Aiming for Better Radio Reception

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7239, 19 August 1933, Page 6

Aiming for Better Radio Reception

WORK OF MANAWATU LISTENERS’ ASSOCIATION

The annual meeting of the Manawhtu District Radio Listeners’ Association was field last evening, when there were present Messrs G. Houston (president), A. R. Cliffe and W. Patten (Palmerston North); Allen, Wood and Saunders (Feilding); Forbes (Woodville); Greer and Robinson (Pahiatua). In placing tbo annual report before the meeting, the chairman acknowledged the help that had been extended him in carrying out tho work of ■the association. The position of the association was ono in which they could all feel satisfaction in that they had accomplished a task that had been faced with diflicultics. Throughout the year they had been called upon to meet many touchy problems, but they had been overcome as a result of the unanimous assistance of the executive. Representations made to the Go vernment had not borne tho fruit that was expected, but better success was looked for in tho coming year. Tho finances of the association were in a satisfactory position, tho branches assisting as well as possible. Mr Houston placed on record appreciation of tho services rendered by tho treasurer (Mr W. Patten), who had filled the position on tho resignation of Mr N. Hansen, who had been unable to carry on. Tho services of tho secretary (Mr A. E. Cliffc) were also lauded. The time had now arrived when the suggested alteration of the control of the association could be put into effect, and they were recommended for consideration. Mr Houston thanked delegates for tho manner in which they had worked in the association's interest, and C. M. Ross Co., all artists and others who had assisted in making the year so successful. He looked forward to even greater success in the coming year. _ . Delegates spoke in appreciation of the work of tho president and secretary, and a vote of thanks was accorded them.

Feilding branch forwarded a recommendation for a change in constitution. It was suggested that district committees be dispensed with and that an executive be set up in Palmerston North consisting of eight Palmerston North representatives and two from each interested district, to bo responsible for all business necessary in tho association’s area.

The recommendation was adopted unanimously. Palmerston North branch urged that more pressure be brought to bear on the P. and T. Department .in an endeavour to eliminate interference. Mr Green said Pahiatua saw little of the radio inspector, simply, because his district was far too big. He thought other inspectors should be appointed so that country districts could get better attention. In the speaker’s district the Power Board was the only body that endeavoured to locate faults.

Mr Cliffo said tho suggestion had been sent to tho meeting from the Palmerston North branch with the idea that it would bo passed on to the Listeners' Federation.

Mr Fatten said legislation was a. present being framed in order to give the authorities power to compel those responsible for interferences to eliminate them. At present the department could only appeal to those concerned. It was stated that power lines and picture theatres were chiefly to blame. It was decided to urge the Listeners’ Federation to take the matter up and also to write the department’s chief electrical engineer.

'When a suggestion came forward from the Palmerston North branch that the membership fee should be reduced from 5s to 2s 6d, it was reported the association had 1000 members out of approximately 4000 listeners in the district. A reduction would mean the necessity for doubling the membership. The recommendation was adopted. Officers were elected as follow: Patron, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P.; president, Mr G. Houston; secretary, Mr A. R. Cliffe; treasurer, Mr W. Patten; executive, Messrs Kenning, Houston, Noddy, Tunnicliffe, Patten, Bassett, Vining, Shackleton (Palmerston N.), Green and Badger (Pahiatua), Allen and Wood (Feilding), Forbes and Morgan (Woodville), Kilsby and Moulin (Levin). Various sub-committees were elected. The services rendered as technical adviser to the association by Mr J. V. Kyle were eulogised and it was decided to send him a letter of appreciation.

The secretary was voted an honor' arium of five guineas.

Delegates voiced appreciation of the work of the president, who was accorded a vote of thanks.