RADIO NOTES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 131, 27 February 1929, Page 7

RADIO NOTES

(By

“Aerial.”)

In a few weeks (the end of March) New Zealand broadcast listeners will be required to renew their licenses. Those who have no desire to figure in the court should take care to renew their licenses in good time. , , , On the conclusion of Monday night s programme by 2YA, Wellington, the 50watt transmitter built up tor the new station, 2YB, at New Plymouth, was given a try-out on the aerial of 2YA, using the Wellington station’s wavelength. Valve set owners could not help noticing the mellow tone and freedom from a trace of harshness in the gramophone records sent out by the new transmitter. Those who are resident somewhat close to 2YA are prone to overload their valves with the powerful reception from the big station, but in the ease of the smaller transmitter there would not be the same tendency owing to the greatly reduced power. Crystal-set owners who heard 2YB were requested to send in a report to 2YA covering the quality of reception, strength, modulation, etc., distance from 2YA, stating also whether crystal is used with or without a valve amplifier. Judging roughly from "Aerial’s” reception of the new transmitter he would say that the technical staff have made an excellent job of its construction. A well-known Wellington medical practitioner reported good loudspeaker reception of the Westinghouse Co.’s broadcast station KDKA, Bast Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., last Sunday afternoon at 4.30 o’clock. The wavelength announced was •142 metres. As reception was almost in the heart of the eity, and as it was broad daylight at the time this was a particularly remarkable feat. KDKA was operating on a dual wavelength, and it was later in the afternoon that Mr. F. W. Seilens, of Northland, received the famous shortwave rebroadcast by KDKA of Lieutenant Byrd's messages from the Bay of Whales in the Antarctic. Reception by the Wellington doctor was even more wonderful, being accomplished on the ordinary broadcast wavelength. He was operating an all-electric six-valve receiving set. Atmospheric conditions have so much improved lately that the Australian stations are now available for entertainment to those who own good multivalve receiving sets. From about 10.30 p.m. onwards 2BL, Sydney, is obtainable with good loudspeaker strength, with 2FC, Sydney, almost equal in volume after 11 p.m. The Melbourne stations, 3LO and 3AR, are available with satisfactory volume after 11 p.m„ although 3LO is nearly double the strength of 3AR. 4QG, Brisbane, is rather unsatisfactory, being somewhat louder than 3LO on certain nights and on others much inferior. The Japanese stations are also somewhat irregular, being audible occasionally from the loudspeaker, but more often during the past week they have not | been obtainable. ’ „ Country listeners who hear KFON, California, cannot understand why that station is not received by more residents in Wellington. “Aerial” sought and found KFON a few evenings ago, but owing to a power leakage which seems to have its peak round about the wavelength of KFON the musle of that station was almost completely blurred rout. The Commonwealth Postmaster-General is calling for tenders for one, two or four broadcast stations, having a power, of 3000 watts in the aerial, or with a power of 5000 watts in the aerial. They will be used for broadcasting when the Commonwealth Government assumes control of broadcasting next July. The specifications "outline the main features of a plant for radio telephone broadcasting, which shall provide high quality transmission as a unit in a national broadcasting service”; aud it is interesting to note that the lowest power specified (three kilowatts in the aerial) is greater than that of any existing Australian A class station. No indication of the sites for the new stations and studios is given; but the locations will be given to the contractor after the contract has been accepted. The Department will supply buildings, furnishing, etc., and electric power from the mains of the power authorities. The Commonwealth Government will also shortly invite tenders for the supply of programmes. The Increase in the power of the Australian stations is Indeed welcome news to NewZealand listeners. The claim is made that 3LO, Melbourne, is listened to by more people per quota to population than any other broadcasting station in the world. This extraordinary fact has been stated many times by the directors of 3LO, but now, it is claimed, it has received ofllcial confirmation by the Commonwealth Postmaster-General, who has issued a statement showing that as a result of his investigations the quota of licenses to population in the various countries is as follow:—

