DOUBTFUL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 218, 11 June 1930, Page 12

DOUBTFUL SERVICE

LOUDSPEAKERS AT RUGBY DECISION DEFERRED More than one member of the Wellington Rugby Union expressed, the opinion last evening that the loudspeakers installed at Athletic Park last Saturday for the broadcast of the Britain-Canter-bury match were more of a nuisance than otherwise. Mr. G. F. Jackson, who brought the matter forward, said that both referee and players had complained of the loudspeakers. They had served only to distract and confuse. Mr. Jackson said he had no hesitation in moving that the Broadcasting Co. be written to and informed that after one experience of loudspeakers at the park the union had no desire to have further matches broadcast there. . ~

“They were a complete washout,” Mr. J. Taylor said. “Well, I would be very disappointed if the Test matches were not broadcast,” said Mr. J. N. Millard, who thought that while provincial games did not matter so much the broadcasting of Test matches would prove an additional draw to the public. ' Mr. Jackson: Some of the spectators said they could not follow the game on the park. A member: And others said they were glad the loudspeakers were there because the club game was not worth watching. Results of matches could be put up on the score-board without having loudspeakers on the ground, another member pointed out. Major T. J. King said the loudspeaker on the stand last Saturday had not been very effective. Mr. Murphy: That was because there is too much iron-work near the stand. The chairman (Mr. J- Prendeville) thought that before anything was done the broadcasting scheme should be given another trial.

Mr. Taylor’: Well, last Saturday it was a case of “Close your eyes and listen, or “Close your ears and watch.” You couldn't do both. It was decided to defer consideration until the scheme had had another tryout.