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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 288, 5 September 1928, Page 7

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(By

“Aerial.”)

“Music-Lover” (Kilblrnie) writes:— “Will someone kindly tell a certain very excellent announcer how to pronounce carillon ?” “Cord” (Newtown) writes at considerable length praising the children’s session at 2YA, Wellington. He thinks “Uncle Toby’’ and •‘Uncle Ernest” unparalleled among the New Zealand “uncles.” “Cord” concludes: “My kiddies regard both gentlemen as super-beings and they count the minutes until the kiddies sessions com. mence.”

“Lynx” (Kilbirnie” writes:—“We have seen a good deal of criticism of the pronunciation Ox speakers at 2 YA, Wellington, but there are others. On Friday evening when another New Zealand station was closing down the announcer gave us somewhat of a shock by saying ‘airyodrome.’ I say ‘shock,’ as that particular announcer claims to be an.authority on elocution. If the mispronunciation were a slip of the tongue I advise the gentleman to be more careful in future.” At 5.5 p.m. last Saturday, the writer, while combing the ether, stumbled across some howling valves on about 240 metres. The attraction resolved itself into the Dunedin station, 4ZL, relaying PCJJ, Holland, reception was of weak loud-speaker strength and there was a good deal of characteristic surging on the part of PCJJ. As an entertainment for Wellington listeners it was of no value, but as a “stunt” is was interesting enough. The great pleasure derived from the Sunday afternoon gramophone concerts by 2YA, Wellington, is again testified to by another batch of letters received by A number of carrespondents urge the more liberal employment of gramophone items in the evening programmes of 2YA, Wellington, especially those records which have just been released. “Turntable” (Kelburn) writes: “Under the new system of electrical recording the best gramophone items are now a veritable treat, and even those who own gramophones are anxious to hear more records in the evening sessions. We all are particularly .interested in what is now on the record market, and I know of many records being purchased through first hearing them from 2 YA, Wellington.” “Aerial” learns that the Broadcasting Co. is aware of this growing desire to hear the world’s most famous artists over the air, and arrangements have been made to cater for the demand by broadcasting the choicest of the newest records. Static and weak conductivity of the ether last Saturday evening caused din? appointment to those who habitually hear the Australian stations. At nightfall static was only moderate, but the Australian stations were weak and required careful tuning to get the peak of their transmission. As the night proceeded, static increased steadily, until by 11 p.m. it was intolerable and no pleasure could be obtained from listening to the Australians. 3LO, Melbourne, was sending out a thrilling ringside description of a wrestling contest between Mike Yokel and Gardner, but static was in the ascendent. The other trans-Tasman stations had good musical programmes, but it was impossible to face the crashing static. Reception /from across the Tasman was on the whole very good last week until Saturday evening. The Sydney stations, 2BL and 2FC, performed brilliantly. Even SCL, Adelaide, was available on the loudspeaker after 11 p.m. 3AR, Melbourne, continued to suffer from throes of distortion, which disadvantage is to be regretted, as good loud-speaker volume was frequently obtainable, while the programmes are greatly improved of late. 2GB, Sydney, is now a good performer, with plenty of volume, but there is a little too much talk from that station, which, however, 1 is unavoidable as 2GB is a propaganda and advertising station, obtaining no support from listeners’ license fees. The Catholic station, 2UE, Sydney, is a great performer considering that it is operated with relatively low power. The latest news regarding the Eucharistic Congress is given out every evening. Some of the gramophone items from 2UE are of a mature vintage. The writer consistently hears a station on a slightly longer than that of 2GB, Sydney, but the announcer’s voice is much weaker than the music and the call sign has not been intelligible. Looking through the list; of Australian stations it would seem that this station is 3UZ, Melbourne. The Japanese stations were quite loud on most evenings last week. They have a habit of observing intervals which would in some cases account for the failure of some listeners to pick them up. The most consistent Japanese performer has been JOIIK on a wavelength slightly 'shorter than that of 4QG, Brisbane. It is very seldom that JOHK cannot be picked up after 10.30 p.m.. It will be the experience of some to find it difficult to separate JOHK from 4QG. The same will apply to JOBK (400 metres). JOAK (345 metres) is about the second loudest Japanese station, but it, too, is rather close to another Australian station, 2BL, Sydney (34J metres). Still, many sets can disentangle JOAK from 2BL. An aerial which is rather too long makes tuning broad, but as a long aerial gives some advantage in volume for long-distance- reception many listeners prefer their aerial to be rather long. 3LO, Melbourne, is now giving good results, and one can overlook the surfeit of dance music from that station in view of the quality of the concert Items. Several radio enthusiasts have mentioned to the writer the unnecessary custom of keening the wave of 2YA, Wellington, on tlio air for as long as twenty minutes between 7.40 and 8 o'clock in the evening on frequent occasions. One reason for objection to this custom is that the Sydney station 2FC, which is giving out important news at that period, is blotted out by the wave of 2YA, which is simply running idly. It is also pointed out that reception of Australia is a potent factor in increasing the popularity ot broadcast listening. Any'trader will admit that he cannot sell a multi-valve set unless he can guarantee ‘ reception of Australian stations. Therefore as reception of Australia is popular and means more licence fees for the Broadcasting Campany it is to the company’s pecuniary advantage to avoid blanketing the Australian stations unnecessarily. Take, for example, last Saturday evening at twenty minutes to 8 o’clock, it was announced from 2YA, Wellington, that the station would close down till 8 p.m. The closing down was merely a figure of speech, for the wave of 2YA continued, as usual, to run "empty until the twenty minutes bad elapsed. On Saturday evening great interest centred on any announcements by the Australian stations regarding the proposed flight ot the “Southern Cross,” and were eagerly sought by New Zealand listeners. true, 2BL, Sydney, was heard to announce the postponement of the flight, but 2FC, Sydney, was expected to make further refetence to the flight, and many scores of listeners residing close to 2YA, Wellington, found 2FC, Sydney, overshadowed by the idle wave of 2YA. Then, also, Australian sporting and other news from 2FC, is eagerly sought by many listeners. There is another aspect of the idle running of the wave of 2YA, M ellington, which may concern the operation ot _iA more intimately, and that is the unnecessary cost of running idly which in a year must accumulate to a substantial sum in electric power, wear on valves and is no section of the community more interested in the projected Tasman flight bv the Southern Cross tliun broadcast listeners. The New Zealand broailcast stations have been on the alert night after night, ready to take up the running the moment the welcome news of the hopoff is flashed across the Tasman. 1 lie staffs of the Dominion stations have been keyed up tor an all-night session, but the pranks of the weather have been so protracted that the great adventure has hud to be postponed from day to day. However, when the attempt commences the Broadcasting Company will sweep the ether with IYA, 2YA, and 31A, with up-to-minute reports of the progress of the flight from start to finish. Wellington listeners have observed a marked improvement in the quality of the transmission by 2YA Wellington lately. The station is now'much more pleasing in tone, and the tendency to blast seems tO A b matter which engaged the careful consideration of the Wellington Radio Society’s executive at its recent meeting was a document setting out proposals for the formation of a "Radio Institute of New Zealand.” The executive, wliieh is a particularly happy family, had no difficulty In arriving at unanimity in dceidng io refuse 'support to the proposal. The functons of Hie proposed institute are outside the objects of the Radio Society, winch already amplv eaters for the technicallyinclined broadcast listeners witli lectures bv competent men. The broadcast listeners of New Zealand should join societies or form societies whore they do not exist, and these societies should so affiliate with a central organisation which can enable them to speak with one voice on matters affecting their welfare ns broadcast listeners. The hope is widely expressed that before long another conferenc of New Zea_ land radio societies' delegates will be held to form a federated council. It was rather a nitv that the last national conference proved almost abortive, but the chances are that a conference on similar lines would attain the much desired goal. Hie formation ot any institute which exceeds the objects and scope of broadcast listening societies or clubs cannot hope for any support from the executive of the IV ellington Society.

