DECLARE STOCKS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 166, 16 July 1942, Page 6

DECLARE STOCKS

RADIO COMPONENTS

GOVERNMENT ISSUES ORDER

Radio dealers throughout New Zealand have been called upon to supply within a week a return of parts used in servicing radio receiving sets. The demand, which is issued by the Factory Controller, Mr. G. A. Pascoe, of the Ministry of Supply, states that in view of defence requirements both in the Dominion and overseas it is imperative that the whole of the radio manufacturing industry commence war work at the earliest possible moment, and that its ability to do so depends, in the initial stage, on an accurate knowledge of the supplies of certain components within the country.

All the parts to be listed in the return to the Government are immediately frozen, and must not be sold or otherwise disposed of by radio dealers until instructions are received from the recently-appointed controller of radio production. If after the returns are analysed the Government finds it necessary to purchase part or the whole of a dealer's stock, he is assured that everything possible will be done to make adequate replacements to enable servicing facilities to the public to be maintained. The components for which returns are required are mainly valves, h:gh test condensers, resisters and certain types of wire. The opinion was expressed this morning that Auckland would be liable to feel the effects of any shortage of essential parts more severely than other centres in the Dominion, because the humid Auckland climate increased the rate of deterioration of radio sets and added to the demands for servicing. "There has been a much heavier demand for maintenance lately," said the head of a radio department in the city. "This has created a substantial demand for parts and also for radio technicians. A continuation of the trend must be expected in consequence of the prohibition of the manufacture of new radios." Another view was that as the Government would require the most modern types of valves difficulty might be encountered in keeping radio sets of recent types in operation. It was hoped, however, that the restriction would be only temporary, and that valves impressed for war requirements would be replaced within a limited time. As valves had a high priority rating, early replacement should be possible. Although there were substitutes for some radio essentials, there were no substitutes for valves. Mr. R. Slade, of Wellington, has been appointed controller of radio production.