F.—3

Special Recorded Programmes. The recording equipment installed at Wellington has proved most useful, and, in addition to making permanent records of important events, many special programmes have been recorded by the Department's staff. Programme Analysis. A dissection qf the matter broadcast during the 34,932 transmitting-hours shows that music took up 72-707 per cent, of the broadcasting-time. The following analysis sets out the position in detail: —

Subsidized Private Broadcasting Stations. Regular monthly subsidies which were originally granted to private stations operating in areas where reception from the national stations was indifferent were paid throughout the period to eight such stations, and assistance in the form of gramophone recordings was also given. Relays of national programmes were also arranged in some cases. Following are particulars of the stations being subsidized: 2YB, New Plymouth; 2ZF, Palmerston North; 2ZD, Masterton; 2ZJ, Gisborne; 2ZH, Napier ; 3ZR, Greymouth ; 4ZC, Cromwell ; 4ZP, Invercargill. TECHNICAL. The new transmitter for Station 2YA was brought into service at the end of 1936. Programmes were transmitted from the new station from 29th December, 1936, for the purpose of completely testing the transmitter, both for stability and fidelity of transmission. The tests were entirely satisfactory, and the station has continued in service since that date. The power of the transmitter is 60 kilowatts of unmodulated aerial energy, and the field-strength measurements indicate that this power is being efficiently radiated. Most of New Zealand is comprised of territory which is hilly, if not mountainous, and terrain of this nature is least suitable for the transmission of radio waves, but in spite of this drawback the new station can be heard at all times on a good receiver in any part of New Zealand. The only exception to this is in distant localities where the noise level is high, due to heavy power interference. The 5 kilowatts transmitter previously in use for Station 2YA was remodelled on modern lines and transferred to the new site at Titahi Bay. It is now in the process of test transmissions, and will be brought into service shortly under the call sign 2YC, operating on a frequency of 840 kilocycles. Preliminary work is being undertaken in connection with the further development of the complete coverage scheme. The areas next requiring attention are Southland and Hawke's Bay, and during the coming year active steps will be taken to select and test sites, provide buildings, and take the necessary action to have transmitters installed. It is expected that by the end of the next financial year the work in connection with the installation of both stations will be well advanced. A specially designed transmitter for site-testing purposes is being constructed, and will be available for its peculiar type of work when required.. Improved types of recording equipment have been designed 'and brought into operation during the period. The improvement in the technique of both transmitting-stations and receivers demands greater fidelity from the recording equipment, and also from all the reproducing units. Each of the transmitters in use by the National Service and all the studio equipment is now capable of transmitting programmes of a fidelity which in some countries is called " high fidelity " or " wide range." FINANCIAL REPORT. Balance-sheets. Under the Broadcasting Act, 1936, all the property of the Broadcasting Board was vested in His Majesty the King, and all rights, liabilities, and engagements of the Board were declared to be rights, liabilities, and engagements of His Majesty. Consequently, the book value of assets and liabilities of the Board at the 30th June, 1936, were taken over by this Department on Ist July, 1936. The fifth balance-sheet of the New Zealand Broadcasting Board as at the 30th June, 1936, was prepared, and was duly audited by the Controller and Auditor-General, and is presented with this report. The Revenue Account of the Board for the six months ended 30th June, 1936, is also presented. Also are submitted, the first accounts of this service under its operation as a Government Department, comprising the Revenue Account for the nine months ended 31st March, 1937, together with a balance-sheet as at 31st March, 1937, certified correct by the Controller and Auditor-General.

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T , Percentage of em ' Programme Time. Music — Serious .. .. .. .. .. . • • • . ■ •. 25-415 Light .. .. .. • • • • • ■ • • • • • • 43 • 321 Modern dance .. .. .. .. .. •• •• •• 3-751 Old-time dance . . .. .. .. . . . ■ . • . • 0 • 220 Plays and sketches.. . . . . .. . . .. .. . . 5 • 354 Sporting commentaries . . .. . . . . . . .. .. 2 • 280 Talks: General; educative (including school broadcasts) .. .. ... 3-514 News, weather and market reports, announcements, &c. .. .. .. 6-748 Church and devotional services .. .. .. .. .. .. 3-566 Children's session .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4-746 Miscellaneous .. .. .. .. .. . • .. 1-075 100-000