SILENCED VOICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 65, 8 June 1927, Page 1

SILENCED VOICE

Edict Against “Unde Jack” — Christchurch Instructions NO EXPLANATION YET rE voice of “Uncle Jack” (Mr. J. M. Prentice) was not heard through the ether last night. It was effectively silenced by the Radio Broadcasting Company following explicit instructions from Christchurch. Mr. S. J. Hayden, manager of station IYA, made the formal announcements.

VO statement was made by Mr. PrenA tlce when interviewed by THE SUN to-day in regard to last night’s action. “I prefer to remain silent until I have discussed the matter with my solicitors,” said "Uncle Jack.” It is apparent, however. that Mr. Prentice will not remain silent much longer. That he would make "a general statement as to the whole position” was indicated by the former announcer this morning. Neither would Mr. Prentice comment upon the Christchurch statement by Mr. A. R. Harris to the effect that he had made certain demands which were outside the terms of his contract. It will be interesting to see what course the company will pursue in regard to Mr. Prentice's salary, as his resignation will not become effective until July 31. This is but one of the points being keenly discussed by interested wireless enthusiasts. Commenting on last night's incident, Mr. Hayden said: “I do not want to make any statement at all. It is a matter that concerns Mr. Prentice.” Mr Prentice’s voice was last heard over the air yesterday afternoon when he officiated as usual, concluding the Plato section of his chats on philosophers

Many listeners-in deeply regret any contemplated change, and even at this late hour have expressed the hope that ‘ Uncle Jack’s” difference with the company will be surmounted.

It has been suggested that the principal reason for his resignation way that since his arrival in New Zealand Mr. Prentice has been merely the announcer for the company, and not the official organiser. There has also been some trouble over programmes. When Mr. Prentice was appointed it was publicly announced that he would organise the company's services. Despite the fact that Mr. Prentice has been in Auckland for six months there has been no material change for good in the programmes, and admittedly there has been much dissatisfaction among iisteners-in.

It has been stated that the payment of performers for the Auckland station runs into only just double figures weekly. Mr. Prentice is said to have strongly advocated better programmes, particularly from a musical point of view.

It is a highly significant fact that every announcer appointed to IYA has not stayed any length of time. The procession has included Messrs. White, Drayton Venables, Crago, Cox and J. M. Prentice.

PLEDGES TO PUBLIC

MANAGER SAYS THAT COMPANY REFUSED CERTAIN DEMANDS C Special to THE SUN .) CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. The unexpected resignation of Mr. J. M. Prentice, chief announcer of the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand, set tongues wagging throughout the Dominion. Approached by a SUN man to-day, Mr. A. R. Harris, general manager of the Broadcasting Company, said that if it were the case that Mr. Prentice resigned because he felt himself in a false position in view of the pledges he gave the public on his arrival from Australia, then Mr. Prentice alone must shoulder the responsibility, for he had not been authorised to make any promises. "I am not aware,” he went on, “of the nature of the pledges to which Mr. Prentice refers. Any promises given were made on his own initiative, without the authority of the company. “On his return to Auckland Mr. Prentice made certain demands which were outside the terms of his contract. As the company did not agree to the requests, he submitted his resignation.”