“AN ABOMINABLE NUISANCE"

Evening Star, Issue 21748, 16 June 1934, Page 4

“AN ABOMINABLE NUISANCE"

Strong comment on the action of persons who cause “interference” from radio sets was made by .Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court at Auckland, when a defendant pleaded guilty to charges of causing interference from a radio set and of having an unlicensed radio. A radio inspector said that complaints had been received from persons who had been unable to receive broadcast programmes owing to someone in the neighbourhood using an oscillating wireless set. The defendant had actually interfered with broadcasts from Station IYA, which was unusual. Asked by the magistrate what he had to say about the matter, the defendant said that he was interested in wireless. “ Yes, and you will destroy everyone else’s interest, too,” the magistrate retorted. “ You had better get interesed in something else that you know something about. You don’t know anything, about this. It iscau abominable nuisance.” In imposing a fine of £2 and costs on the first charge Mr Hunt intimated that he would make the fine heavier if any similar offence came under his notice. On the second charge defendant was fined 10s and costs. ■ One of the four other persons who were fined for having an unlicensed radio was described by the radio inspector as a “ wireless joyrider,” it being stated that he frequently got sets on approval and kept them in his house for long periods without taking out a license.