•White population. It is estimated that in the United States of America 6.59 of the population have wireless receiving sets, and in Germany 4.85. On the other hand the fact is overlooked that there is more than an “A” class broadcast station in Melbourne, for 3LO is assisted by 3AR. Further, a large number of listeners in northern Victoria are bound to tune tn the Sydney stations 2FC and 2BL, and It could not be said definitely that they listen more often to 3LO, Melbourne, than to the Sydney stations. The figures, however, demonstrate that listening-in throughout the State of Victoria has attained extraordinary popularity. Following upon the co-ordination of the Australian broadcast services as directed by the Commonwealth PostmasterGeneral the increase in the issue of licenses became very marked and particularly in South Australia and Tasmania. Immediately 3LO, Melbourne, assumed control of SCL, Adelaide, and 7ZL, Hobart, in the month of May, 1928, the programmes underwent a complete change and the transfer of artists from one station to the other was greatly appreciated by listeners. The issue of licenses increased rapidly and in spite of the inconveniences and difficulties caused by the disastrous fire which completely destroyed the studio, control room and offices of SCL, Adelaide, the quota of licenses to population in South Australia soon became second only to that in Victoria, which has the largest quota to population in the world. The Sydney “Wireless Weekly” says:— “In England a British Broadcasting Corporation official stated that the radio drama of the future will contain more psychology than action; and prophesies a return of the soliloquy. This is interesting, because the New Zealand station 2YA has been broadcasting scenes from the plays of William Shakespeare, acted by Mr. Allan Wilkie and his company. Now, Shakespeare is essentially the dramatist of the mind, and his soliloquies are many and very beautiful. Moreover, Shakespeare is essentially the poet. He wrote for stages without scenery, and made up for his lack of background and atmosphere with the perfection of his metaphors. We may see a great revival. It will be Interesting to know how the New Zealand Company’s broadcast came through.” The Sydney editor will be interested to know that the Shakespeare broadcasts by 2YA, Wellington, were an unqualified success, letters from listeners hundreds of miles away testifying to its excellence. Many Wellington people will recollect the tiny boy, dressed in a white uniform, who, as drum-major, marched through the city streets, at the head of the Australian boys who passed through Wellington a few weeks ago from Sydney bound for the United States by the R.M.S. Makura. A San Francisco correspondent writes: — “Norman Law, the eleven-year-old drummajor of the party of 160 Australian boys who are now making a tour of the United States on a good-will tour, recently made his radio debut over KGO, Oakland, California. To the surprise of the staff at the General Electric Station. Norman said more than the customary ‘Hollo. He told the radio audience that he and his follow comrades were in the United States to unite hearts, hands mid sentiments of two countries. KGO was swamped with telephone calls, telegrams and letters as a result of his talk.” San Francisco went wild over the boys, who Included a few New Zealanders, and made unsuccessful efforts to make the boys their guests for several weeks. „ , A new announcer at 2BL, Sydney, is Mr. A. C. C. Stevens, who has had a varied career. He saw active service as an officer in the Royal Field Artillery in the Boer War, served five years with the West African Frontier Force, went to Australia and played In J. C. Williamson's dramatic and Royal Comic Opera Companies. Mr. Stevens also settled in New Zealand for a while. He says:—“ln New Zealand I decided to try my hand at farming and left the stage to go Into partnership with an old friend. We ran a dairy farm at Pnpatoetoe, near Auckland. , Tills was the hardest work I have ever done. upon the arrival of Lord Kitchener to advise on defence matters, trained officers were tn great demand apd I wns appointed to tne New Zealand Staff Corps, and served with them right up to the Armistice, 1918. wtien I resigned to enter civil life as a journal--Ist In Sydney. I left the army after,lß years’ service with the rank of captain. SdrAw, bws ass? B

Mr C R. Hall, who won the Radio Kisteaafod in the section devoted to impromptu announcers. Wellington listeners recently heard Mr. Hall’s description pi. a city newspaper going to press, which was very vivid.

