B RADIO STATIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 28

B RADIO STATIONS

REPLY TO THE MINISTER

(By" Telegraph.) - ■ (Special to "the "Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN; This Day.

The secretary of the Otago Listeners' League, replying to the Acting Minister of Broadcasting, says:— .. .

i "The plain fact is that listeners were promised a certain policy when they voted for the present Government, but it has changed its policy and no reasonable justification, has - yet be'en shown for that change. I know by the support from the.,thousands of listeners and public bodies that it is not the wish of the . listening public.. that B stations should cease to exist, j ,; Whydoes ' the Minister say npthing could be-. fairer than that stations . should submit to arbitration now when, before the elections,. ' the stations were promised a subsidy or advertising? What is desired is that the Government will recognise that'they are the people's elected: representatives and that, as | such, they-will realise that it is their duty, to carry out."the wishes of " the people. Peopie.in thousands all over the country have said that they do not wish the B. stations- to be taken off! the air.. .'lf the.; Government?-will carry out the : request of the public meeting and, allow listeners .to r.vdte on - the s.ub,ject I. am.--.willing;: to-abide by their decision."... The' whole.-.issue seems- to He in the fact that prior to the listeners were told that B stations were to remain, and that they would be adequately assisted. Why this change of policy and altered attitude towards their own advocacy of doctrine of free speech?. I trust that when this matter is under discussion at. the caucus on June 17 members will view the position from' the point, of. view and interest of listeners. '. In so doing they will partly restore some, of the confidence tyhich has been lost to the party over, this matter." . ■■.-■■■