MATTER OF TIME BEFORE PRESS USES RADIO EXTENSIVELY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6541, 24 February 1928, Page 9

MATTER OF TIME BEFORE PRESS USES RADIO EXTENSIVELY

Not Alternative, But Ancillary to Cables SIR GEORGE FENWICK’S PREDICTION (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. . In his address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union to-day, Sir George Fenwick, chairman, alluded to the growing importance of wireless and the watchfulness maintained by the Union over its development. Wireless equipment in the offices of New Zealand newspapers had not yet become general, but it was only a matter of time before it would. It was not suggested that the new form of transmission would immediately become a practical alternative to cables on account of its uncertainty, but meanwhile a start had been-made by the Imperial Government with regular official messages despatched from Rugby. That form was an appreciable addition to the fine cable service enjoyed by New Zealand. The interests of the Press and public were intimately concerned with the future control of wireless and cable services, and a conference was now going on in London on the subject. There were advocates of amalgamation, but it was questionable, whether competition would not bo more likelj to secure a reduction in the cost to the public and Press than a gigantic monopoly. This matter was, sure to be sharply looked after by the Council of the Union.

Conference At Geneva. At the instance of the League of Nations a general' conference of Press representatives was held at Geneva last August, at which 118 delegates from 38 countries were present. Lord Burnham, as President, characterised it as the most influential Press Congress ever brought together. The main discussions centred round the means of ensuring more rapid arid less costly transmission of Press news and the solution of technical problems. After alluding to the. sale of the London “ Daily Telegraph ” and the possible retirement of Lord Burnham from the position of President of the TTnior, Sir George saNj that ho himself had been President of the New Zealand branch for oyer 18 years and had wished to retire,, but had been persuaded to retain the position for another year on the condition that he was then allowed to retire. / Election of Officers. On the motion of Messrs. P. Solig and H. Horton Sir George Fenwick was re-elected chairman. The committee of last year, Messrs. H. Horton. W. 0. Leys, Louis Blundell, P. Selig W. C. Weston, C. W. Barlo, J. Coombs A. McNicol, B. J. Gilmour and C. 8. Smith was re-elected. Mr. W. Easton was rc-elccted auditor and Mr. W. Dow secretary-