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES

Following are the broadcast programmes for to-day (Wednesday, February -7) •

2YA, WELLINGTON.—SiIent. IYA, AUCKLAND (333 metres).—3 p.m.: Afternoon session, selected studio items. 4.0: Literary selection by the announcer. 4.8: Studio items. 4.20: Sports results to hand. 4.30: Close down. 6.0. Children’s session, conducted by Unclelom. 7.0: Close down. 7.1 o: Talk, Mr. Nor man Kerr, “Physical Culture.’ <.BO. News and market reports. 7.40. Close down. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Overture The Orchestra, "Light Cavalry (Suppe). 8.11. Vocal quartet. The Olympians, Ihe Sun will soon be Shining in the Sky (Long). 8.15: Contralto solo, Miss Martha Williamson, "My Ain Wee Hoose” (Munro). 8.19. Orchestral novelty, International Orchestra. “El Clioclo” (Villoldo). (H.M.V. E 4364) 8.23: Baritone solo, Mr. Geoffrey Colledge, "A Bachelor Gay” (Tate). 8.27: One-act comedy, Auckland Comedy Plavers. under Mr. J. F. Montague, “The Perfect Cook.” 8.47: Orchestral suite. The Orchestra, "Suite le Cid” (Massenet). 8.57: Soprano solo, Miss Dorothy Youd, “My Heart is Singing” (Grant). 9.1: Evening forecast and announcements. 9.3: Chorus with Orchestra, Orchestral Light Opera Company, “Gems from The Blue Mazurka" (Lehar). 9.7: Tenor solo, Mr. Lambert Harvey, “As You Pass By” (Russell). 9.11: One-act comedy, Auckland Comedy Players, under Mr. J. F. Montague, "The Followers.” 9.36: Contralto solo, Miss Martha Williamson, “Hoea Ra” (traditional). 9.40: 'Cello and orchestra. The Orchestra, (a) “Star of Eve” (Wagner): (b) “Gondoliera” (Mosakowski). 9.52: Baritone solo, Mr. G. Colledge, “Just a Ray of Sunshine” (Clarke). 9.55: Soprano solo. Miss Dorothy Youd, “Garden of Happiness” (Wood). 9.58: Musical comedy selection, The Orchestra, “Maid of the Mountains” (Tate). 10.8: Tenor solo, Mr. Lambert Harvey, “Gingham Gown” (Penn). 10.11: Vocal quartet, The Olympians, “Robinson Crusoe’s Isle” '(Stoltz). 10.15: “God Save the King.” 3YA, CHRISTCHURCH (306 metres).—3 p.m.: Afternoon session, selected studio items. 4.25: Sports results. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children's session, conducted by Big Brother. 7.15: News session. 7.30: Addington stock market reports. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Overture, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, "Poet and Peasant” (Suppe) (Columbia Record 02618). 8.9: Soprano solo, Miss Hilda Hutt, “Open Thy Blue Eyes” (Massenet). 8.13: Tenor solo, Mr. T. G. Rogers, “To Daisies” (Quilter). 8.17: Saxophone solo, Rudy Wiedoeft, "Melody” (Dawes) (Columbia Recqrd Q 1180). 8.20: Contralto solo, Miss Nellie Lowe, “In the Great Unknown" (D’Hardelot). 8.24: Recitals, Miss Mavis Ritchie, (a) “The Bobolink” (Aldine), (b) “My Financial Career” (MS). 8.31: Orchestral selection. Studio Orchestra tinder the conductorship of Mr. Harold Beck, “Gordon Knot” (Purcell). 8.41: Vocal quartet, Duleet Quartet, “The Old Folks at Home” (Cornwell). 8.45: Baritone solos, Mr. A. G. Thompson (a) “Ari Episode" (Lohr), (b) “I Have a Garden Fair” (Wright). 