The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1932. THE RADIO SERVICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1932. THE RADIO SERVICE.

Now that radio in New Zealand J s a State monopoly managed by an administrative body for the benefit of the country and the listeners in, it is satisfactory to find that steps are to be taken for an all round better service for the Dominion. Tfhe YA station.? in their several centres are all good stations, and the service given is admirable on the whole, but it has been found, as lias come to the knowledge of the Advisory Board, that the broadcasts do not reach all parts of the Dominon satisfactorily. Natural conditions present difficulties, and local listeners for instance can pick up more Australian stations than New

Zealand stations. The difficulties of the Coast, it is pleasing to see are appreciated, and it is proposed to fix a relay station at Greymouth. The B stations already established at Greyinoutli are doing fair service and often till a gap. One of these selected and equipped with a more powerful rebroadcasting plant, could do improved service. There have been successful rebroadcasts of 3YA through Greymouth, and it has been a pleasing feature at times for 3YA is not received well here at certain times of the year. A re broadcasting station at Greymouth could also be made serviceable for other New Zealand stations. AVe recall for instance that Greymouth was able lo relrroadeast tlie Melbourne Cup race, which was picked up at Runanga by short wave and sent on to Greymouth to lie released finally on the air. This was done at a time when even the A station broadcasts from New Zealand, were not coming in too well on the Coast. All experimental test such as that referred to in the daylight at a time of the year when sunlight would he .strong, was a good example of what might he achieved under improved rebroadeastirig arrangements which it would he possible to achieve with a well equipped station at, Greymouth. In AusIralia private enlerprise and competition- have developed broadcasting to an extraordinary degree, and the rivalry going forward gives to listena great service. It is to be hoped the State monnnoly in New Zealand will not rob listeners in of a steadily improving service. In some respects those liste ers with good machines have the choice of picking up Australian stal ions, and can be well served, hut all cannot afford the long distance machine, and the listener who pays his fee the same as the “big” man, should be enable to enjoy the

same .service. This could be donje under a well organised rebroadcasting service for all parts of the Dominion. As it is, those resident near the centres get the full benefit of the YA service with, very few drawbacks. Those more remote have to pay the same for a very indifferent service. The improvement now spoken of should increase the listeners and add greatly to the revenue, .so that the proposals should he advanced with all rapidity now that the winter season is- approaching.