NEWS BY WIRELESS

Evening Star, Issue 19797, 22 February 1928, Page 1

NEWS BY WIRELESS

GROWING IMPORTANCE TO PRESS AND PUBLIC ADDRESS BY SIR GEORGE FENWICK [Peb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 22. In his address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union to-day Sir George Fenwick (chairman) alluded to the growing importance of wireless and the watchfulness maintained by the union over its development. Wireless equipment in the offices of New Zealand newspapers had not yet become general, but it was only a matter of time before it would. It was not suggested that the new form of transmission would immediately become a practical alternative to the cables, on account ol its uncertainty, but meanwhile a start had been made by the Imperial Government with regular official messages despatched from Rugby. That formed an appreciable addition to the line cable service enjoyed by New Zealand. The interests of Press and public were intimately concerned with the future of the control of wireless and cable services. and a conference was now going on in London on the subject. There were advocates of amalgamation, but it was questionable whether competition would not be more likely (o secure a reduction in the cost to the public and the Press than a gigantic monopoly. This matter was sure to be sharply looked after by the council of the union. At the instance of the Izcaguo of Nations a general conference of Press representatives was held at Geneva last August, at which JIS delegates from thirty-eight conntrics_ wore present Lord Burnham, as president, characterised it as the most inlluentiaJ Press congress ever brought together. Tho main disc issions centred round the means of ensuring more rapid and less costly transmission of Press nows and the solution of technical problems. After alluding to Dio sale of the London ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ and tho possible retirement of Lord Burnham Ironi tlio position of president ol the union, Sir George said he- hintsojl had boon president of the New Zealand branch for over eighteen years, and had wished to retire, but had been persuaded to retain tho position for another year, on condition that lie was then allowed to retire.