50 years of broadcasting

50 YEARS OF BROADCASTING IN NEW ZEALAND -

At a dinner held in Wellington on August 28th, 1975, to mark the 50th anniversary of radio in New Zealand. The following ex-administrator's and present members of staff spoke. They are:
1) P J Downey, the Chairman of RNZ, gives some personal recollections of radio's early years. Mentions Dave & Dave, Scrim and the Friendly Road. Talks about today's slogan for radio, "Radio Is Better" and how it has three functions, entertainment, education and information. The keynote for today's radio is independence.
2) J H Hartstonge, the Director General of RNZ, in proposing a jubliee toast to broadcasting, pays a brief tribute to the work of former directors.
3) C G Scrimegour, the former Director of Commercial Radio, replies on behalf of commercial radio. He talks about the difficulties radio experienced in the 1930's and the fight to establish commercial radio. He compliments RNZ on its bright new style.
4) J Hall, the former Deputy Director of RNZ, replies on behalf of National Radio. Talks about his early personal history, early radio history, mentioning Professor Jack, and compares television and radio.
5) Gilbert Stringer the former Director General of the NZBC, talks a little about his personal history. He regrets the restructuring of the NZBC and is sorry for the present staff who are responsible for the re-organisation. Believes that politics should be kept out of broadcasting. NB. Ends abruptly.