Extra local hours sought on radio

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 53, 4 July 1974, Page 12

Extra local hours sought on radio

MAYOR'S C0RNER

I have made preliminary representations to the NZBC to see if we can get added hours of local content in the broadcasting from stations 1ZA and 1ZT. I believe we could have local programmes until, say, 2 p.m. on weekdays to cover the lunch hours and to provide for local news items — updated for the day, following the noon and 1.15 p.m. national news. Also, we should have local news on Saturdays and the NZBC should continue its regular 6 a.m. news-casts on Saturdays. We've grown a lot in this region since the inception of local radio. I estimate lZA's listening population is notv in the vicinity of 21,000 to 22,000. * * * The main district electors1 roll has just closed. From now until the local body elections take place early in October applicants to go on the roll will be put on supplementary lists and there will still be provision for special votes for those becoming eligible until election day. This applies particularly ' to those who will become 18. So far only about 50 or 60 people aged between 18 and 20 have enrolled, and there must ' be several hundred more who must get cracking so that they can express their opinions at the appropriate time. Postal voting will again be the system used this election. * * * When you think of it the people of Taupo must work longer hours than most. There is no unemployment, either. The five-day week hardly applies here when motor firms, retailers, contractors,

builders, painters, plumbers, electricians and real estate firms are all attending to their respective businesses on Saturday mornings. Many professional firms also take the opportunity to be of service. 1 Am I right when I suggest that those who aren't employed profitably are at least helping out domestically at home? Perhaps while the housewife is working the extra half day elsewhere! * * * Criticism of Taupo pensioner housing by the development and protection society brings to the fore two points that must always be considered. First, of necessity, these fltits must be situated compactly, on easy level land, adjacent to a shopping complex and within easy reach of postal facilities. Most important is the fact that the tenants enjoy gracious and comfortable living with every convenience possible for their well-being. Proof of the pudding would be gained by the ' society visiting the tenants to ascertain whether more expensive type dwellings are really desirable. Second, pensioner housing — - financed by the Government — is restricted in the money made available. If rentals are to be kept acceptably low then the cost of building is of major consequence. In my experienc'e, army huts have never looked like our pensioner Bats. * * * They say the Lord helps those who help themselves [Jegally, of course]. Not only did the senior citizens' association earn the financial support of a

number of service organisations and some generous citizens recently, but by their own efforts over a concentrated weekend of fund raising, raffling, selling, cajoling, and so on, they gathered in the sum of $1200. A fantastic effort — to be sure. * * * Don't look now — but there could be some significant stirrings on the site of Wharerangi this week. If ever this project required solid expressions of goodwill it's right now. * * * Recent visitors to Taupo we have been able to meet hospitably have been the US Consul-General. Mr Maclntosh, and his wife,

from Auckland, on their second visit to the borough, and the Governor of East Java and his wife. A week or so earlier we had the President of Burrna and his entourage. Our airport ensures that we are included on many VIP itineraries — even though we may only get a fleeting glimpse of our guests. * Taupo is a great place for healthy outdoor sports. It is noticeable that the shortest day had scarcely passed when the yacht club and the men's bowling club each had their annual generai meeting and were preparing for the next season's activities. And we haven't even begun the Ranfurly Shield cpacnn vpf S

t. t «-