NO PROFIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 208, 3 September 1938, Page 12

NO PROFIT.

COMMERCIAL RADIO.

LOSS ON OPERATIONS.

<BUI<I<OCKING VOTE THROUGH*

ißjr Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Although radio broadcasting is always a lively topic for discussion in the House of Representatives, members found their opportunities cramped last evening when this class of estimates came up after 6 o'clock and a large number had made arrangements to catch tlie southern steamer and northern trains within an hour. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton, called attention to the Government's boast that commercial broadcasting was to earn a wonderful lot of money, yet there had been a £12,000 loss. This was in strong contrast with the national service maintained from licenses built up from revenue. There was not a better business in the Dominion, but the commercial broadcasting service had spent £105,000 to earn revenue of £98,000. Rev. C. L. Carr (Government, Timaru): Give them time. They have only just started. How many stations are there? Mr. Hamilton: This is the second year and if it comes to stations it will be like the railways, the more stations the greater the loss. Mr. J- A. Lee (Government, Grey Lvnn): And the more votes for Labour.

Mr. «T. Hargest (National. Awarua) | entered an emphatic protest against the broadcasting votes being considered go late. Mr. Fraser, Minister of Education: You can have the whole night if you like Mr. Hargest:. No doubt. The Minister deliberately did thte just to burke discussion because they know most of us want to catch the boat or train. Mr. Fraser: We can asstire the lion, sentleman that his protest will be duly noted. (Laughter.) Mr. J. G. Coates (National, Kaipara): Bullocking it through. I think it is fear. Mr. Hardest: Nothing short of scandalous. We cannot give it the attenI tion it deserves. I am- not saying anything against the honesty of those concerned, but it reflects on the capacity of the people running it. Mr. C'oates moved that the vote be ■ reduced by £5 as an indication that "(1) broadcasting should be under one Department and one director, (2) that the conduct of commercial stations has been used in a manner that conflicts against and with the conduct of good conscience and public administration." A division was called for, and the amendment was defeated by 40 votes to 11. I The Minister of Labour. Mr. Armjstrong: You've got a cricket team left. ' (Laughter.) *