NEWSPAPER ETHICS.
TO Tnß EDITOR. Sib,-—I await with some interest the reflections of the newspapers on tho little parochial contest which has just been decided by the ratepayers. Tho people of New Plymouth have shown in no uncertain way what their sentiments are, and I presumo that in the interests of prudence- shall we say—or in pursuit of those high ideals which show such readiness to accommodate themselves to facts as they are, that a certain alteration of tone will be evident in at If ast one of our papers. During a long life, I have seen so many sudden changes in the policies of newspapers in this colony, that I feel a mild wonder as to what will eventuate at the present juncture. I have seen papers which supported the Government with all the strenuousness of the hireling partisan, modify their views on the advent to office of the Opposition, with all the skill of the practised casuist. L have seon papers whose wobble w,is always infallible, so much so that when they ceased to indiscriminately praise, one kaow a change of the hands holding the reins of power was very near. It lias always puzzled mc—a plain man—as to how, or why the change is justified. If the business is (instead of an educating influence reaching and teaching the people as no other can) merely a superhuman development of the capacity to discern what self interest dictates, one could at least foel the satisfaction that our mentors are no better than ourselves. Besides consider, My favorite journal has on a certain important matter formed my opinions. lam completely armed with a number of convincing arguments or propositions, set forth plausibly and sufficient to convince my moderate intelligence. And then, the mandate of the people, the change of policy, the general discrediting of the ideas implanted by themselves—the deluge. I write this, more particularly, because the marvellous improvement in the tone, matter, and style of the paper since the new manaegment makes me behevo that here I might find what my soul yearns for. Do you feel equal to an article on the ethics of modern journalism. It would he as interesting as any of (ho numerous subjects you have treated with such refreshing vigor lately. It could be made quite funny.—l am, etc., The Ocrori's.
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8095, 27 April 1906, Page 2
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387NEWSPAPER ETHICS. Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8095, 27 April 1906, Page 2
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