LACK OF INTEREST.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 5

LACK OF INTEREST.

Department and Wireless Telephone. MR HOWARD'S COMMENT. Strong criticism of the Post and Telegraph Department for not providing a wireless telephone service for shipping was indulged in by Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., yesterday, when commenting on the present situation where ships with this apparatus are not able to communicate with New Zealand ports. “ Our stumbling block is the Post and Telegraph Department,” said Mr Howard, who, as deput3'-chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, has taken a keen interest in the development of radio communication. “The Department is frightened of competition and, like the machine-smashers of olden times, it fears the coming of this new system. The Department has issued a book full of rules and regulations—‘ Thou shalt not; thou must not.’ Unfortunately, there is not a man in the Ministry who knows anything about it and, in consequence, no one is interested. “ Now, Parliament is a fairly sensitive receiving set.” added Mr Howard. “ If shipowners want this service, they have onl} 1- to speak loud enough for Parliament to hear and they will get it. The Lyttelton Harbour Board is one of the best public bodies in New Zealand and I am sure it would have its end ready to connect up as soon as there is any demand. I am in favour of doing the job right away.”