RADIO SOCIETY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11866, 5 November 1935, Page 3

RADIO SOCIETY

Annual Meeting

ELECTION OP OFFICERS

The annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty Radio Society was held last mght when a fair number of enthusiasts were present, including a party from Te Puke.

Before the reading of the minules of last year’s annual meeting, the President, Mr J. R. Bongard. welcomed the visitors.

The minutes were then read by the Secretary, Mr C. T. Cross, and confirmed. '

Apologies for absence were received from Mr W. J. Balgent and Mr Burnley.

Mr Bongard then read his annual report as follows: “The year under review has seen the number of radio licenses increasing at a very rapid rate. A very short time ago the total of 100,000 was reached, and now the 200,000 mark is not far off. The greatest advance during the year is the increasing efficiency of all wave sets and their well deserved popularity with the listeners. This fact has done a great deal to minimise complaints about the-local programmes. Ah attempt has been made by the legislature, to pacify listeners by appointing two so-cAlled listeners’ representatives to the Broadcasting Board. Notification was received by this Society 48 hours before, they were due in Wellington that nominations would, be considered. In these circumstances a very hurried meeting of : your executive was held, and the nomination of the United Listeners’ League in Auckland, was supported. Members will be aware that this was wasted effort, and hs far as can be ascertained, the appointments made have as yet made no appreciable improvement to the service. It is now more obvious than evef that the only way to control the national stations is by a Board elected by the license holders, that is by those who have paid for the stations and pay for their operation.

Programmes have been noticeably devoid of any improvement In organisation and subject matter. The policy of importing talent is quite a good one, provided the selections are carefully made. Unfortunately, we have been unable to enthuse over some of them, while others have been excellent. The arrangement of the charity concerts should have made it quite clear to the programme organisers that the performance of their artists in a large hall, crowded with an appreciative audience, makes better broadcasting material than concerts broadcast from a sound insulated studio. In fact It raises doubts as to the soundness of quite a lot of the present broadcasting technique. It is gratifying to note that at last members and aspirants to Parliamentary honours are having to take an interest in broadcasting matters.

The activities of the Society have been ably maintained by your officers., Meetings of the Executive have been well attended. Various matters have been taken up, particularly with regard to the performance of the YA stations arid the publishing of programmes, etc.; by the Board. We have also been in touch with a movement in Auckland to form an organisation of listeners throughout the Dominion.

The members of the Executive, as well as. the Secretary and Treasurer, have at all times given of ther best in the interests of members and listeners in general.

In vacating the chair this year, I suggest that the position of President be limited to one year of office so that members may have the opportunity of taking their turn In the chair, and also in the hope that you may be able to find a successor this year who has more time to give to the Society’s interests.” The Treasurer, Mr R. O’Halb.ran, presented a statement on the finances of the Society showing them to in in a satisfactory position. Election of Officers.

President—Mr J. R. Bongard. Vice-Presidents—Dr, Mark, Mr G. West. ■ . President of the Te Puke Branch -—Mr J. Prior. Mr Prior was also elected VicePresident of the Society. Secretary—Mr C. T. Cross.

Treasurer—Mr B. O’Halioran. Executive Committee —the officers of the Society and Messrs. Rutter, Judd, C. B. S. Gane, B. C. Robbins, L. Biomqulst, C. Adams, Jnr. Questionnaire,

Mr C. E. S. Gane then moved— That the following questionnaire be submitted to all local Parliamentary candidates for their written re-ply:-—Will you pledge yourself, independent of Party allegiance, to support and, work for the following amendments to the Broadcasting Acts:

1. The election, by the individual

vote of licensed listeners, of a majority of the members of the Broadcasting Board. 2. The issuing of A station programmes to licensed listeners,

either free of charge or for a

nomlual fee, 3. The cancellation of the present monopoly of the publication of

the above programmes. 4. The reversal of the present policy in regard to B stations, by allowing greater coverage, increased hours, and sufficient financial assistance to enable them to successfully function.

A copy of the above with the candidates’ replies, to be banded'to the local Press for publication a week before the poll. j Mr Bongard seconded the resolution and stated that the Society had already taken steps in connection with several of the points raised by Mr Gane.

Mr Rutter also spoke In support of the motion.

Mr West suggested that the questions be also sent to kindred organisations. This suggestion was incorporated in the resolution, Mr Prior moved that a letter be sent to the Broadcasting Board suggesting that the national programmes be so arranged to avoid similar broadcasts from several stations simultaneously.—Mr Gane seconded. The Chairman read a circular from a newly-formed listeners’ organisation in Auckland outlining Us policy. The question of organising listeners was discussed but no action was taken.

On the motion of Mr Robbins a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the President, Mr Bongard and the officers.

Supper was served and a very pleasant gathering terminated at ten o’clock.