PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1931, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL. (By Telegraph —Her tress Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 4. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Imprest Supply Bill No. 3, was passed. ' -j"". THE HOUSE. BROADCASTING BILL. n ; 1 Iu the House of Representatives the Broadcasting Bill was introduced by Governor-GeneraPs message and read a first time. Hen. Donald explained the measure along the lines of his recent statement. fie said the Board that would . be set'Hfp to control broadcasting would not be - State Department.. Its members would be appointed by the Government. Mr Martin—Who will they be. Hon. Donald—l have already had two hundred 'applications, but no vsfl has been selected up to the The Postmaster-General said the remuneration of members of the Board would total £1350. It would carry out the work at present being done by the Broadcasting Company and lie hoped, to' better advantage. Mr Langstone—What .will it cost to buy the Company out. Hon. Donald—lt is anticipated it will cost about *£30,000. Mr J. A.- Nash—Will you have to buy out the present. stations. Hon. Donald—Yes, Mr Howard protested against th 3 method of appointment of the Baord. The broadcasting service belonged . to the listeners in, who paid the license: fees and the State/would not have to find a penny piece. He considered it, most unfair that listeners who would have to pay for buying out the Company and everything also, should have no say in the selection of the Board. If sixty thousand holders of licenses were in this position they would have less influence, on the Board than they had on the Company to-day. Other members joined with Mr Howard fill protesting against the method of appointment. Hon. Donald—lt is the intention of the Government to see listeners in have representation on the Board. Hon. Forbes said it would be impossible to devise the system of election of listeners. It would create an unsatisfactory position if people in the far north were asked to choose uetweert James Smith or Robinson from somewhere else, when it was quite likely they would know nothing about the: men nominated. The Government would be in a better position to judge what man would he suitable. Hon. Coates said a. very careful examination would have to be given the question whether it were wise for the State to accept further respon- . sibilities under the* present - economkr circumstances. Immediately upon the change in control there would be demands for improvements in the service and he was inclined to think the. Gov* eminent might find itself in the aamei position as the Broadcasting Company* namely that a capital expenditure would be necessary to effect improve-* ments. Hon. Donald assured the House there would, be no political appointments. The House rose at 10.30 p.m. till 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday; 1 f. .