Radio Blamed For Bungle In Capital

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30055, 13 February 1963, Page 14

Radio Blamed For Bungle In Capital

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, February 12. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr F. J. Kitts, is at war with the Broadcasting Corporation over a Royal visit announcement yesterday. Mr Kitts claims the corporation knowingly broadcast for one hour and 20 minutes incorrect information about the venue of yesterday’s civic welcome to the Queen.

“It appears corporation red tape has priority over the convenience of citizens,” said Mr Kitts. He described a statement, denying one of hL allegations, as “humbug.” After consulting the Weather Office and Government authorities early in the morning, city council officers decided to transfer the civic reception from the Basin Reserve to the Town Hall. Mr Kitts said. At 7 40 am. the town clerk (Mr H. S. Duckworth) rang the Broadcasting Corporation with news of the change and asked them to give it as much publicity as possible. Later, when the allegedly incorrect information was still being broadcast, he himself rang, said Mr Kitts “1 was told that a statement of mine could not be published till it had been officially approved by the Royal Tour office, he said “This is a remarkable state of affairs when the mayor of a host city must have his statements approved by some person or persons unknown” He said he asked the Royal visit office to approve the announcement A spokesman at the office said approval was given “without much delay ” The Director - General of Bioedcasting (Mr G H. Stringer) said the announcement was made within minutes of its “official receipt.” "Earlier notification concerning the change had been given to an officer of the N Z-B.C. by Mr Duckworth, but on a confidential basis—designated not for broadcast,” said Mr Stringer This was the statement Mr Kitts called “humbug.” Mr Kitts said as the announcement was not made before 9 a.m, hundreds of persons had assembled at the Basin Reserve and many Wellingtonians had been inconvenienced.

Diplomats Received

After the opening of Parliament, the Queen received Commonwealth representatives and the chiefs of foreign missions.