ON ALL WAVELENGTHS

Evening Star, Issue 22685, 26 June 1937, Page 4

ON ALL WAVELENGTHS

NEWS and COMMENTS

by “HENRY”

FROM 4YA NEXT WEEK

CRKKET TEST REBRRADCABTS Monday.—Four songs by English comKsers are to be featured by Alison rie (contralto) during the concert programme, and at 9.5 ‘ The Case of the Night of Dread,’ an Inspector Scott, of Scotland Yard, yarn, is due for presentation. i Tuesday.— To-day’s play in the cricket test match, England v. New Zealand, is to be described by the Empire stations, which will be rebroadcast by 4YA at 5.45 p.m. This Changing World—Virginia Woolf,’ will lie the early talk to be given by Miss Hypatia Johnson. From 9 o’clock British brass bands will b© heard. Wednesday.—A rebroadcast of the test cricket commentary will be car- ' ried out as on the previous day. The variety programme will include items by the Symposians Trio and Muriel Caddie (piano accordionist). The 8.40 talk by a Dunedin barrister will be on ‘ Historical Trials.’ A theme programme, ‘ Village Sketches, will follow. Thursday.—Recorded orchestral presentations will precede Dr V. B. Galway’s ‘ Masterpieces of Music ’ programme. Friday.—There will be another dip into the ‘ Bran Pie ’ before the Japaness ■ houseboy makes his weekly appearance, and an hour of recorded chamber music will commence at 9 o’clock. • • . Saturday.—The 4YA Concert Orchestra, under the direction of James Dixon, will be supported on the concert programme by L. E. Dailey (tenor) and Mrs J. W. Allan (contralto).

EDUCATIONAL DEBIHDN

NEXT HWRMAY'S LEfWNB Next Thursday’s educational broadcasts ito schools from 4YA will contain the following lessons 2 p.m.; ‘The Changing World’ (suitable for Forms I. and IL and post-primary classes). ' 2.10: ‘Talks for Juniors on Eyery- ’ day things (I).’ Sneakers Miss A. Hilliard and Miss D. Appleby. (1) Suitable for upper primers and Standards I. and II.). 2 25: * Travel: Among the Peoples of India and Burmah ’ (5). (Suitable for Forms I. and IL and; post-primary classes). 2.43: ‘ Music for Senior Pupils ’ (5). (Suitabel for Standards HI. and IV. and Forms I. and II.). WLW LINE THE TERM EXfLMNED What do the announcers -mean when thev say: “This is the WLW line”? To radio engineers and announcers it is simple, but to the average ran it S a Why the WLW line at the end of certain programmes? In radio those words constitute a cue. When a studio control engineer, hears the originating announcer say: This is WLW line,” he knows it is time to fr.Je out the programme so that his local announcer may give’station identification. ■ Every network has a definite cue. On National Broadcasting Company programmes the cue is the ringing of three chimes. To the average listener those chimes mean a programme is over, but to the radio engineer and announcer they mean it is time to cut the network programme and give station identifications. “The new WLW line to New York is a means of providing new programme sources rather than a network,” said William S. Hedges, vicepresident of the Crosley Radio Corporation and general . manager of WLW-WSAI-WBXAL. “It was necessary, however, to set up _ a cue to guide other stations on the line that links WHN, New York; WFIL, Philadelphia; KQV, Pittsburgh; and WLW and WSAI, Cincinnati.” In view of '.the fact, however, that many listeners have inquired as to the. meaning, of the sign-off, future cues probably will contain this phrasing: “This is the WLW line to New York,” or “This is the WLW line from New York,” depending upon point of the origin - of the programmes.

“ MAIL BAGGERS'" PICNIC

The third annual WLW “ Mail Baggers’ ” picnic was held on June 12 at Sharon Woods, a vast natural nark east of Cincinnati. Long before the chill of winter had left, “ Mail Baggers ” began writing Miss Betty Arnold, postmistress of the “ Mail Baggers,” about the annual summer picnic. In _ 1935 the first picnic was held near Cincinnati, and it was such a success that it was decided to make it an annual affair. Last year 200 men, women, and children came to Cincinnati to attend the picnic. Some came as far as 300 or more miles.

