RADIO PROSPECTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 130, 4 June 1931, Page 20

RADIO PROSPECTS

THE PMG'S OPPORTUNITY

Wellington's (urn in iho scries of radio shows falls this niontli, ami the "very latest" in equipment, will be displayed at the Town Hall on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and loth June. Although it seemed ;i year ago as if tho advent of all-electric receivers might cut out variety and mako subsequent shows somewhat dull, there is plenty of interest owing to the subsequent appearance of the midget typo of receiver and the energetic competition between manufacturers. In tho past year, moreover, tho number of people interested in wireless has increased considerably, so that patronage of the show should be liberal. The opening of a radio show gives the Postmaster-General an opportunity to express his views ou tho broadcasting situation—or rather it is an occasion which calls for some, remark, for he can make an. opportunity for himself at any time. Mr. Donald made a statement at Urenui, when opening tho new post office on 27th May, but said nothing either informative o" important. As reported, his statement w;is, indeed, disappointing, and its outstanding feature was the expression of the hope that it would not bo long before they had 100,000 subscribers in New Zealand; "if they obtained that number, they would be able to give a better service and provide better quality programmes." Now where have wo heard the like of that before? "Mr. Donald had, however, made somewhat earlier another speech, ou which "Phonos" of the "Auckland Star" rnado the following comment:— "The lion. J. B. Donald on Wednesday night dropped a hint that' may carry great significance. Ho referred to coming changes, and the difficulty of bringing these about in times of financial stringency, but his remark that in a new scheme both dealers and listeners would have effectivo representation, seems to indicate that something more than a mere broadcast advisory board is contemplated. For at least six years now there have been periodic requests for the establishment of an advisory board, and something approaching definite promises that such .i body would bo established. ' But from the time when the original board faded out because it could not function tho matter has been" shelved. Now, judging by the tenor of the Postmaster-General's brief references, there seems to be some idea of a. real board of control to direct the activities of broadcasting in the future. Whether this will be on the lines of the 8.8.C. or upon others quite novel, we may gain some inkling when matters appertaining to broadcasting come before Parliament this winter. It is encouraging to know, however, that tho Minister, himself a listener, has tho true welfare of his many thousands of co-listeners at heart, and is looking forward to the .'day when every house will have its own receiving set, and broadcasting will ■ become' truly the greatest of adll homo influences." It is to be hoped that Mr. Donald, knowing that there have been over 60,000 licensed receivers,, and hoping as he does for 100,000 at an early date, will endeavour to tell that large interested body what he really... intends to do. Next week's show will be just the time and the place. The broadcasting situation has apparently been allowed merely to drift, and the longer it.drifts the worse it will get, and the more numerous and stubborn will be tho questions that will arise out of it.