EMPIRE LINKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE LINKS.

BRITAIN LAGGING BEHIND,

URGENCY OF WIRELESS SCHEME,

THE POWER OF THE PRESS. By Telearapb.—Press Assn.- —Copyright. 1 Received July IS, 11.50 p.m. London, July 14. A committee of the Imperial Conference to-day discussed a wireless proposal submitted by Sir Henry Norman. This provides for an Empire-wide scheme, enabling the Dominions and Britain to communicate with each other, but not directly. This plan provides for a two thousand mile radius, meaning that relays will be necessary. Mr. W. M. Hughes bitterly opposed this, demanding a direct exchange if the scheme was to be attempted at all. A long debate followed.

The deputation from the Empire Press Union resumed its interview. Mr. Robert Donald, addressing the delegates on behalf of the British Press, elaborated the views given by Lord Bumham and Lord Riddell. Mr. Donald said he had made a special study of the collection and distribution of foreign Press news and he impressed the delegates with his clear insight into the technicalities and details of the work. He emphasised the urgency of improved means of news exchange and transmission, stressed the disabilities under which the Empire Press was laboring. For the British papers they were bad enough, hut for the Dominions they were infinitely worse. It was a wonder that the overseas newspapers supplied such extensive and widespread information in view of the prohibitive costs. He asked how long would the communications of the Empire lag .behind those of other countries, which were now offering special encouragement to news services, recognising the advantages of publicity propaganda. He pointed out that much of the world’s information was now tinged with American and French views.

Mr. Donald said that quite apart from other considerations a wireless service was essential iU*we were to have up-to-date information for the public, presenting a picture of the world’s affairs and Empire matters in its proper colors. This applied to the social as well as to the industrial and general life of the people. It was so manifestly important to the whole Empire that even were the scheme not commercially profitable, yet it was absolutely necessary without delay.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DELEGATES NOT AGREEING. NO PROGRESS MADE. Received July 16, 12.10 am. London, July 14. The Premiers’ communications committee resumed its discussion, scientific and departmental experts, civil, military and postal officials assisting. Dr. W. H. . Eccles and Sir Norman’s scheme was reviewed and examined in detail, and holes and deficiencies were exposed. It was decided to refer the whole matter back to the conference as a whole.

Mr. Hughes is understood to be dissatisfied with the progress and prospects. The impression appears to be that a driving power is lacking. One delegate went so far as to ask if any strong outside organisation was baulking the wishes of delegates. The secret was kept fairly, but it is certain the committee separated with a great diversity of opinion.