LOCAL RADIO STATIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 210, 4 August 1934, Page 8

LOCAL RADIO STATIONS.

REFERENCES IN THE HOUSE. Ln the debate on the annual report of the Broadcasting Board, in the House of Representatives, Mr J. A. Nash said there had been general improvements since the board was set up, and the board was doing a very fine service. “When we consider the varied programmes that we hear over the air from the main stations every day, commencing early in the morning and continuing right up till late at night, we can realise that a great deal of time must be taken up in arranging them. We have a talk over the air every evening for twenty minutes from an officer of a department of State on agriculture, on gardening, and so on. I think some of the most interesting talks that we get from 2YA are those given by Dr. Scholefield; I know they are very much appreciated. As far as the announcers are concerned, I do not think there is any cause for complaint in Wellington. The announcer here, I think, is doing excellent work.” Regarding the two B stations in Palmerston North Mr Nash said: “About ten years ago, a few enthusiasts, entirely at their own cost, opened a station which is known as 2ZF. They have made splendid progress and improved their station to such an extent that their programmes are heard quite distinctly over the whole of Australia, and even in the islands. They broadcast regularly on relay from 2YA, and our people there are able to enjoy the Wellington programme nightly. The same station for some time past has broadcast, on relay from 2YA, the Wellington church services, which ha.ve been much appreciated in our district. We have another station, owned and operated by a private person. The owner has been giving a regular service, but, of course, he is somewhat limited, being allowed on the air only two nights a week and on Sunday mornings. Quite recently an association was formed, called the Listeners’ Association, in order to help the proprietor of 2ZO, the station 1 am referring to. The Local clergy have been very anxious for a considerable time to have the local church services broadcast, and on two occasions I have introduced to the Minister deputations in support of the request. It is difficult to understand why the request is refused. It is stated that it is not possible to allow it. The wave-length of the station is totally different from that of the other B station in Palmerston North, and would not in any way affect the other station, which operates in conjunction with 2YA. There would be no cost to the department; the cost would be borne by the association. The people are prepared to find the necessary finance to cover the entire cost of broadcasting the local church services, and they deserve everv encouragement. AVe are exceptionally well placed in Palmerston North with these two B stations, and the broadcasting of the local church services should be conceded. “The Broadcasting Board is now receiving very considerable revenue, and I sympathise with the requests made, not only in this debate, but on many occasions, that consideration be shown to owners of crystal sets and small powered sets.”