Radio Personalities Not Wanted

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1938, Page 8

Radio Personalities Not Wanted

[Special to "Northern Advocate ”J WELLINGTON, This Day. The New Zealand Farmers’ Union is to demand of the Government that preelection promises with regard to broadcasting, giving the greatest possible freedom of the air, be fulfilled.

A remit was moved by Mr A. E Robinson, of Auckland, to that effec. at the annual conference yesterday. Freedom of the air had not been given by the Government, ho said, recalling the- pre-election promises of the Labour Party, with special reference to its replies to questions put by B station listeners.

“Let us see how free the air is to the Farmers’ Union." he said, quoting as follows from a letter received by him from the Director of Broadcasting. “Speakers in the farmers' session should be recognised authorities on the subjects with which they deal. They should be good speakers, canable of dealing with their subject In an interesting way. The subjects should be practical farming methods, such as cropping, the breeding and care of stock, etc."

“That is what we arc to be limited to if we speak over the ah’," said Mr Robinson. “I did net get any freedom. I was not allowed to speak on the compensated price or guaranteed price. It seems we are to confine ourselves to talking on hay or ensilage."

“In 'his matter the Government has exhibited a lack of candour." said Mr H, M. Rush worth, M.P. for Bay oi Islands. “There are," he said, "such things as radio personalities." He believed the Government feared the building up of a radio personality. Such personalities wore being built tar in other countries, becoming a menace to the Governments of these countries. Spectacular League football was played at Carl aw Pari: on Saturday in bright weather, when a large crowd saw Auckland defeat by 21 points, to 13 the New Zealand loam which has just completed a lour of Australia.