ACTION LIKELY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1940, Page 6

ACTION LIKELY

OVER RADIO BROADCAST MR SCRIMGEOUR REFERS TO MR LEE. REPORTED INSTRUCTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. April 5. Action is likely to follow the broadcast on Sunday night by Mr C. G. Scrimgeour, Director of the Commercial Broadcasting Service. His introduction of the name of Mr ,1. A. Lee in his peroration to the address on Mr Savage which lie gave over the national network, and his references to the passing of two leaders of the Labour Party, has caused a sensation in political circles exceeding that which was raised when he criticised the campaign conduct of the National Party in general and of Mr Justin Power, the National Party's organiser for the Wellington district, in particular. On that occasion Mr Scrimgeour’s broadcast was debated in the House of Representatives and Mr Savage made a strong defence of the controller, whom he described as one of his best friends. At that time the Government iejected n motion of censure by the Opposition. Tlie latest broadcast appears to have caused more concern in Government ranks. Mr Scrimgeour’s panegyric, on Mr Savage, ending with references to Mi* LjCe, was made when most of the members of the Cabinet and the Government party were en route to Wellington after attending the Prime Minister's funeral: but the substance of Mr Scrimgeour’s address was appar-i enlly conveyed to them at various stages en route. Although Ministers are reticent, it is understood that Mr Scrimgeour has been asked to submit to the Cabinet either the script or a recording ol‘ his address. A well-authenticated report was that Mr Scrimgeour was informed that, if he was making any valedictory address on. Mr Savage and his career, he should refrain from making any controversial remark. It is stated that close investigation will be made, and in political circles the conjecture is widely made that: he may be ordered to refrain in future j from speaking over the air.