THE RADIO POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 52, 11 July 1930, Unnumbered Page

THE RADIO POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND.

LAST week a successful radio exhibition was held in Christchurch when the dealers of the city displayed notable enterprise and initiative in staging an effective selection of the latest and most efficient radio apparatus. Commendable touches of novelty were given by the radio character given to the various displays and their use of "radio personalities’ as the keystone of each stall. The response of the public to the display was good, indicating the keenness of interest maintained by the radio public in everything adding to the efficiency of their sets and service. "THERE will be opened in the Wellington Town Hall on July 16, and continued till July 19 inclusive, a monster Radio Exhibitior: Following on last year’s successful initial enterprise those backing the exhibition have had the courage to lay a broad foundation for:-a_ successful display. Special pains have been taken to make the bays attractive and interesting, and in this field we venture to ‘say the Wellington public will see an exhibition which will establish quite a new standard for displays of this nature. The trade will have an exhibition of their best models, and will be happy to show to the attendant public just what radio can do. As was the case last year, the fullest co-operation has been accorded by the Radio Broadcasting Company, and special programmes arranged for presentation *t the Town Hall itself. The special performers include the famous Maori Party from Wanganui, and their presence in itself will constitute a very. definite attraction. THE prominence given to radio by these two exhibitions makes it timely to raise the subject of the immediate future of radio in New Zealand. Listeners generally are aware that nearly two years back a proposal was submitted to the Government by the Radio Broadcasting Company for the provision of relay stations at advantageous provincial centres throughout the Dominion. ‘This scheme was drawn up in response to insistent pressure from listeners for a

progressive expansion of the radio broadcasting service. The schenie was a-considered one, and outlined in full detail the measures deemed necessaty by the company for effectively and economically expanding the broadcasting service of the Dominion, in order to most fully serve the country and the provincial centres. Unfortunately for listeners, the political atmosphere, as is well known, since that tite has not been of the most settled character, and it has apparently been impossible for the authorities concerned to give that close consideration to the matter which its’ importance warrants. From the listeners’ point of view, however, the question is of moment, and as the Hon. J. B. Donald, who was formerly Postmaster-Genéral, has now returned to that portfolio, with the likelihood of reasonable permanence in that position, it is to be hoped that he will be able to reach finality on the matter, or if necessary place it before ‘Cabinet, with such recommendations as he deems necessary. We believe it would be in the best interests of the service in general for this matter to be settled. Great Britain has developed her blanket coverage of the British Isles by a considered and scientific system of . relay stations. Her system is logical, effective and economical. The same system can be adapted to New Zealand with a minimum of effort and with, we believe, satisfactory results. We think it in the interests of listeners to raise this matter, with the request that the authorities concerned give consideration thereto, in order that all affected may be informed of the probable lines of radio development in this country. .