RADIO SETS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 17

RADIO SETS

GOVERNMENT ACTION

STANDARD DESIGN

SUPPLYING ALL HOMES

The possibility of Government action, in co-operation with manufacturers, to bring about a reduction in the price of radio receiving sets, was suggested by the Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, in an interview yesterday. Mr. Jones also indicated that a sub-committee of Cabinet had been set up to deal with details of broadcasting policy preparatory to the assumption by the Government of control of the broadcasting system under legislation passed by Parliament last week. "As I stated during the debate on the Broadcasting Bill," Mr. Jones said, "there are 200,000 homes in New Zealand without a radio set. Our aim is to

bring the benefits of broadcasting into

those homes as soon as possible. We want people to look on the radio service just as they look on electricity, gas, or the telephone—something which is a necessary adjunct to every home.

"There appears to be no doubt that the question.of price represents a barrier to many people who would normally like to own a radio set'. The same position has arisen in England, and the. British Broadcasting Corporation has been ; investigating a scheme in Germany, whereby the German Government and the manufacturers have, co-operated in the production of a cheap, but efficient, standard set. The scheme regarded hopefully in Great Britain, and there is no reason why it should not be regarded just as hopefully in New Zealand." DESIGN UNDER WAY.

Mr. Jones said that officers of his Department had recently been experimenting with the design and construction of a possible standard set. The Government hoped to be able to find out at Sfthat cost such a set could economically be produced, and then it would probably be prepared to enter into negotiations with manufacturers in New Zealand in an endeavour to put the standard set on the market. I

"I have stated previously that the question of royalty payments requires investigation," Mr. Jones continued, "and that it appears that we are paying higher royalties than are charged in England. However, that is a matter which will receive attention in due course."

The Postmaster-General added that much had to be done in preparing for full State ownership of the broadcasting system in New Zealand, and very little! time remained before the' Broadcasting Act came into operation on July 1. In consequence there was not likely to be any change with regard to B stations until after that date. The basis for the payment of subsidies to the B stations would also have to be finally settled.

v "I hope the public will not expect or demand any great change'in the broadcasting service immediately the I change in control is effected." Mr. Jones said.. "A tremendous number of details has to be hammered out in the meantime, and with that end in view a small sub-committee of Cabinet has been set up to lay down fundamental principles in- keeping with the Government's policy as disclosed in the Broadcasting Act.

"No decisions have yet been made regarding the appointment of a Director of Broadcasting, or the members of the Advisory Council which may be set up under the Act. These are matters for future ~consideration, as also is the question of making new regulations: for the control of broadcasting. The Government has not yet decided on the purchase of any of the existing B stations, but is prepared to consider the offer of any B station which is prepared to sell out and which is suitable for the particular type of service which will be provided by commercial stations."