STATION 3ZR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 15

STATION 3ZR

TO THIS EDITOR OF TUI PRESS. Sir,—l notice a letter in ypur edition of September 7, signed “Uncle Nemo” and a reply to it by the station director. The director mentions in his reply that the moneys received from donations, cheerios, birthday greetings, sporting bodies, etc., have been spent on installing radios in the public hospitals at Greyinouth and Hokitika at cost price from the. director’s private business. I understand that funds to install the radios have been received from the public during the last two months only, when the fund and scheme were inaugurated. As the Government purchased the station some considerable time ago, I think the director should explain to the public to what fund the moneys were paid previous to the time the special radio appeal was made. The public and radio licensees have never been informed of the manner in which the station has been controlled since the period when the Government purchased the station from the local owners. I think it advisable on the director’s, part to give a full explanation to the public about the new mode of control and management. If the director is not allowed to present details to the public either by newspaper correspondence or over the air, then the broadcasting authorities might be approached on the matter. I might mention that in my opinion as a listener, the general service given by the station has deteriorated since the Government purchased the station. , Subscribers have naturally looked for the much-needed improvement from the time the broadcasting, service assumed control and so far have been disappointed. This may not be the fault of the director, however. This gentleman may have very limited powers. Perhaps we may receive an improvement after

the elections if another party assumed control of the broadcasting service. I might mention that I have not any fault to find with the “Uncle Mick and Sambo” sessions.—Yours, etc.,, A LICENSEE. Greymouth, September 7, 1938., [When this letter was shown to the station director, of 3ZR (Mr M. E. Spiers) he said: “I have no reply to make to the writer of an anonymous letter. If the writer cares to sign his correct name and address, I shall reply.”] •