PRESS PROBLEMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1939, Page 5

PRESS PROBLEMS

POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND. SIR H. HORTON’S SURVEY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) HANMER SPRINGS, February 23. Addressing the annual meeting of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union, the chairman, Sir Henry Horton, said the Press of the Dominion was experiencing more difficulties today than at any other time in its history. Increasing wages, higher costs of all kinds, shorter hours and greatly increased prices for newsprint had added to the burdens, but in spite of these obstacles every effort had been made to maintain the high standard (hat had called forth from overseas visitors so much commendation. In spite of these facts, torrents of abuse were hurled at the Press. It was really most unfair, but possibly the hardship was going to be good schooling . It was to be hoped so. Since the last meeting a general election had taken place and the Press, while in most instances not approving of the policy the Government was placing before the country, had endeavoured to open its news columns impartially to the candidates on either side.

“I am sure they succeeded,” he said, “but unfortunately they did not please, as we met with nothing but abuse. At election lime feelings are heated, and I hope that now the situation has calmed down the Government will recognise they are well treated. Certainly all Ministerial statements were published at great length, in many instances much against the judgments of sub-editors as to their news value.” Sir Henry said New Zealand woulc shortly be celebrating its centenary and in this the Press expected to play an important part in educating the people of New Zealand about their interesting history. It was fervently to be hoped that the situation in Europe would allow many overseas visitors to come to New Zealand to assist in the celebrations. He was sure the Press would give the Government and local bodies all the help in its power to make the celebrations worthy of the great occasion.

Sir Henry referred to the loss sustained by the New Zealand section ol the union through the death of MiAbbey Jones, Invercargill, and a motion of sympathy with his relatives was passed. Sir Henry expressed pleasure at the presence at the meeting of Mr P. Selig, one of the founders of the New Zealand section of the union. (Applause). The following officers were elected: Chairman. Sir Henry Horton; committee, Sir Cecli Leys, Messrs C. W. Earle, C.M.G., P. Selig, C. Stanley Smith, R. J. Gilmour, R. P. Furness, W. Blundell. T. M. Geddies, W. Easton and L. C. Young; hon. secretary, Mr R. D. Horton. Sir Henry Horton was appointed a delegate to the annual conference of the Empire Press Union in London.