CHEAP PRICED RADIOS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 23 June 1936, Page 3

CHEAP PRICED RADIOS

“A USELESS PROPOSITION” v 'United Press Association) DUNEDIN, 21st June. A cheap-priced radio receiving set i such as that suggested by the Governi ment for bringing the benefits of radio i broadcasting into thousands of homes in New Zealand not already equipped with sets is regarded by Dunedin servicemen as practically a useless proposition. It has been announced that the Government’s aim is to produce an efficient receiver at a selling price of about £5 or £5 10s Od. Some of the radio men are of the opinion that an efficient receiver could not be evolved for the price stated. If a set were made for that price it would be practically useless in Dunedin, Invercargill, Christchurch and Wellington, but might be workable in Auckland. One serviceman stated that he had gone very carefully into the idea and had thought of a three-valve, tuned radio frequency set at a cheap price, but this would be useless in most New Zealand cities. The cost of the parts would be £5 12s lOd, and this did not include, soldering, wiring, testing or the cost of labour. Another man works out the cost of a low-priced receiver at £4 15s Gd. Assuming that certain parts would be in price if the Government's scheme were put into operation, said the serviceman, he had cut the price of a speaker down 3s. At the present time the cheapest speaker procurable cost 12s Cd wholesale. His estimated cost did not include royalty charges, which if done by girls would mean a further 4s being added to the total. When the set had been assembled it would have to be tested by an expert, who would be paid a higher wage than the girl assembler.

Another serviceman said sets could be produced for the money stated, but they would not be of the type that would suit the buying public of Dunedin, which insists on distance reception.

In making his announcement last week, the Postmaster-General, Hon. F. Jones, referred to the production in Germany of a cheap but efficient standard set and said there was no reason why the German scheme should not be regarded hopefully in New Zealand. The Minister was speaking of a twovalve electric set which is manufactured by mass production at a price within reach of everyone. This set affords reliable reception of German stations, eight 100 k.w. and one 150 k.w. transmitters, and relay stations, but is not efficient enough to bring in foreign stations.