BROADCASTING VOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22816, 26 November 1937, Page 3

BROADCASTING VOTES

PASSED IN FIVE MINUTES WAS IT STRATEGY OR ERROR? [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 25. The National Broadcasting estimates, totalling £354,416, were passed _by the House of Representatives to-night in five minutes, this extraordinary celerity being due either to Opposition plans, or a strategical error. It was 10.15 p.m. when this, one of the most contentious among the millions which have been voted, came under review. It was divided into two sections —broadcasting £233,933, and commercial broadcasting £120,643. “ We have had a lot of discussion, and the hour is rather late,” remarked Mr Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, announcing that he intended to move a reduction in the vote by £120,643. This represented the total of the commercial subdivision, and Mr Hamilton explained that ho wished to see it eliminated because the Opposition had no confidence in commercial broadcasting, while he personally thought the appointment of the Controller was unfortunate, and that opinion was held by a mighty lot of people in New Zealand. There were two directors, but he thought Professor Shelley had the approval of everybody. Opposition members showed no desire to talk, for they preferred to vote on their leader’s amendment. It went to division and was negatived hy 40 votes to 16, and Mr Wright (Wellington Suburbs) proceeded to ask questions about an item in the ordinary broadcasting vote under which £20,000 is transferred to the works fund as a progress payment in connection with the new Broadcasting House and Conservatorium of Music and the Spoken Arts. He was allowed to complete his speech, but Mr Howard (chairman of committees) permitted no further discussion. “ The total vote has been carried by the refusal of the House to reduce the last item,” he announced, much to tho surprise of most members. “ There’s nothing left on the estimates,” declared Mr Howard with finality. . As some Oppositionists seemed puzzled and inclined to continue, Mr Armstrong told them laughingly to “ try it next year.” The chairman instructed the officers to call Sir Speaker, who was informed that the Estimates were passed, and the next move was frbm the Prime Minister that the House adjourn—a welcome proceeding after exhausting sittings.