BROADCASTING.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18195, 4 October 1924, Page 14

BROADCASTING.

TO Tin; SDITOE CT "TBB TBIM* Sir—Re. item in this morning's "Press" stating that Wellington, Dunedin, and Christohurch broadcasting stations were being compelled to# close down at the order of Amalgamated Wireless. Ltd. I wonder if the many hundreds of your readers the children of whom have interested themselves in "wireless" realise the awful blunder on the part- of the Government in putting a Bill through, establishing a close monopoly in the interests of this powerful combine. Hundreds, thousands, of young lads throughout New Zealand have spent money in erecting wireless sets, many of them costing up to £SO, and havS enjoyed "listening in" to the various broadcast concerts given from the different- centres of New Zealand. These young enthusiasts were licensed by the Government, and when the pastime becomes popularised, we find that a foreign monopolv steps in, virtually holds a pistol at the head of the Government, demanding a sole monopoly of broadcasting, and forcing hundreds of voung fellows to pay a really prohibitive annual fee, most of which will lind its way into the coffers of this huge combine. There are other phases of the question which could be discussed, particularly that dealing with purchase of supplies by dealers. These people, I m afraid, will find themselves forced to deal with the combine for their supplies, at whatever prices fixed by them, and, I understand, the dealers will have to pay a fairly stiff license fee for the rights to sell radio sets, etc. Probably those interested will . say that "listeners in" had the right to voice their objection before the Bill became law but, Sir, I ask you what chance has'the ordinary young fellow got of combating the arguments of those powerful influences which make up this combine?- And even had the objections of the young people been voiced, what weight would it have carried, opposed as it would have been by those interested?

In conclusion, I firmly believe that young New Zealand has been badly trapped, and it will be found that hundreds of sets will be dismantled, thus causing a lose which many can ill afford. Furthermore, I consider that the Government has broken faith with all those who took out licenses. It is a moral, if not a legal, breach. I am only a working lad, and cannot be expected.to express.my views in a concise way, but have endeavoured to open up a subject in the hope that abler pens than mine may take it up. —Yours, etc., ' J.K.Mc.