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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 27, No. 2. 1964.

Lord Thomson—a Gorgeous Man?

page 12

Lord Thomson—a Gorgeous Man?

Salient reporters recently conducted a survey of opinion on the Dominion takeover bids.

"'The issue is a political one and the Government's talk of an undesirable monopoly by the Thomson group is merely a smokescreen," Mr. Byers of the Commerce Department said.

"A central figure in the issue is Mr. D. J. Riddiford, Government member for Wellington Central and a director of the Wellington Publishing Company. He has a small majority and could lose his seat if he loses the "Dominion's" editorial support. As Thomson's will have the right to determine editorial policy if their bid succeeds, there is every possibility that they would discontinue the Dominion's support of the National Party. This prospect perturbs the Government, as there are several marginal seats in the "Dominion's" circulation area,"

Mr Oed, also of the Commerce Department, thought that the Government was wrong to interfere in a takeover bid that was really none of its concern. "If necessary," he continued, "the Government could help private enterprise float a competitive paper if Thomson's paper proves a real threat to the New Zealand newspaper industry. In adopting such an approach the Government would be fostering competition, while refraining from bringing down restrictive legislation. As other large overseas concerns, such as Lever Bros, and Nabisco, have been allowed to take over companies vital to our daily lives, there is no ground on which to shut Thomson out."

Student opinions differed widely on the question of how are at the effect of the take over would bo. Tony Lenart said: I don't think that the standard of our papers in general is much lower than that overseas. For a country of our size we already have a surprisingly international outlook."

Others did not agree with him and the general opinion was that there would be a great boost to the standard of reporting and much better chances for New Zealand reporters and journalists. Geraldine Dowrick a third-year student, thought that our choice was between a small-minded local paper and overseas dominance. She said: "Mr Thomson is not buying the paper as a philanthropic gesture and will most likely buy other papers also."

Many were outspoken on the question of Government policy.

"What form the legislation could take is a matter for the experts but it would have to be retrospective in action and this is always a bad thing." Warren Bourne thought Mr Holyoake would be foolish to bring in legislation, as there would be a public outcry, and overseas countries would think the New Zealand Government ridiculous.

It is obvious that the Kood of the party is beins put before any consideration of the benefit that, the public might again." This comment type's the attitude of the; student. Many asked: "Why can Mr Holyoake use the Government; machinery to protect himself and his party from the mere possibility that the Dominion may become slinhtly less pro-National in outlook?"

David Shand, Labour Club President, held the opinion that "as a general principle, it is not desirable for New Zealand industries to: be owned by overseas shareholders." He felt that we should have the greatest say as business has a big voice in internal affairs. He was sure that Mr Holyoake had purely the interests of the National Party at heart—he could not agree with legislation aimed primarily at newspapers.

One of the caf frequenters said that she much preferred Thomson's bid because "he is such a gorgeous man." Another girl at the same table commented: "I'm rather partial to him myself." When asked why, she said "he's got all that lovely money."

Questioned by our reporter, one girl asked: 'What is this Dominion takeover?" And in the face of the Salient reporter's incredulous expression she asked: "Well, what is it?"

Another student fell that it had nothing to do with the Government. "There are enough regulations, rules and controls in triplicate forms as it is." "I don't think overseas interests are likely to get controlling interest in the paper. I think it unlikely for the majority of shareholders to sell out."

One student would like to see a takeover attempt for another New Zealand newspaper and see if the same amount of fuss is made. She thought that adding the Dominion to a New Zealand newspaper group would not be to the Dominion's advantage, although she thought that this might be a parochial altitude.

Murray White, ex-editor of Salient, said: "No comment." Asked why, he said that he was not in the habit of miikin); off the cuff statements. (This statement is noted.—Ed).

A girl student was worried about it because she thought that New Zealand concerns should be owned in New Zealand and not operated by overseas companies. She also thought that legislation to prevent external takeovers was an excellent idea and that the P.M. was not feathering his own nest by i proposing it.

One comment was "as lonj; as the breweries remain in New Zealand I don't give a f——."

The two pictures below show progress made on the new Arts and Library Building. At lower left; the building as it was in October 1963. Lower right shows the stage reached by Enrolment Week 1964.

The target for completion remains about the end of this university session. It is hoped that the library will be able to transfer to the new building during the 1964/65 vacation.

The Student Health Service will not prescribe oral contraceptives for female students in the meantime, Dr. I. C. Fleming told Salient.

Salient apologises for giving the impression on page 9 that the Intermezzo Restaurant is licensed.