Waikato Relay

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 48, 14 June 1929, Page 8

Waikato Relay

Greatly Appreciated WRITING in the "Waikato Times" " "Static" says:-"Wireless broadcasting in New Zealand is no longer considered a novelty and a luxury, but is part of the life of the country. The birth of the New Zealand Broadcasting Company, brought about by the foresight of Mr. Wm. Goodfellow, whose object was the stronger unity of the Waikato’ farming community, has developed along national lines. The terms under which the company now labour, however, cannot ‘be said to foster a progressive policy. The percentage of each license which is annexed by the Government leaves the Broadcasting Company only a small margin to work upon, when the high administration costs, due to the singular geographical formation of the country are taken into consideration. The work the company is undertaking certainly calls for a substantial subsidy from the Government. "It is only through the co-operation of artists, we are told, that the Company has been able to keep going and eater efficiently to the public demand Yor high-class entertainment, So capably has the company fulfilled its contract to the Government that it stands high among those countries where broadcasting is controlled on the most up-to-date lines, At present the broadcasting authorities are giving three times the length of service called for under the agreement, and this point is worthy of special note when occasion arises for criticism of programmes. _ "The Government contract has some to run, but it is understood that 2 comprehensive policy has been svbmitted to the new Government. which, #f agreed upon, should revolutionise wireless broadcasting throughout New

Zealand. ‘The proposal provides for a number of relay stations in various parts of both islands not directly served by big stations or B class stations. If this objective is realised thousands of homes will be enabled, with crystal receivers, to enjoy the great boon of wireless. A relay station in Hamilton would serve a big district and do much to brighten the evenings of a vast number of country homes.

Winter Show ‘Relay. "WITH the object of popularising wireless, relays are made of important functions and entertainments, and the broadcast of the. official opening of the Waikato Winter Show, proved a great success in this direction. As was only to be expected the numerous Speeches were a little blurred in reception but the rest of the programme was heard with clarity in Auckland and Wellington. The broadcast was listened to with considerable interest by local radio fans, who were loud in their praise of the reception. It is regrettable that the expense attached to these relays limits, to a great extent, the scope for this type of broadcast. "As an advertising medium the value of this broadcast cannot be over-esti-mated. It has brought more forcibly before the people of New Zealand the important part this great dairy show and important industrial fair plays in the progress of the rich Waikato district. It was largely due to the organising ability of Mr. J. Ball, editor announcer of the company, that the suceess of the broadcast was due."