EMPIRE PRESS UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 46, 24 February 1939, Page 11

EMPIRE PRESS UNION

SPEECH BY CHAIRMAN DIFFICULT TIME IN NEWSPAPER HISTORY. (Per Press Association.) HANMER, Feb. 23. Addressing the annual meeting of the New Zealand section of the Empire Press Union the chairman, Sir Henry Horton, said that the press of the Dominion was experiencing more difficulties to-day than at any other time in its history. Increasing wages and 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 that had called forth from overseas visitors so much commendation. In spite of these facts torrents of abuse were hurled at the Press. It really was most unfair but possibly the hardship was going to be a good schooling. It was to be hoped so.

Since the last meeting the 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 the news columns impartially to candidates on either side. *1 am sure they succeeded, but unfortunately they did not please, as we met with nothing but abuse at election time,” said Sir Henry. “Feelings were heated and I hope that now the situation has calmed down the Government will recognise that they are well treated. Certainly all the 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 that New Zealand shortly would be celebrating the centenary, and in this the press expected to play an important part in educating the people of Now 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 of the union through the death of Mr. E. Abbey Jones, of Invercargill, and a motion of sympathy with the relatives was passed. Sir Henry expressed pleasure at the presence at the meeting of Mr. P. Selig, one of the founders ot the New Zealand section of the union. (Applause).

The following officers were elected: Chairman, Sir Henry Horton; committee, Sir Cecil Leys and Messrs. C. W. Earle, C.M.G.; P. Selig, C. Stanley Smith, R. J. Gilmour, R. P. Furness, W. Blundell, T. M. Goddies, W. Easton, and L. C. Young; hon. secretary, Mr. R. D. Horton. Sir Henry Horton was appointed delegate to the annual conference of the Empire Press Union in London.