RADIO BROADCASTING

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 934, 2 December 1933, Page 17

RADIO BROADCASTING

Statement of Policy to be Issued. ("Star” Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, December 1. Handicapped by the rule that policy questions cannot be discussed on the Estimates, members of the House made a valiant attempt to debate the fate of B radio stations and draw the Post-master-General on the subject, when the Post anl Telegraph Estimates were under review this afternoon. They were only permitted to ask questions, though they managed to get in a few opinions. Mr Sullivan (Avon) declared that a large number of listeners appreciated the programmes of the B stations, and wished to see them continuing, but it was only practicable if these stations were permitted by the Minister to get some revenue from advertising. lie was not criticising the A stations, but he believed that in Christchurch it would be a serious loss if B stations went off the air. Mr Fraser (Wellington Central) contended that as the House was about to pass the vote for the salary of the head of the Department it could criticise any administrative act of that individual. He wanted to know what was behind the policy. The Hon A. Hamilton replied that the Government considered it had a moral obligation to take over certain B stations, and made them an offer, which they accepted. The Government had done nothing in regard to the other 13 stations, but he was intending to make a statement on the whole subject after consultation with the broadcasting authority. Mr M’Keen (Wellington South): Will the service be as good as from the B stations? The Postmaster-General: We hope

ADVANTAGE OF BEING INNOCENT. It is far better to be innocent than penitent—to prevent the malady than invent the remedy.—Seeker. RECOMPENSE FOR INSTRUCTION. Sweet it is the growth to trace Of worth, of intellect, of grace, In bosoms where our labours first Bid the young seed of spring-time burst, And lead it on front hour to hour, To ripen into perfect flower!—Bowring.