BROADCASTING POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 141, 11 December 1935, Page 10

BROADCASTING POLICY

(To the Editor.)

ij Sir, —Although writing as. I am on what is essentially a matter of public interest I deem it expedient to use a norn de plume, I have no wish that those to whom my appeal is directed should be under any misapprehension as to my political attitude. My sympathies have always been' with my fellow-workers, but I was not one of the many thousands of them who voted Labour into office. My vote was. cast otherwise not because of any personal antipathy towards the Labour Party as a whole or any of its Parliamentary candidates. Indeed, I hold in high esteem the gentleman against whom, for policy reasons only, I felt it to be my duty to vote. I reafise that this personal explanation is f little consequence, and it is tendered merely as evidence of the sincerity of my appeal;-

In "The Post" this evening the ■Hon. Mr. Savage is reported as having stated that it is Cabinet's intention at its meeting on Friday next to discuss among other important matters the question of broadcasting. I believe the people of New Zealand- today regard the broadcasting service as one of their most cherished possessions, and that they would be deeply distressed were its efficiency to be marred by any radical or ill-considered innovations. I hold no brief for the Broadcasting Board, most of whose members are known to me as to listeners generally by name only. My appreciation of their administrative wisdom and ability is based solely on my knowledge of the service I am receiving as a listener. Some of the changes that were suggested during the heat of the election campaign would, if effected, be fraught with the gravest consequences.

Therefore, with respectful deference, I appeal to the Labour Cabinet to yield to no outside pressure, vested or persoaal; but to insist on a thorough investigation of all the facts and possibilities involved before coming to a decision relative to the future conduct of this tremendously important public service. The Prime Minister and other members of the Government have declared their intention to adhere to this policy of prudent investigation as a prelude to the determination of policy in regard to other State Departments, and if this policy is followed in the case of the broadcasting service we shall have nothing to fear. —I am, etc., S.O.S.

December 10.