RADIO IN SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1929, Page 3

RADIO IN SAMOA

R EfjRG A NIS ATI ON SI JG G ESTE D

WELLINGTON, February 20,

A proposal to abandon the present wireless station in Samoa- and to erect a low-power station nearer Apia is made in the report on the reorganisation of the Samoan public service. The report, framed by Messrs P. Vershalfelt, A. D. Park, and C. A. Berendsen, states: —

The operation of the station is in control of New Zealand trained officials. Recent reductions have been made by means of dispensing with the services of an engineer, salary £515 and free quarters.

The work, though related to the Post Office, is, as organised, entirely separate and distinct. The location ol the present high-power station at a considerable distance from Apia, and which is reached by indifferent means of access, necessarily affects the present high cost of maintenance. It is recommended that the proposal to abandon the present site and to erect a low-power station adjacent to the town lie given immediate attention, The work should then forin part of the postal organisation, lower maintenance cost would accrue, and the reduction in staff would lie material. The system of accounting requires immediate consideration. We were advised that there has been no audit or other check in the financial transactions of the station, the responsibility for which was avoided by the officials one would have expected to he primarily concerned in the matter. This audit should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

Pending amalgamation of tlie station with the Post Office, the collections for transmissions should lie made either through the Post Office or the Treasury, and not by the officer in charge of the station.