This week has opened with fair reception of the Australian stations. 2BL bydney ,lins now climbed into first place in point of volume, while all the other A class Australian stations have receded a little. A very creditable “stunt ’ was put across after 9 o’clock yesterday morning, when 3YA Christchurch rebroadcast obvy Chelmsford, England, the famous shortwave station. . which was relaying music from 2LO London. Those \yellingtonians who tuned in 3YA were entertained with one of the best rebroadcasts yet accomplished in New Zealand. the strength was splendid, and there was comparatively little fading or distortion considering the distance spanned between England and New Zealand. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES Following are to-ilay’s broadcast programmes:— 2YA WELLINGTON (420 metres). 3 p.m.: Belay description of first lest match, New Zealand versus New South Wales, from Athletic Park. (Announcer, Mr. Chas. Lamberg). IYA AUCKLAND (333 metres).—3 p.m.: Afternoon session, selected studio items. 4: Literary selection by the announcer. 4.5: Further selected studio items. 4—>: Sports results. ■ 4.30: Close down. 6: Children's hour—Uuelc Tom. Opening chorus; story for tiny tots; piano solo, Cousin Elsie, "Rustle of Spring" (Greig); letters and birthdays; record; song. Uncle Tom; piano solo, Cousin Elsie, “The Bells’’; story-time, Uncle Tom; closing chorus. 7.15: Talk by "Gargoyle.” "Valves and Valve Gumming.” 7.30: News and market reports. 8: Chimes. 8.1: Relay of concert by the Auckland Municipal Band, under the conductorship of Mr. C. Smith, assisted from the studio by the following artists: —Baritone solos, Mr. F. Sutherland, (a) “The Fortune Hunter” -(Willeby), (b) "Time to Go" (Sanderson), (c) “Beating up the Channel” (Sanderson); recitations, Mr. Alan McSkimming, (a) “The Field of Waterloo” (Byron), (b) "The Difference (Reynolds), (c) “When Father Rode the Goat.” 10. God Save the King.

