BROADCASTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 October 1924, Page 5

BROADCASTING.

MARCONI’S PATENT. PROPOSAL BY HON. J. G. COATES. (By. Telegraph—Special to the Star.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 16. The Pos tin nst er - Gen era 1 (Hoii. J. G. Contes) has literally thrown flown the gaiintlet to the Marconi Company, which has rec-entlv threatened action against Now Zealand wireless broadcasting stations for infringement of patents. An amendment to the Post and Telegraph Act, dealing with broadcasting, was introduced in the House of Eepresentatives to-day by Governor’s message, and Mr Coates explained that the effect, was that all broadcasting stations in the Dominion became. agents of the. Crown. Thus the Crown would step in immediately the Bill was passed and tell broadcasting stations to proceed with their broadcasting. A member: Ts that a monopoly? Mr Coates: Yes. Mr Wilford: Would it not be a good idea to get one of the small firms or one of the big firms to defy the company that has sent the ultimatum? Mr Coates: This will be the Crown' defying the company. Mr Wilford: Would it not be as well to defy them? I am sure those interested in wireless are not going to see the Marconi Company put if over this country just as they like, and I suggest to the Government that someone should take action and defy them. Mr Massey: This is defying them. Mr Wilford: Do von think it will really meet them? Mr Coates: It means they have got to fight the Crown. Mr Wilford: Make them fight some one and see where we are. Mr Coates: They will have to fight the Crown instead of the broadcasting companies.