TELEVISION IN NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28413, 21 October 1957, Page 15

TELEVISION IN NEW ZEALAND

“No Insurmountable Difficulties”

Experience has demonstrated that there are no insurmountable difficulties, either technical or from a programme production point of view, to cause hesitation towards television in New Zealand. according to a report prepared by Electronic Development and Applications Company, Ltd. A copy of the report has been sent to every member of Parliament and to all members of the radio manufacturing industry. The report estimates the cost of a transmitting station for a major city at £llO.OOO and for a minor city. £35,750. For a network of transmitting stations at Auckland. Wellington. Christchurch, Dun-j edin, Hamilton. Palmerston. New Plymouth, Hastings, NelsoW' and I Invercargill, the cost is estimated at £654.500. The total cost of studios for the: 10 transmitters is estimated at £958.400. The estimated total cost of transmitters and studios at the 10 centres is £1.612,900. It is estimated that operating costs would amount to more than £1,600,000 a year. The report suggests a plan for gradually installing the stations, beginning at Auckland and Wellington so as to take advantage of the greater licensing revenue from the larger cities. Savage Club Musician. — Mr Martin Brown has been appointed musical director of the Christchurch Savage Club in succession to Mr Len Barnes. Mr Brown, who is 30, has played the piano since he was eight, and can also play most brass band instruments. He has lived in Christchurch for the last four years.