RADIO BILL PASSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 264, 7 November 1931, Page 20

RADIO BILL PASSED.

THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.

CIVIL SERVANTS NOT ELIGIBLE,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Friday,

Moving the second reading of the Broadcasting Bill iii the Legislative Council to-day, the Leader, Sir James Pari", said he felt it would prove of great benefit to listeners. Sir James Allen (Otago) asked if the broadcasting company had proved a financial success. Tlie bill did not make it clear what the board would do with its revenue. He asked whether it would extend its services. The Hon. W. H. Melntvre (Nelson) raaid the bill would be received with immense satisfaction by listeners from one end of New Zealand to the other. There need be no doubt about the financial soundness of the company. A great deal would depend on the personnel of the board. The Hon. W. H. Carrington (Auckland) said the British Broadcasting Corporation system was much preferable to the American system of private ownership. The Hon. G. J. Garland (Auckland) said the service at present was imperfect and the company had allowed its equipment to deteriorate. Sir Francis Bell (Wellington) spoke in defence of the company which, in his opinion, had done remarkably well in the face of tremendous difficulties. Replying, Sir James Parr said the board would be entirely independent of the Government. The bill was passed with minor amendments, one of which prevents civil servants from being members of the advisorv council.