THE PAPER SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1917, Page 4

THE PAPER SHORTAGE.

A' GRAVE POSITION* By Telegraph.—Preas Association. Wellington, last Night* The executive of the Newspaper Pro* prietors' Association of New Zealand and the provincial section of that body bav« heen meeting this week In Wellington, in reference to the communication from the Minister of Supplies re cutting, down the size of papers and anmlg»matl(UY with a view to economy in the use of paper. The difficulty of securing papei was also discussed, and after considering the situation it was unanimously resolved to point out to the Minister that the publication of newspapers should be classed as "essential," instead of "partially essential," as classified, foy the Efficiency 'Board, in the (present crisis,

It was also unanimously resolved: "That the executive of the Association are deeply impressed with the gravity of the position in which newsipopers are placed through their inability to secure tonnage for conveyance to the Dominion of their paper supplies, and therefore urge on all members the necessity of strictly conserving the present very limited stocks of paper by .restricting the number of pages they publish. To secure this end they suggest, for the consideration of the proprietors, the necessity of refusing orders f<r advertisements which would occupy large spaces, and the reduction of such spaces already under contract. The executive is convinced of the necessity of prompt action in this direction, otherwise members may find themselves unable - ita publish their papers at all." - A deputation, numbering about thirty proprietors from all parts Of the Dominion, waited upon Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. A. Myers ('Minister of Supplies) in reference to the matter, and suggested that certain steps should be taken by the Government to relieve the situation. The interview was a very lengthy one, and both Ministers were impressed with the representations. They wore entirely sympathetic and undertook to take immediate action, also to represent the position to Cabinet.