8.51: Violin solo, Toscha Seidel, “Chanson Arabe” (RimskyKorsakov), (Columbia Record 09305). Chorus with orchestra, La Scala Chorus, “Otello —La Tempesta" (Verdi) (Columbia Record 02723). 8.59: Weather report 0.0: Orchestra selections, Studio Orchestra, (a) “Barcarolle” (“Tales of Hoffman”) (Offenbach), (b) “Idyl” (Bainton) (flute soloist, Mr. W. Hay), (c) “Norwegian Dance No. 2” (Grieg). 9.10: Contralto and baritone duet, Dulcet Duo, “Nile Waters” (Lohr). 9.14: Organ solo, G. T. Pattman, “Humoresque” (Dvorak) (Columbia Record 02686). 9.18: Soprano solo, Miss Hilda Hutt, “Ave Maria” (Kahn). 9.22: Chorus with orchestra, Cavre Souris Coy., “Round the Hay Wain” (Russian song) (Columbia Record 02525). 9.28: Tenor solo, Mr. T. G. Rogers, “Serenade” (Tsehaikowsky). 9.30: Humorous musical monologue. Miss Mavis Ritchie, “Rosie’s Relations” (MS). 9.34: Orchestral, Studio Orchestra, (a) “Valse” (“Copnella”) (Delibes), (b) “Hero’s March” (Mendelssohn). 9.44: Contralto solo, Miss Nellie Lowe, “Buy My Strawberries” (“Songs of Old London”) (Oliver). 9.50: Saxophone solo, Rudy Wiedoeft, “La Clnquantaine” (Arranged Wiedoeft) (Columbia Record 4037). Orchestral, Orchestral Symphonique de Paris, “L’Arlesienne la Cuisine de Castelet” (Bizet) (Columbia Record 01326). 9.57: Baritone solo and ehorus, Mr. A. G Thompson and Dulcet Quartet, (a) “Over the Desert” (Kellie), (b) “Home, Sweet Home” (Rimbault). 10.2: Close down. 4YA, DUNEDIN (463 metres).—7.o p.m.: Town Hall chimes. 7.1: Request gramophone concert. 7.40: News session. 81 - Orchestral—Dajos Bela Orchestra, “Eld, gaffein” (Landen) (Parlophone Record A 4009). Waltz—Dajos Bela Orchestra, “The Swallows” (Strauss) (Parlophone Record A 4010). 8.9: Bass solo—Mr. J. Ferguson, "The Bandolero” (Stuart). 8.18: Recital—Miss Nancy Ayson, “Again” (Anon). 8.18: Soprano solo—Miss Vala G. McCurdy, "Roberto Tu Che Adoro” (Meyerbeer). 8.22: Pianoforte solo—Mrs. Ernest Drake, "Gavotte” (Gluck-Brahips). 8.27: Special presentation of the Potted Pantomime, "Sinbad” (Rome) by the Mummers. 8.50: Mezzo-soprano solo—Miss Winifred Collier, "When AB Was Young” (“Faust”) (Gounod). 8.54: Cinema organ solo—Eddie Horton, “The Adorable Outcast” (Hayes) (Parlophone Record A 2557). Tenor solo—Nino Wderle, “The Barber of Seville” (Rossini), (Parlophone Record A 4039). 9.0: Weather report. 9.2: Soprano solos—Miss Valda G. McGurdy, (a) “Bird Songs at Eventide” (Coates): (b) "Fiddler of June” (Elliott). 9.9: Tenor solo —Fred Williamson, “Side by Side” (Foxtrot), (Woods) (Parlophone Record A 2506). Orchestral—Grand Symphony Orchestra, “In a Monastery Garden” (Ketelbey) (Parlophone Record A 4000). 9.17: Bass solos—Mr. J. Ferguson, (a) "As You Pass By” (Russell); (b) “Cloze Props” (Charles). 9.24: Recitals—Miss Nancy Ayson, (a) "The Four Prayers” (Anon); (b) “To-night” (Shelley). 9.27: Mezzo-soprano solos—Miss Winifred Collier, (a) “Morning” (Speaks); (b) “In An Old-fashioned Town” (Squire). 9.34: Overture—H.M. Coldstream Guards, “Der Frieschutz” (Weber) (H.M.V. Record C 1325). “H.M.V.” Dance Programme. Foxtrot with vocal chorus —Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra, “My Pet” (Yellen) (H.M.V. Record EA373). Foxtrot—Ted Weein's Orchestra, “Baby Doll” (Herscher) (H.M.V. Record EA 433). Foxtrot with vocal chorus —Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra, “I’m Afraid of You” (Davis) (H.M.V. Record EA373). 