F.—l.

The number of prosecutions for the operation of unlicensed receiving-sets during the year was 957, resulting in the imposition of fines totalling £593 16s. sd. It is of interest to note that during the year a radio listener was fined for erecting a wireless aerial across power-lines in the vicinity of his residence. A power fault was caused by the aerial coming into contact with the power-lines. RADIO-DEALERS' LICENSES. The number of radio-dealers' licenses at the 31st March was 1,324, an increase of 9 over the number at the end of the previous year. PRIVATE BROADCASTING-STATIONS. The number of private broadcasting-stations in operation at the 31st March was ten —eleven fewer than the number transmitting at the corresponding date last year. The decrease is due to the National Broadcasting Service having absorbed three stations into the national system and having purchased and dismantled a number of others. The stations merged into the national service were IZM Manurewa, 2ZR Nelson, and 4ZP Invercargill; and those dismantled were 2ZD Masterton, 2ZF Palmerston North ; 2ZL Hastings, 2ZO Palmerston North, 3ZM Christchurch, 4ZL Dunedin, 4ZO Dunedin, and 4ZR Balclutha. PRIVATE EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS. At the 31st March the number of private experimental stations was 1,050, an increase of 52 over the number at the end of the previous year. In July private experimental (amateur) station licensees were given permission to utilize in addition to the frequency bands already available to them, frequencies between 14,150 k/cs. and 14,250 k/cs. for the transmission of type A emissions between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. Previously this particular band of frequencies was available for radio-telegraph transmissions only. The concession, which is granted only to amateurs of proved qualifications and ability, may be withdrawn at any time in the event of interference with other services or of a breach of conditions. INTERFERENCE WITH RADIO-BROADCAST RECEPTION. In spite of the improved reception obtainable as the result of the increase in power of the principal broadcasting-stations, the investigation of complaints of electrical interference with reception continues to occupy the attention of a large number of officers. The number of complaints for investigation received during the year was approximately 3,300, which is identical with the number received during the previous year. The Department has continued its efforts in the direction of endeavouring to have interferencesuppressing filters incorporated by the manufacturers in all classes of electrical equipment likely to produce interference with reception. In almost all cases manufacturers or agents who have been approached have arranged most willingly for such requests to be given effect to, and their action in this connection is much appreciated. Although the Department has statutory power to prohibit the sale of any equipment which causes interference it is not desired to enforce this restriction avoidably, and it is pleasing to report that on no occasion during the year has it been necessary to take legal proceedings.

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