10 JULY 1926, Page 2

A grotesque incident occurred in connexion with the reporting of

the Conference. In spite of the sound advice of Mr. J. H. Thomas the Conference decided that only newspapers which were "trade union houses" should be allowed to report the proceedings. The reporters present, though they were themselves representing "trade union houses" made a practical comment on this resolution by walking out of the hall. Trade unionists if they try to follow this line will discover that suppression of the Press will neither be received by the public with favour nor regarded as becoming in those who continually pay verbal homage to freedom of speech. Better counsels prevailed the next day when the reporters were "entreated to a peace" and invited to return on their own terms.

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