3YA CHRISTCHURCH (300 metres).— 2.45 p.m.: Rebroadcast of 2YA, description of first Test, New South Wales v. New Zealand. 3: Afternoon session, selected studio items. 6: Children's session—stories for the girls and boys, Uncle Jack; songs by Cousin Edythe, (a) “Arcadian Lullaby,’ (b) “Pucker Up and Whistle”; recitations and duologues by the “Three Old Maids of Lee”; birthday greetings; good-night song, “Just a Song at Twilight.” 7.15: Addington stock market reports. 8: Chimes. 8.1: Rebroadcast from IYA (conditions permitting). B.G; Baritone songs, Mr. A. G. Thompson, “You Loved the Time of Violets’ (Lohr), (b) “Eyes that Used to Gaze in Mine” (Lohr). 8.12: Pianoforte solos. Miss Aileen Warren, “At Thy Casement” (Mariani). 8.16: Soprano .songs, Mrs. C. L. Crowley, (a) "Thou Art Like a Lovely Flower" (Schumann), (b) “A Spring Night” (Schumann). 8.21: Cornet solo, Mr. S. J. Creagh, “Star of England” (polka) (Brewer). 8.26: Tenor song, Mr. Frank Morrison. "Ou With the Motley (Leoncavallo). 8.30: Instrumental trios, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio, “Poco Adagio” and "Rondo AH’ongarese" (Haydn). S.3S: Contralto solo. Miss Nellie Lowe, “Softly Awakes My Heart” (SaintSaens). 8.42: Recitation, Miss Naare Hooper, “Balcony Scene” from “Romeo and Juliet” (Shakespeare). 8.48: Bells, “Dance California” (Gregory). 8.52: Contralto and baritone duet, The Dulcet Duo, MBarcarolla" (Gounod). 8.56: Weather report. 8.55: Overture. 9.6: Baritone songs, Mr. A. G. Thompson, (a) "Tally Ho” (Leoni), (b) selected. 9.13: Pianoforte solo, Miss Aileen Warren, “Widmung (“Devotion") (Schumann). 9.19: Soprano songs, Mrs. C. L. Crowley, “Wings” (d’Hardelot), (b) “Open Thy Blue Eyes, Mv Beloved” (Massenet). 9.23: Cornet solo. Mr. S. J. Creagh. "Miranda’’ (Code). 9.28; Humorous recitation, Miss Naare Hooper, cautionary tale, “Jim” (Belloc). 9.32: Instrumental trio. Christchurch Broadcasting Trio, "Angels Guard Thee” (Godard). 9.41: Contralto song. Miss Nellie Lowe, “Hindoo Song” (BembergJ. 9.45: Xylophone solo, H.M.V. record, “Heather Bells” (Losey). 9.49: Tenor songs. Mr. Frank Morrison, (a) “At Dawning." (b) "Oh Lovely Night” (Ronald). Announcement. God Save the King.

