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progress in the amalgamation of the two divisions of the Service will not be. possible until adequate accommodation is obtained not only in Wellington, but at all centres where National and Commercial stations operate. In Wellington the various sections of the Service are spread throughout the city in seven different buildings, thus greatly accentuating the difficulties of administration. The return of staff from service with the Forces has intensified the severe handicap under which the Service operates in regard to accommodation. None of the studio premises in Wellington has been constructed primarily for broadcasting, and in consequence they have many acoustical limitations. Reserve funds were accumulated during the war for the provision of adequate buildings and other facilities. Many demands are being made, however, on the building resources of the country, and the claims of the Service must take their place with those of other sections of the community. Based on the present cost of building, plant, and equipment, it is estimated that the expansion programme to be undertaken by the Service will involve a greater expenditure than can be met by the present reserve fund. Broadcasting House in Wellington has yet to be completed, and new buildings are required in other centres, including a transmitter building in Christchurch. Practically all existing plant is obsolete and requires replacement, while some stations are to be provided with more powerful transmitters. The plan for improvement in coverage includes proposals for additional stations which, will give a three- to four-hour service daily in certain districts, and the installation of relay lines for the rebroadcasting of first-class programmes in different parts of the Dominion. It is intended also to provide alternative programmes from transmitters at least equal in power to those at present operating in the four main centres. at present broadcasting for only part of the day are to have their hours increased when possible. The hours of broadcasting at Greymouth, Invercargill, and Napier have already been increased, those at Greymouth now being 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Mondays to Saturdays) and 8.45 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sundays). Broadcasting hours at these stations will be extended still further when conditions permit. At the request of the authorities responsible for electric-power conservation broadcasting was reduced at peak hours to conserve power. Silent periods were observed daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, as follows: 8.10 a,m. to 8.40 a.m.: From 3rd April, 1945, to 28th October, 1945. 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.: From Ist May, -1945, to 28th October, 1945. 11.30 a.m. to 12 noon: From Ist May, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.: From 2nd July, *1945, to 28th October, 1945. 5.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.: From Ist April, 1945, to 28th October, 1946. 5.30 p.m. to 5.45 p.m.: From Ist April, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. 5.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.: From 2nd July, 1945, to 31st March, 1946. The power saved at the transmitters is not great, but the aggregate economy if all receiving-sets are switched off is comparatively substantial. Broadcast appeals for the conservation of electricity have been followed by noticeable drops in power consumption. The restriction of two and a half hours daily represents an approximate reduction of 25 per cent, in broadcasting hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., when the peak loads occur. Broadcasting and the War.—Still wider use was made of broadcasting as a means of stimulating the national war effort. Campaigns covered by broadcast publicity included the Victory Loan, electricity conservation, stabilization, rehabilitation, increased primary production for the Forces in the Pacific, and UNRRA's clothing drive for Europe.

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