State Control

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 10, 18 September 1931, Page 4

State Control

Listeners’ Queries

QUESTIONNAIRE has been drawn up by the North Taranaki Radio Society as suggested by the Minister of Labour, Hon. 8. G. Smith, during a conference held recently at New Plymouth, in which Mr, Smith defended, without details, the Government’s policy of the change-over. , The Minister said he would endcayour to secure the answers to the points raised by the Taranaki society, which indicated reluctance to support the vesting of control in foreign or outside parties, and sought protection for B:stations serving listeners outside the main centres, Provided the Bill is not disposed of in the meantime, the society proposed .to call’a public meeting and place before it replies to the questionnaire and gain an expression of opinion from the general body of listeners. The questions are: (1) In view of the fact that the.Government has decided that a change of control is necessary, would it indicate the reasons that have led to that conclusion, and in what way the policy of providing service to listeners will be changed and improved? . (2) Will the capital necessary to provide the relay lines between. the main stations and relay stations be drawn from the board’s revenue, or, if provided by the Government, will these lines be a charge against the board? (3) Does the scope of the board allow for investigation of. interference and

provision of equipment for carrying oult these investigations? (4) Is it proposed that the board immediately proceed with extension of the existing service? (5) Is it proposed that the board enter upon a progressive construction period in providing relay stations, and over what period of time will this construction take place? (6) Will the e¢apital necessary to earry out the construction and equipment of relay stations be taken out of revenue or advanced by the Gorernment? (7) Is it proposed to limit the amount to’ be placed to the reserves mentioned in section 20 (2) of: the Bill? (8) Is continuity of the broadcasts assured when the board takes over on January 1? (9) What proportion of each license fee is it proposed to pay to the board, and will the proportion be paid irrespective of the number of licenses issued? (10) Is it proposed that four A stations shall be the main stations, and B stations purely relay stations; and in the event of the latter desiring to put on their own programmes will they be paid for their services? (11) Is it proposed that 2YB_ he classed as an A station and subject. to payment as to staff and artists for services rendered ? ‘