9.47: Entertainer—Will Gardner, "That’s Another One Gone” (Darewski) (Zonophone Record 5079). Vocal duet—Jim Miller and Charlie Farrell, “The Grass Grows Greener” (Yellen) (Zonophone Record EE100). Foxtrot— Ted Weem’s Orchestra, “If You Want The Rainbow” (Rose) (H.M.V. Record EA433). Foxtrot with vocal chorus—Rhythmic Eight, “You Don’t Like It, Not Much” (Miller)’ (Zonophone Record EE96). Waltz —Pennsylvania Orchestra, “Was It a Dream?” (Yellen) (H.M.V. Record EA335). 10.4: Tenor with violin and piano—Browning Mummery, “Had You But Known” (Denza) (H.M.V. Record 82750). Hawaiian selection — Honolulu Serenaders, “Honolulu Stomp” (Philipo) (Zonophone Record EE92). Foxtrot—Nat Shilkret’s Orchestra, “Dainty Miss” (Barnes) (H.M.V. Record EA276). Hawaiian selection—Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra, “Hawaiian Dream” (Marple) (Zonophone Record EE 56). 10.18: Male voices—The Revellers, “Was It a Dream?” (Coslow) (H.M.V. Record EA 402). Bass-baritone solo—Peter Dawson, “The Admiral’s Yarn” (Rubens) (H.M.V. Record B2(i61). Wurlltzer organ solo—Jesse Crawford, “Rosette” (Newman) (H.M.V. Record EA4OS). Foxtrot— Pennyslvania Orchestra, “The Grass Grows Greener” (Yellen) (H.M.V. Record EA335). Hawaiian selection —Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra, “Song of Hawaii” (Bories) (H.M.V. Record EA276). 10.32: Male quartet—The Rounders, “Chloe” (Kahn) (H.M.V. Record EA4O2). Foxtrot—Victor Orchestra, “What Do We Do On a Dew-Dew-Dewy Day?” (Johnson) (H.M.V. Record EA244). Foxtrot—Victor Orchestra. “The Doll Dance” (Brown) (H.M.V. Record EAISI). Waltz—Bert Firman’s Dance Orchestra, "Sunset Down In Somerset” (Evans) (Zonophone Record EE96). 10.45• Tenor solo—Joseph Hislop, "Mary” Richardson) (H.M.V. Record DA9OI). Hawaiian—Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra, "Honolulu Moon” (Lawrence) (Waltz) (Zonophone Record EES6). Foxtrot—Victor Orchestra "Flapperette” (Greer) (H.M.V. Record EA181). Foxtrot— Hamp’s Kentucky Serenaders, “Is It Possible ?" (Dixon) (H.M.V. Record EA244). ,10.58: Comedian —Clarkson Rose, "Want To Be Alone With Mary Brown” (Gilbert) (Zonophone Record 5145). Wurlitzer organ soloJesse Crawford. “For Old Time s Sake (De Sylva) (H.M.V. Record EA4Oo). 11.4: Close down. , _ 2FC, SYDNEY (442 metres).—B p.m. till 11.45 p.m. , t „ ~,, 2BL, SYDNEY (349 metres).—B p.m. till midnight. , .... 2GB, SYDNEY (316 metres,'.—< p.m. till 10 3L™‘MELBOURNE (317 metres)—B p.m. ti BA I R, tI MELBOURNE (484 metres)—B p.m. 11 4QG, BRISBANE (385 metres).—B p.m. ti Note.—New Zealand time is two kemx-

Licenses in Percentage to popuCountry. force. latlon. England, and Wales (to 31/1/28) 2,375,342 5.79 Scotland (to 31/10/28) ... 178,000 3.56 Northern Ireland (to 31/1/28) 27,000 2.16 Irish Free State (to 30/9/28) 25,020 0.88 Union of South Africa (to 30/9/28) 16,855 •1.00 New Zealand (to 30/9/28) 40,620 2.78 India (to 3/6/28) 5,083 Australia (to 31/1/20) .... 289,165 4.60 Victoria ... 141,279 8.08