferences are and how much they contribute toward the promotion of sympathy and understanding. I wish you every success in your efforts and look forward to meeting all the delegates in the near future.”

Major Astor said it was symbolical that the Lord Mayor should receive the visitors. Governments might rise and fall, politicians might come and go, but newspapers were often permanent and stable. They hoped to show the visitors not only the historic monuments, but also the living traditions of Britain. As the overseas Dominions had given generous help to Britain in her need, so they would give her help and sympathy in her struggle through the fog of domestic difficulties and In her struggle to discharge her Imperial responsibilities. Lleut.-Colonel J. H. Woods (Canada), In responding to the toast of the guests, said there might be differences in matters of trade and tariffs, but he knew all the delegates would return to their homes united, though only by building up the Empire’s trade and commerce as a single entity would they be able to face the rest of the world on an equal basis.