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A compilation of three interviews about early radio in New Zealand.
1. Lionel Slade, one time manager of station 3YA, recalls early broadcasting in Christchurch and the first time he heard Professor Jack's experimental broadcasts from Otago University. Jack was presented with an engraved walking stick to mark the event by the Christchurch Radio Society.
He recalls holding a stand at church bazaars to promote radio for 3AC and people refused to believe that the music they were hearing was "coming through the air" and would hunt for a hidden gramophone.
He talks about 3AC, the first station run by Christchurch Radio Society, then J.I. Smaill began to run his own station as 3YA. Next A.R.(Ambrose) Harris got in touch with him. They tried to get Mayor Fletcher and the City Council interested in radio. Mr Climie of the Progress League was supportive but not the Mayor.
Harris had visited America and learnt about radio there and other pioneers were setting up stations in Auckland and Wellington.
Len Ball, Don Steel and the Radio Society set up 3YA for A.R. Harris while Mr Slade kept running 3AC.
The Radio Society had a rule that no member could be a retailer or anyone making a profit out of radio. Another man (Mr Hepburn?) adds that the society petered out after World War II.
(Recorded in the 1960s.)
2. A.E. H. Simpson talks about the New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch in 1906. The Marconi Company sent out two ships' radio transmitting and receiving stations which were set up at the exhibition and at the Islington Freezing Works, as they were the only places which had a sufficient electrical supply. They were operated by Mr E.A. Shrimpton and Mr Dowsett of the Post and Telegraph Service.
In Wellington, in 1921-1922 he obtained permission to set up early Wellington radio stations in Courtney Place, Newtown and Kent Terrace. He gives some details about the stations and personalities involved. (Recorded in the 1960s.)
3. Sir William Goodfellow tells of setting up the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand, plans to establish a radio station for dairy farmers in Waikato and unfair treatment by the Gordon Coates' government. (Recorded 09 Feb 1967.)