MUSIC BY RADIO

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11953, 25 May 1933, Page 5

MUSIC BY RADIO

AUSTR A LIAN ROYAL COAL.M ISSJON'S REPORT. DRASTIC COMMENT ON PERFORMING RIGHTS. POWERS OF ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE TESTED. RESTRICTIONS ON FEES RECOMMENDED. (U.P.A. bv Elec. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA, AGvv 24. (Roc. May 24, 9.35 p.m.) All*. Justice Owen, the Royal Commissioner, who recently inquired into tho activities of the Australian Performing Rights Association, has prepared a drastic report which was tabled in tho Ilduses of Representatives to-day, recommending legislation controlling tho operations of this association.

Among his recommendations, '*ic‘ urges that the association should be compelled to compile full lists of ail musical works in which it claims to hold performing rights, and shall not bo entitled to collect any f°n ß for the performance of works n, 4 specified in this list. He suggests the establishment of a tribunal to deal with disputes regarding the use of music works and records in public, to compel tho filing of statements of all fees -which tho association .proposes to collect, and also the distribution of such fees.

Tho Commissioner recommends that no fco shall bo payable for relay of any musical work if the performing fee has already been paid by tlie originating station. No performing right shall exist in respect of the/ •rediffusion of any musical work at such places ns cafes, hotels, shops for the entertainment' of clientele, No fee shall b c payable for the performance of any musical work in any place used for religious charitable or educational purposes, if the proceeds arc devoted to those purposes and he performing right shrill prevail where the peffouihrihce is not directly for private profit. Air. Justice Owen makes ether minor recommendations and urges the Government to determine wheth or a performing fob can or cannot lawfully bo claimed by the manufacturer of a. gramophone record for it-a uso in public; Ho suggests- that attempt should ho made nt tho fiext international convention' at Brussels to control the activities of such monopolies n's the performing Rights Association, and similar societies.