WIRELESS MONOPOLY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1924, Page 1

WIRELESS MONOPOLY

CROWN DEFYING COMPANY

* WELLINGTON, October tfi. The Postmaster-General, the Hon .T. G. Coates, has thrown down the gauntlet to the .Marconi Company which has recently threatened aclicn against New Zealand wireless broadcasting stations for infringement of patents. An amendment to the Post and Telegraph Act, dealing with broadeasi ing, was introduced in the House of Representatives hy Govern,ir-Gen-aral’s message, and Mr Coates explained that the effect was that all hroadcastng stations in the Dominion became agents of the Crown, thus Ihe Crown would step in immediately Hie Bill was passed and tell tin' broadcasting stations to proceed v.itli their broadcasting. A mum her: Is that a monopoly? .Mr Coates: Yes.

.or Wilford: AYould it not he a good idea lo get one of the small linns or one ol the big ones to ib-ly the company thaL has sent the ultimatum ? Mr Cotaes: This will he the Crown d,dying the company. Mr Wilford : Would it not he well to defy them ? I alii sure those interested in wireless are not going to see the .Marconi Company put it over this country just as they like, and T suggest to the Government that someone should take action and defy them. Air Alassey: This is defying them. Mr Wilford: Do you think it will really meet them. .Mr Coates: It means that they have got to light the Crown. Air Wilford: Make them light someone and see where we are. Coates: They will have to light the Crown instead ol the broadcasting companies.