24 MAY THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 1707

Tribunal having noted with regret that some stations in times of economy had reduced their news services, stations had reduced news staff and news services have declined.

He noted that the private stations’ teleprinter network for national news had never been satisfactory, partly because locally competing stations were reluctant to disclose stories to each other and in some areas staffing deficiencies prevented the local station from providing a proper supply of news stories. The result was that many stations elected to cover stories from a distance by telephone which was a time consuming and potentially unprofessional practice.

During the hearing we heard a great deal of evidence both from Mr Mortlock and Mr Smith about the matters raised by the Journalists Union and in particular about local rosters, news staff employed and news staff available at weekends in other stations. We do not intend to traverse that evidence.

It is perhaps sufficient for use to say that Radio Avon has been commended on all sides for its initiative in developing a Parliamentary bureau and a network service for some stations. What concerns the Tribunal is the reluctance of some stations to maintain adequate staff, particularly at weekends. It is clear that networks will not operate satisfactorily unless there is a reciprocal input from local stations. If they are unmanned for news for substantial periods the network will suffer.

While networking will save subediting costs, we do not consider it should be used to reduce reportage of local news whether of local or national importance.

We accept many of the points made by the Journalists Union but also note they are made rather against those who subscribe to the Radio Avon news service than to Radio Avon Ltd., itself.

There is no evidence that Radio Avon has breached its conditions relating to news. Although 2 bulletins planned were not broadcast, the news service proposals in general have been adhered to by the station and the station’s commitment is accepted.

Mr Mortlock made it clear that it is the intention of the company to continue its Parliamentary news service which at present involves 3 journalists, an on-link news service which it provides to Otago Radio Dunedin, Otago Radio Central, Foveaux Radio, 2XS, Radio Hauraki and a planned service for Radio Windy.

It intends to prepare a separate news service primarily for FM stations but which some AM stations may want to take. The copy for news bulletins would be sent by landline to subscribing stations. The news would be read at the recipient station without the use of voice tapes.

As previously commented in a number of decisions, we do not favour a provision that relates to the number of journalists to be employed as a condition of a warrant. The Tribunal is more concerned with the standard and extent of the news output of the station in terms of its news obligations.

We do not consider any condition is needed specifically in relation to news services.

DECISION
THE warrant is renewed for a period of 5 years expiring 13 June 1988.
Dated the 30th day of March 1984.
Signed for the Tribunal:

B. H. SLANE, Chairman.

Notice Under Manapouri - Te Anau Development Act 1963—Operating Guidelines for Levels of Lakes Manapouri - Te Anau

THE Minister of Energy hereby amends the Notice† under Manapouri - Te Anau Development Act 1963—Operating Guidelines for Levels of Lakes Manapouri - Te Anau by deleting paragraph 4 and substituting the following:

Lake Te Anau
Above 202.7 metres

*Periods less than specified in table

To be treated as for Lake Manapouri.

Dated at Wellington this 14th day of May 1984.

†New Zealand Gazette, 3 December 1981, at page 3651.

W. F. BIRCH, Minister of Energy.

Notice by Examiner of Commercial Practices of Consents to Merger and Takeover Proposals

PURSUANT to section 72 (6) of the Commerce Act 1975, notice is hereby given that the Examiner of Commercial Practices has consented to the following merger and takeover proposals.

Person by or on behalf of whom notice was given in terms of section 70 (1) of the Commerce Act 1975

Arthur Yates and Co. Ltd. Proposal Date of Consent
Arthur Yates & Co. Ltd., may acquire 100 percent of the issued share capital in Modern Farm Aids Holdings Ltd. 18 May 1984
Mogal Corporation Ltd. Mogal Corporation Ltd., through its wholly owned subsidiary Mogal Road Ltd., may acquire the business and mobile plant of Groundwork Heavy Haulage Ltd. 18 May 1984
C. F. Herbert C. F. Herbert, Hotelier, Dunedin, may acquire 41 percent of the issued share capital in Wilson Neil Ltd. 14 May 1984

Dated at Wellington this 21st day of May 1984.

R. ORAM, for Examiner of Commercial Practices.

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