OPEN DEBATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 March 1942, Page 4

OPEN DEBATES

ON WAR SITUATION URGED BY MR SPEAKER BARNARD. BRITAIN CITED AS EXAMPLE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NAPIER. March 3. Criticism of present publicity methods in use in New Zealand was expressed today by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Barnard, in an interview. “There is something lacking in our publicity methods,” he said. Authority does not take the people sufficiently into its confidence and so disturbing rumours spring up and fly through the community to the detriment of public morale and of a united and determined war effort. After suggesting that broadcasts by Messrs J. G. Coates and J. Lee M’s.P., Mr Barnard continued:— “It is necessary that Parliament sit in secret session from time to time so that members may be given as much information as possible and have an opportunity of discussing details of war problems, but one finds the public doubtful and troubled because, after a secret sitting, no indication other than a few bare lines is given as to the issues which for many hours have occupied the House. ‘•ln Britain matters are conducted differently. In open session of the House of Commons Mr Churchill periodically covers the whole field of the war and it is fully reported in the Press and frequently sharp criticism from members touching both the conduct of the war and the Government’s part is also published in English papers. Some accounts of that criticism even come to us in New Zealand over the air and by cable and appear in the local Press. “Is there’any reason why such a course cannot be followed here? It would greatly help to build up and maintain public confidence and stimulate the country’s war effort. The Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and every member of Parliament will agree that such discussions 1 cannot be broadcast becausq of advantage to the enemy, but the people would know through the papers the views of Parliament and the necessary link between Parliament and people would be preserved. “If a full and united drive for war purposes is to be obtained, the confidence of all people must be enlisted. We need superior broadcasting technique—the use over the air of able public men with war experience upon whom no call is now made—and open sessions of Parliament on the lines of the House of Commons so that our citizens may be aroused to their best effort and complete confidence in those in charge may be inspired and maintained during days that are dark,” concluded Mr Barnard.