EDITORIAL NOTES.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 47, 5 June 1931, Page 4

EDITORIAL NOTES.

L iaeesatd FOR some weeks past, under the title of "The Voice of Michael," we have been giving the views and advice of an esteemed conéributor upon the radio talks presented from various stations. That page has concentrated attention upon a phase of radio activity which many listeners had relatively neglected. To get the best out of a radio talk one must concentrate and closely follow the speaker’s presentation. To this many, not knowing what they were missing. have been disinclined to lend themselves. We are glad to learn from: the evidence of correspondence and personal contact that the attention that has been drawn to the wealth of valuable talks available on the air has increased the number of those who now habitually make a selection of the best talks of the week. Last week was particularly rich in intellectual matter. Possibly the most thoughtful address was that by Dr. E. N. Merrington, of Knox College, Dunedin, when, in treating of "The International Mind" he outlined the necessary trend of world thought to win nations from the old individualistic outlook on to that broader basis which is necessary for the fullest attainment of international peace and amity. That address was so weighty as to call for permanent record, and is given in another column, so it may be allowed. to speak for itself. As the doctor says in his concluding passage, radio has its part-and no small one at that-to play in the development of the international mind. By it the world is becoming more and more a whispering gallery, enabling nation to listen to nation and people to people. TN speaking at Urenui last week, the Postrmaster-General, the. Hon. J. B. Donald, had some observations to make upon the broadcasting service. In essence his remarks added nothing to the statement rade sy him in Parliament last year, when he intimated that the Government had in view the taking over of the broadcasting service and its developuient upon a rather grandiose scale. Subsequently in Patliamentary debate the Minister admitted inability to advance details of his scheme, Itt undertook that, before action would be instituted to put the Governtuent. scheme into operation, the full details would be presented to Parliament ‘for its discussion. In the intervening months the Minister has had time to finalise his scheme, but he has done nothing so far to satisfy the natural curiosity of listeners as to the detailed means by which he hopes to achieve his avowed objective. At the Auckland Radio Exhibition he hinted that on the governing body of the future both members of the trade and the listening public would find representation. What is perhaps more to the point from the point of aew of both the listener and the taxpayer would be an indication of

the financial obligation involved and an assurance that efficiency and economy would be observed in the conduct of the scheme. These are vital matters requiring consideration and protection, and the time is more than ripe for the Minister to take the public into his confidence on major points. So far-the Company would not seem to have been given official advice as to the non-renewal of its contract. In the Minister’s words: "It has been given to understand" ; but more businesslike procedure’ is required in connection with contractual obligations of the moment involved in this transaction. If the Minter places any reliance at all upon the views of listeners, it would be advisable _ for his scheme to, be promulgated in all vital detail, so that full and frank discussion might be entered upon prior to any possible debate upon the floor of the House. Only by that means will listeners and taxpayers be able to determine whether the scheme offerg any advantages over 2 similar scheme of comprehensive relay stations submitted to the Government by the Radio Broadcasting Company some .two and a half years ago. ex J