LESS BROADCASTING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 76, 26 September 1941, Page 6

LESS BROADCASTING

URGED BY POWER

BOARDS

CROONERS OR INDUSTRY?

Delegates to the Power Boards' and Supply Authorities' Conference yesterday were, in the great majority, very much of the opinion that broadcasting hours should be reduced as one way of saving power.

The Taranaki Board led the attack, not accepting the adverse reply given earlier by the Department. ■■"'■-

Mr. G. A. Monk (Horowhenua) said that, except for vital news, broadcasting was not necessary. Day hours of broadcasting could very well be reduced greatly.

Mr. R. Masters (Taranaki) said that broadcasting from five in the morning till mjdnight was definitely not necessary. Were New Zealand people to listen to Bing Crosby all day, or was it more important to look after essential industries? To cut broadcasting hours would not do everything, but it would help.

Mr. S. J. Harbutt (Auckland) very strongly supported the proposal," people would be better off without daylong racket and blaring.

Mr. H. L. Lewthwaite (Banks Peninsula) asked whether the South Island, v/here there was no power shortage, was to be penalised because the North Island was short. In any case, the saving possible was very problematical. The saving possible, said Mr. G. A. Ammunsden (Wanganui-Rangitikei) would not be that ol current consumed in the radio receiver; it would be the incidental saving in lighting and the use of radiators. Unless night hours of broadcasting were reduced there would be little in it.

The remit was supported by a large majority.