SPRINGBOK GAMES IN. N.Z.

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27988, 7 June 1956, Page 12

SPRINGBOK GAMES IN. N.Z.

Broadcasting To Be Limited PROVINCIAL MATCHES AFFECTED (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. June 5. The New Zealand Rugby Union has stipulated that the Springboks’ provin? rial matches may be broadcast only from the station in the centre in which the game is played and Radio New Zealand. The Minister in charge of Broadcasting (Mr R. M. Algie) said this in reply to an inqury tpnight. He added that if those who controlled the Rugby Union were able to let the Broadcasting Service j?ive a wider broadcast of the provincial games he would be only, too happy to make the necessary arrangements.

Mr Algie said that some misunderstanding had apparently arisen about the responsibility of the Broadcasting Service for the limited coverage being given to provincial fixtures against the South African team z In its agreement with the Broadcasting Service for the broadcasting of Rugby matches during the current season. the New Zealand Rugby Union stipulated that for the Springbok series local matches might be broadcast from the local station and Radio New Zealand only, but that all test marches, the New Zealand Universitv. and the Maori matches might be broadcast over the main national stations and Radio New Zealand.

‘‘The public will understand thgt the Broadcasting Service can broadcast only those matches that are permitted under our agreement with the Ruebv authorities.” said Mr Algie. “We sought to get the widest coverage we could.” The Minister said that summaries of all matches would be broadcast over the national and commercial stations on the evening of each match, and every endeavour would be made to keen listeners throughout the country informed by the broadcasting of progress scores.