"UNCLE JACK."

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 155, 4 July 1927, Page 10

"UNCLE JACK."

WHY HE RESIGNED. MR. PRENTICE SPEAKS OUT. A VAGUE AGREEMENT PUBLICATION OF CORRESPONDENCE SUGGESTED. Some weeks ago there came as a bombshell in radio circles the announcement of the resignation of Mr. J. M. Prentice, who, in his brief sojourn before the microphone in New Zealand had won his way to the hearts of so many thousands. The resignation was followed by the voicing of many expressions of regret, and the generally expressed hope that the differences that had led to the resignation might be overcome so as to cause its withdrawal. No full statement of the whole situation was forthcoming, and an interested public were left in the dark as to the nature of the . disagreement. Any lingering hopes, however, which listeners-in may have been enter : taining regarding the retention of the services of Mr. Prentice by the Radio Broadcasting Company were dispelled by a statement made this morning to a "Star" representative, prior to the departure of the popular announcer to Rotorua, whither he is going as the guest of the Rotorua Radio Club. Mr. Prentice explained that although he had made every possible effort to effect a satisfactory understanding with the company, he had been unsuccessful, and that in consequence his intention was to return to Australia, probably on July 22. Reviewing the situation, he pointed out that promises made to him by Mr. Goodfellow, chairman of directors, and Mr. Harris, general manager, regarding the scope of his activities, had not been kept by the company, and that in consequence his resignation was tendered as a protest in regard to the broken faith with "himself and the public. ' His pction had been more than justified in the fact that already the company had agreed to increase the. talent allowance, which was one of the factors in which he alleged that promises were made and left unfulfilled. • The Position Elaborated. Mr. Prentice explained that he was brought from Australia in November last under contract as chief announcer and organiser to the company, with exceedingly wide though somewhat vaguely defined powers. This vagueness had been more than covered by conversations with "• Goodfellow in Sydney and Mr. Harris in Auckland and Wellington. At first, and for several months, Mr. Prentice was satisfied with the manner in which the contract was being interpreted, l tit eventually it became apparent that .•commendations made were being noied, while lesser officials were reviving confidential instructions and in:<;»rmatipn which he regarded as. vital if Jiis duties were to be successfully car-

ried out. A complete reversal of the policy previously agreed upon by Mr. Harris and himself completed his feeling of dissatisfaction, and a. failure on the part of the compan to comply with the terms of his contract in the light of the interpretation given by ; its two chief , executives caused him to tender his resignation. This was immediately accepted, but the company refused to make any public announcement for several weeks, and finally the information : was communi- [, cated to the Press in Christchurch by J some unknown source. Almost immediately following the public outcry which this disclosure brought about, Mr. Prentice was relieved of duty and attendance at the studio, without any explanation, t Following a spirited protest, he received , from the company an elaborate expres- , sion of regret at the invidious position in which the company's action had placed 1 him, together with an appreciation of • his outstanding ability in certain direc- ' tions, but no explanation was forth- > coming as to the reason for the drastic action taken in cutting Mr. Prentice off - the air. ; . The Final Letter. E • • Mr. Prentice said that he was unable | to understand the attitude of Mr. Good - 5 fellow during the recent developments. Wl\en they, met., in Sydney, Mr. Good- > fellow had given him to understand that the fullest measure of support would ! be granted in all matters relative to the > company's welfare, but since his return r from abroad Mr. Goodfellow had made ino effort to see him, nor had.he inter - ■ ested himself directly in the crisis. The > final letter from the company, however, , had apparently passed through his hands, for although it .was prepared and signed i in Christchurch, it had been posted in » Auckland. 1 "That a regrettable situation had arisen ( was deplored by Mr. Prentice, who L stated that he had consented to come to , New Zealand because of the opportunity , presenting itself for public service in ( establishing broadcasting on a firm footing. The company's attitude, however, had made it impossible for him to accom-j ' plish what he had outlined on his arrival, and the only honourable course for him had been to resign. If the company would only see fit to publish the correspondence between them, the public would have an. opportunity of judging how far he had gone in his desire to make broadcasting a great public utility, and how he had strained- every possibility to- effeot a reconciliation that would be honourable to both parties. Even in his resignation -Mr. Prentice .said he had been careful to say nothing and do nothing that would endanger the cause of radio in the future, M faV 'aft New Zealand was concerned, although at the same time he considered that under the present conditions' and" management there was no hope or possibility-of permanent public satisfaction being assured. As stated, Mr.-Prentice left this morning for Rotorua, and will visit Arapuni and Waitomo Caves on the return journey. Although his plans are as yet indefinite he contemplates a short visit to Great Britain and Europe in order to bring his- political and economic studies up-to-date. This will be conditional on matters awaiting his attention in Sydney, bufe. possibly he ,will sail about the middle of August and return about February of -uext.'yeM , #