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93. A rediffusion system is capable of giving the most satisfactory results, but a test is desirable before entering into an agreement. agreement with the company should ensure the continuance of the full re- diffusion of schools broadcasting for a term of years, and the maintenance of school equipment, and also bring private schools within its scope as well as Government, Government-aided and Subsidised schools.

940 In rural areas ordinary receiving sets will be necessary, and where reception is spoilt by screening good aerials will be needed. Installation should be done school by school, with careful testing, and by no wholesale method.

95. In the rehabilitation of old schools, and in the erection of new, it is desirable that all classrooms should be wired.

96. It is most important that arrangements should be made for the mainten- ance and repair of equipment, particularly in rural schools.

Using the Broadcasts in the Classroom,

97. Teachers and students in training should receive some guidance as to how to make use of broadcasts. I recommend that both Northcote Training College, and the Rural Training College should include the use of school broadcasts in their curriculum, and that the subject should be included in any vacation courses organised by the Education Department.

Finance.

98. The cost of staff as suggested above can be estimated at $50,000 a year to begin with, with an additional $25,000 when further appointments are made as suggested. Fees to script writers and artists may be estimated at $10,000, rising to $20,000. Other recurrent expenditure will include $3,000 for re- cording discs of which a large number will be required if the majority of broadcasts are to be recorded. A suite of studios, consisting of one large studio, one talks studio, and a control panel with turntables, will be re- quired in addition to the present accommodation of Z.B.W. and Z.E.K.

Date of Opening a Service.

99. I understand that it is unlikely that funds will be available on the scale recommended during 1948-49. It is also unlikely that the rediffusion service will be in operation before the 1st of January, 1949.

I recommend, therefore, that an endeavour should be made to open a service of broadcasts to schools as early as possible in the financial year 1949-50.

Action during Intervening period.

100.

I recommend that during the intervening period

(i) Personnel should be earmarked for the appointments suggested

and that if possible they should each spend a minimum of 2 months either with the Schools Department of the B.B.C. or with the Schools Division of Radio Malaya.

(ii) that the wiring of Northcote Training College and the testing

of the rediffusion service should be proceeded with.

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(iii) that the construction of suitable studio accommodation and the

ordering of recording discs should be put in hand before the end of the financial year 1948-49.

(iv) that the Secretary of State should be asked to explore with the

B.B.C. the possibility of instituting a transcription service for Colonial school broadcasting systems.

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