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Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1927, Page 2

Tiik new radio .station at Wellington has now been, open long enough to allord a general test of its capabilities, i’ll? station is said to he the most powerful .south of the line, hut .strange to say hereabouts does not ‘‘eome in” as .strong as the principal .stations in New South Wales* All the same it, is a tremendous advance on the former stations, hut of course has cost a great deal more. The Government has done well in anticipating the advantage .and uses in New Zealand, and in view of the outstanding .success of the leading Australian stations, was wise to aim at securing a good service. The new station is being heard very far afield, and in that respect is a nightly advertisement- to the Dominion abroad. The Government i.s to he congratulated on what has been achieved, and it would appear the controlling Company is endeavouring now to make the most of the opportunity by broadcasting improved programmes. In Australia, the States generally concentrator on one central station, hut New Zealand has four stations within the Dominion. Had the Government commenced with the high powered station at "Wellington, the need for the stations in the other I three centres would not have arisen and ;i- great saving could have been effected which would have enabled more liberal attention to lie given to the programmes and broadcasting of one super-station. However, the auditors will still look for a high standard in broadcasting, and the management will have to study quality in particular. for on the air they are competing with the excellent talent which is being procured in Australia and beyond. Besides, the quality of the programmes will also he a factor in the value of the advertisement the wireless will lie to New Zealand. IT good matter is sent over th air, auditors at- .a wide range will tune in to New Zealand and enjoy the fare provided. On the other hand, if'the programmes are not- up to the competing standard New Zealand

will not Imj in favor and only casual attention will l>c given tlio high-pow-ered station of which so much valuable use should he made. Radio is largely in its infancy in this country, and no douht 'New Zealand has much to learn, hut those in authority should see that the quality and general standard of tho broadcast should not lag behind that of the sister States of Australia at least.