RADIO RECEIVERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 157, 5 July 1934, Page 10

RADIO RECEIVERS

higher prices rule. PAItNG FOR THE PATENTS. AGREEMENT ABANDONED. [ Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, July 2. Prices of radio receivers in New Zealand rose to-day as a result of a change 1 in the method of paying for the patents which they embody, and Wellington retailers report a rush of purchasers anxious to obtain delivery of sets before the new prices became operative. , Great regret at the situation having developed in the way it had, was expressed by an important retailer. “The public is entitled to know why the previous agreement between the’ Government and the patent holders was abandoned, but that step having been taken, every effort should have been taken to make another, agreement,” ho said. “If there is a reason why the Government cannot make an agreement, the public should know it.” He pointed out that this might not be the end of the matter, because further set improvements would be a ground for further demands by patent holders. The announcement of the Government’s intention to charge a .sales tax on royalties, had been an unpleasant surprise. It was stated that there was no possibility of anyone except the purchasers of sets carrying the increase, prices being at a minimum already. Whether second-hand sets will have to be licensed by bhe patent holders is not yet