Slow Sale For TV Sets In Wellington

Press, Volume C, Issue 29435, 10 February 1961, Page 20

Slow Sale For TV Sets In Wellington

“The Press” Special Service

WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. A “slow to non-existent” demand for television sets in Wellington suggests that not many persons in the city own their own sets, according to local dealers.

Though there are many shops where sets can be bought on the instalment plan or “off the shelf,” dealers in Wellington and the Hutt Valley claim that not more than “a couple of dozen” have been sold.

Expecting a rush for sets, Auckland dealers had been caught with excess stocks. This situation would not occur in Wellington, where dealers were being cautious.

Fewer than 4000 sets had been sold in Auckland, dealers here said, and only 3200 licences had been issued by the end of last month. Some sets belonged to charitable organisations and did not need licences. There were probably a number of “pirates” as well. The cost of a set—£l47 and upwards—compared favourably with that of the better radio-stereograms.

Dealers believe that New Zealpnders are not buying sets because of two factors: The type of programme shown does not have general appeal

and most features are about four years old: Reception, eventin' Auckland suburbs, is not good and will not improve till the new station is built—possibly this year, probably next. ... *

Dealers said people wanted to look at sports in progress. Had the Ardmore Grand Prix been televised, or had ball-by-ball telecasts of M.C.C. matches been shown, then people would have bought sets.

The main reason why Wellington people were not buying sets was the announcement that other cities would get television before the capital.

Because of the many problems to be overcome. Welling-, ton dealers thought it would be a long time before the 10kilowatt station proposed fori Mount Victoria would send out worthwhile programmes.