GOVERNMENT BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1928, Page 2

GOVERNMENT BILL

PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC WELLINGTON, October 2. An amendment of the, Copyright Act, enabling a fund to be set up tc meet claims in respect of copyright on broadcast items was introduced in tilt House of. Representativs to-night. It was explained by*the Minister of Justice: that . therewas an association •Which claimed ,td own 90 percent of the copyrights used in Australia ano New Zealand, and the Bill; wond en able a fund to be set up and fair pay meat to be made for copyright items It would protect the public against the imposition of such exorbitant claims as would prevent the broadcast ing of items. ; Unless the legislatin' were passed the. Performing; r ßight Association might obtain, an iiijunctioj to 'stop broadcasting. , Mr, H. E. Holland: How does tin' association get copyriglJts. The Minister replied that be assumed it Was by assignment. It bad noyet proved it in any New Zealand court., but the Bill would meet tinpossibility of stopping broadcasting by an'excessive claim. DEDUCTION'S FROM LICENSES. Tile Bill provides that until August 31st/ 1929, no question of copyright re garding broadcasting items can be ef f(actively raised. Meanwhile, .a fund.n; to be established to‘which will be alio cated not more than ‘7 h per cent of the proceeds from wireless licences .by agreement with any • body which the Postmaster-General is satisfied represents a substantial majority of the owners of .copyright musical works and the total amount ,to be paid ii; settlement of claims shall no,t exceed this percentage. Copyright : owners mrist within one’ month of the end of the period previously • mentioned 1 make their claims to the Postmaster-General who may appoint; persons under the powers of the Commissions of Inquiry Act to investigate the claims and make an award. Any surplus remaining after meeting the award is to he paid to the holders of broadcasting licenses.