RADIO CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1931, Page 3

RADIO CONTROL

NEW SYSTEM DEFINED. RIGHTS OF LISTENERS. The details of the Government’s plan idr handing over ..control of raido broadcasting to, a hoard are contained in tho Broadcasting Bill, introduced -n tho House. The board of four members, all’of whom are to lie appointed by the Government, wi.l be known as the New Zealand Broadcasing Board, and will become a corporate body. The first chairman will bo appoint.d for five years, subsequent appointments to be made for three years. Of tbe other members one will be hold office for a period not exceeding four years, one for three years, and the remaining member for two years, all members there after appointed to hold office for three years. Members may become eligible for reappointment.

Contracts made by the board must bo made either under.the board’s seal or over the signature of* two members, butt verbal contracts may be made under; “usual ■ “fcondiltions involving amounts up to £2O, Members may be removed from office by tlie GovernorGeneral in Council for disability, ineolveil'cy, neglect of duty, or misconduct, or for having benefited financially as members of other companies from contracts made by the board. Publication in the “Gazette” is to he sufficient notice of dismissal. Deputy members may he appointed in cases where required. SALARIES OF MEMBERS. The chairman will receive £SOO a year, and .the other three members will each receive £250 a year. Ah will receive travelling allowances, all payments to be made from the revenue of tlie board. The board is empoive red to meet when it considers meeting necessary, though when meetings cannot he arranged, telegraphed or written word of all members will suffice. The board will appoint the staff necessary to conduct the national broadcasting service, and also may appoint advisory committees, including district committees to facilitate the conduct of the service. Officers and servants of the board will not in any way become Public Servants.... BOARD’S FUNCTIONS. The functions of the board, which is to take office on January 1 next, are described as being to carry on and improve the broadcasting service within New Zealand, to obtain licenses under the Post and Telegraph Act, 1928, for the operation of broadcast stations, to enter into agreements with tlie Post-master-General for payment of portion of the wireless telegraphic fees to the board.

The board is also empowered to carry out any subsidiary business which in the opinion of the Postmaster-General is ancillary to' the conduct of the broadcast service. Existing stations and plant will' be taken over at a price ,to be fixed by the PostmasterGeneral. Tlie board will not be permitted to deal in wireless apparatus, and it will be bound not to enter agreements with any but the New Zealand Government. i

Although tlie board is not allowed to borrow without the consent of the Postmaster-General, it may secure advances from the Government to enable it to overcome preliminary's expenses until its revenue -is established. An report is to be presented to Parliament, and the Postmaster-Gen-eral is given authority to approve the manner in which the hoard’s surplus funds are invested,