4YA, DUNEDIN (463 metres).—7 p.m.: Town Hall chimes. .7.1: Request gramophone concert. 7.40: News session—Burnside stock report. 8.0: Town Hall chimes. 8.1: Relay of orchestral overture from the Octagon Theatre Orchestra, under the direction of Monsieur Henri de Rose, Mils.Bac 8.11: Musical comedy songs—Miss Jacqueline Burke, (a) “D'ye Love Me?” (Kern); <l>) “Two Little Blue Girls” (Kern). 8.18: Jazz piano solo. Mr. T. V. Anson. "Mama’s Gone Young" (Weston). 8.23: Humorous Scottish song and putter, Mr. .1. Paterson, “I Belong to Glasgow” (Fyffe). 8.28: .Humorous sketch,, Miss Billie Lorraine and Major F. H. Lumpen, selected 8.27: Piano-accordion solos, Mr. E. Heaney, (a) "O Solo Mio” (Di Capua): (b) “Proud Maislc.” 8.43: Humorous songs at the piano. Miss Eileen Cooper, (a) “Oh. the Waltz” (Brunnell), (b) “The Egg” (Newman). 8.50: Guitar duet. Messrs. Tyrie and Maitland. “Puu Carnation.” 8.53: Popular song-hit. Mr. Billy Guy, “Just Like a Fool” (Philwin). S.SS: 'Weather forecast. 0.0: Relay of orchestral music from the Octagon Theatre. 0.10: Popular song, Miss Jacqueline Burke, “Through the Night” (Logan). 9.14: Jazz piano solo, Mr. T. V. Anson. (a) “Sleepy Blues" (Dean), (b) “Me and My Shadow” (Dreyer). 9.22: Humorous Scottish songs. Mr. J. Paterson, (a) "Soosie MeLean” (Lauder), (b) "The Hieland Jazz (Fyffe). 9.30: Piano accordion solo, Mr. E. Heaney, “A Lane in Spain” (Lewis). 9.31: Humorous song at the piano. Miss Eileen Cooper, “Naughty Little Word” (North). 9.38: Humorous sketch, Miss Billie Lorraine and Major Lampen, selected. 9.44: Guitar duets, Messrs. Tyrie and Maitland, (a) “Hilo March.” (b) “Kawaihan Waltz.” 9.51: Popular song-hits. Mr. Billy Gay, (a) “Weary” (Whiting), (b) “Gee! But I’m Lonesome for You”, (Cohn). 10.0: Close down. 2ZF, PALMERSTON NORTH (285 metres).—(l.ls till 7 p.m.: Children’s session. 7 till 9: Musical session. 3ZC, CHRISTCHURCH (250 metres).— Noon till 1 p.m.: News and concert session. 2FC, SYDNEY (442 metres).—B p.m. till 11.45 p.m. 2BL, SYDNEY (349 metres-.—B p.m. till 11.30 p.m. 2GB, SYDNEY (310 metres).—7.ls a.m.: Music. 8.0: Opening Chorus. 8.2: Pianoforte solos by Miss Ruth Pearce Jones. 8.8: Songs by Mr. Leslie Herford. 8.15: Dramatic recital by Mr. Heath Burdock. 5.30: Clarinet solos by Mr. J. Crosby Browne. 8.37: Songs bj' Miss Florence Gordon. 8.45: Address by Professor Ernest Wood. 9.0: Weather report. 9.2: Clarinet. solos by Mr, ,T, Crosby Browne. 9.9: Songs by Mr. Leslie Herford. 9.10: Announcements; Movie Know All. 9.2 G: Pianoforte solos by Miss Ruth Pearce Jones. 9.34: Humorous recital by Mr. Heath Burdock. 9.49: Songs by Miss Florcnee Gordon. 10.0! Close down. 31,0 MELBOURNE (371 metres).—B.l p.m.: Programme arranged by Mary Campbell. of the Albert Street Conservatorium. 10.58 to 11.46: Dance music. 3AR MELBOURNE (484 metres).—B.3o p.m.: Studio Orchestra, overture, "Figaro’ (Mozart), suite, - “Indian Love Lyrics” (Finden). 8.45: Winning choir at. the contest of the Elsternwick-St. Kilda contest, Methodist Church Sunday School Choirs, selections. 8.52; Studio Orchestra, “Entr’acte Pierette” (Finck), “Vaise Caprice” (Rubinstein). 9.2: Choir, selections. 9.10: Studio Orchestra, suite, “Peer Gynt” (Grieg), “Twilight Hour” (Savino). 9.30: Estelle Mark Trio—Estelle Mark, soprano; Margot Sheridan, piano; Cecilia Kilduff, violin: Violin. “Romance" (Peterson-Ber-ger) : song, “Pearls” (11. Oliver); piano, "Moments Musical” (Schubert); song, "Heart is Mine” (Lohr). 9.45: Studio Orchestra. “Four Fancies" (Somerville), rorauce, “Plnisir d’Amour” (Martin). 10: Yetty Landau presents a potted pantomime, “Little Red Riding Hood.” 10 40- Studio Orchestra, selection, "Rose Marie” (Frinil). 10.55: “Age” news service, exclusive to 3AR. 10.58: Weather forecast. 10.59: Our Australian good-night quote. 11: God Save the King. 4QG BRISBANE (385 metres).—B p.m.: A programme of dance music by Aif. Featherstone and his Studio Syncopaters (relayed from Hotel Carlton); between dances, the following will be broadcast from the studio:—Baritone solos, (a) “Are You Singing in the Twilight” (Fisher), (b) "Young Tom o’ Devon” (Russell), Mr. Tom Kelleher (blind baritone); violin solos, (a) “Souvenir" (Drdla), (b) “Romance” (Svensen), Mr. Harold Dickinson (blind violinist); pianoforte solos, (a) "Waltz in A Flat" (Chopin), (b) “Grotesque March” (Slntllng), Mr. Edwin Dickinson (bliud pianist); soprano solo. “Roberto O Tu Che Adore" (from “Roberto 11 Diavolo" (Meyerbeer), Miss Audrey Jones (blind vocalist). 10: From (he studio, the “Dally Mail" news. special news bulletin for distant listeners, officially supplied by “The Queenslander." weather news; elose down. Note. —New Zealand time is an hour and a half ahead of eastern Australian time. ,