CONTRACT TO BE LET FOR WANGANUI RADIO STATION

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 October 1946, Page 4

CONTRACT TO BE LET FOR WANGANUI RADIO STATION

(P.A.) Dunedin, Oct. 30. Provision for first grade reception in those areas in which reception at present is not first grade, and the establishment of subsidiary local coverage stations in cities and larger towns were among the features of the post-war plan of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, which the Minister of Broadcasting, Mr. Jones, outlined in his opening election address.

When tenders were lot recently for replacement of existing technical equipment at stations IYA Auckland, 2YA Wellington, 3YA Christchurch, and 4YA Dunedin, Mr. Jones said, the Government decided that since manufacturers were in a position to supply small transmitting stations, contracts should be let for the purchase of four 2 k.w. transmitters for installation at North Auckland, Hamilton, Wanganui and Timaru.

The establishment of these stations would take place as soon as suitable accommodation could be obtained and the necessary allocations of building resources were received to proceed with technical and accoustic alterations. At the same time, the Minister added, opportunity was being taken to increase the power of stations IXB Auckland, 2ZB Wellington, 3ZB Christchurch, and 4ZB Dunedin, by ordering new 10 k.w. stations as replacements. As soon as equipment from overseas became available similar action was being taken in connection with station 2ZA Palmerston North and 2YN Nelson, and new equipment to be installed would make those stations of 2 k.w. each.

It had been found desirable that the signal strength of all these stations should be increased in order to override power and other interference.

“The New Zealand Broadcasting Service is at present engaged in extending its coverage activities in the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Tauranga, on the West Coast of the South Island, and, when buildings can be provided, in the Northand district,” Mr. Jones said. “Such centres as Hamilton, Wanganui and Timaru are to be provided with local stations. Consideration is also being given to the reorganisation of the present stations at Gisborne and New Plymouth, while the expansion plan includes the provision of stations at such centres as Hastings and Masterton.

“Future plans for the Dominion network include small stations at Hawera, Taumarunui, Thames, Dannevirke, Blenheim, Ashburton, Oamaru, Gore and Westport. “In addition to this programme of replacements and expansion, the New Zealand Broadcasting Service is engaged in placing into commission tw'o shortwave transmitters. These are at present being installed at Titahi Bay and will provide a shortwave service capable of serving the Pacific area.”

The Minister said that the engagement of the National Orchestra was now completed, and that the members of it had been marshalled in Wellington on October 24. The orchestra would travel throughout the Dominion to give concerts and broadcasts.

The New Zealand Broadcasting Service had already arranged and would continue to arrange tours of New Zealand by overseas artists of international standing. Engagements would also be made with overseas artists touring New Zealand under contract to other organisations as previously announced.

Mr. Jones said it was.intended to increase opportunities for local artists, including players in various orchestras and bands. Such performers were widely used already, but a start had been made by extending production and recording facilities in Auckland for the greater use of local talent. Equipment was at present being constructed to extend this scheme to Christchurch and Dunedin. In addition, the Broadcasting Service was constructing mobile recording units, and it was that they should be used for the recording of programme material in areas where the population was so sparse as not to warrant the erection of a station.

“The Government is in touch with developments in television,” Mr. Jones concluded, “and it will provide for its introduction as soon as it is practicable.”