STATION 2YB.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1934, Page 4

STATION 2YB.

The North Taranaki Radio Society could congratulate itself at its annual meeting on Tuesday upon a very successful year’s work. Except in one regard, the society could report progress in every direction. Its plant has been improved, its association with the New Zealand Broadcasting Board is more satisfactory than ever, and the enthusiasm and loyalty of the honorary staff are as keen as ever. Finances were satisfactory, but there was a disappointing lack of interest shown by listeners, subscriptions having fallen from £lOl to £3l 15s, and the number of members to 127. That is a poor return for the ungrudging voluntary service given by the enthusiasts who were responsible for the establishment of the station, and on more than one occasion prevented its threatened abolition. There is everything in favour of an appeal for increased interest and financial support of this most useful public service. On occasions such as the trans-Tasman flights Station 2YB conferred a great benefit upon the whole of the province, and far beyond its borders. It may not be generally known that except for the mechanics the whole of the staff of the station is honorary, and that with the limited interest shown the work has entailed a good deal of unselfish public spirit among the few volunteers who have operated the station. It is, as the chairman, of the society, Mr. F. T. Davis, remarked, too much to expect the same staff to organise membership and finance. It is work that should He undertaken, and, if properly organised, should bring good returns. If the station were to close th£ public would realise too late how valuable its services had been. Yet when the authorities find there are but 127 listeners sufficiently interested to become members of the society and pay a small subscription they can scarcely be blamed for concluding that the station is considered unnecessary. It is for the public to show in a practical manner its appreciation of the service that has been given so ungrudgingly and successfully.