MOBILE TELEVISION UNIT

CONTROL ROOM, TRANSMITTER, AND POWER SUPPLY A mobile television unit, designed to permit the televising of exterior subjects such as sporting events, ceremonies, and scenes of interest, has been established by the 8.8. C. Three vehicles, each about the size of a large motor coach, make up the unit. One vehicle —and the most important—is, in effect, a mobile television control-room containing all the scanning and amplifying equipment necessary for the operation of j three television cameras. Special multicore flexible cables, which may be of any length up to I,oooft, connect the cameras with the mobile control room. In outside appearance and general size the cameras are similar to a normal cinematograph camera, but contain no moving parts, the action of dissecting the picture for the purpose of television transmission being achieved by the use of the Emitron, which is a purely electronic device and relies for its action upon the movement of a stream of electrons. All thonecessary power supplies for the operation of the Emitron itself and for the associated valve amplifiers contained in the camera are conveyed by means of the multiple cable, which _ is carefully screened to prevent the introduction of electrical interference. Inside the van there is provision for the operation of four microphones, by means of which, the commentators’ descriptions and sound effects may be picked up, in addition to the complicated equipment associated with the television cameras. The whole of the apparatus is mounted on a series of

HEARING THE WORLD

racks down each side of the body of the vehicle, separated by a central aisle. Engineers manipulating the apparatus are able to see the picture being transmitted on one of a pair of picturemonitors'situated high up at the forward end of the van; the second picture monitor, is connected with a preview channel, so that while transmission is being carried out with one camera the picture incoming from the second camera may be previewed to determine its suitability as the next to be transmitted. Two methods of conveying the pic-ture-signal to the television station at Alexandra Park are heipg adopted. One method makes use of a speciallydesigned cable' having characteristics suitable for the transmission of the very wide band of frequencies that is involved. The other involves the use of the second of the three vehicles. This' van contains a complete ultrashort wave transmitting plant, which will be used, with a small, easily-erected, aerial system. Signals from the mobile • control room are applied to this transmitter and radiated from its aerial, being picked up on a small aerial situated on top of the Alexandra Palace mast, immediately above the main transmitter aerial. (By the use of different wave lengths and special filter circuits it is possible to avoid interference between the signal emanating from the mobile transmitter and the same signal being rehroadcast by the Alexandra Palace transmitter. !' The function of the third vehicle of the mobile unit is to render both control room and the ultra-short wave transmitter independent of electrical supply mains. It contains a petrol engme : driven generator capable of supplying the needs of the other two units. Special precautions have to be taken in regulating the speed and governing of the petrol engine and also in the electrical control of the general r, in order that the supply of electricity generated may be free from fluctuations that would adversely affect the operation of the television apparatus.

POOR SIGNALS FROM NORTH AMERICA AUSTRALIANS PROVIDE GOOD DX. North American stations are still providing poor signals, _ and only the higher powered are coming through at any strength. WOAI, San Antonio, Texas (1,190 kc), KOMA, Oklahoma City (1,480 kc), are the best, being heard at 4 p.m.; while KOY, Phoenix, Arizona (1,390 kc), has also been heard about this time; and WSBT, South Bend, Indiana (1,360 kc), has been heard closing at 5.30 p.m. The best time to try for the Cuban station CMCJ, Havana (l,100kc), is about 4 p.m. The Australian stations are the only ones. providing worth-while DX, but sometimes power interference has been almost too much for even these. SUL, Warragul, provided an easy “ scalp ” on l,oookc when it transmitted after its usual closing time on a recent Sunday morning. Several of the seldomheard ones have been received breaking through their frequency i’ivals, these being 4TP, Ipswich, through 2QN when opening at 8 p.m. on 1,440 kc, and 4CA and 4LG, through 2GN, on 1,390 kc, and 7LA on l,looko respectively. It is reported that 2BE, Bega, New South Wales, will commence operating shortly, but no frequency is given LATEST VERIFICATIONS. On Thursday, June 17, 4ZO’s studio was the scene of another meeting of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand DX Radio Association, an excellent attendance being recorded. A few of the excellent verifications on display are given: 2DN. KMA, WBAB, WHBB, KONO, 3UL, 4WK, KHJ, and CRCV. The feature of the evening, shading even tho DX chat, was an address by

Mr A. L. Stanton, who has just re-, turned fx-om a tour of Europe, England, and the United States, on various experiences in the two great cities of the world*—London and New York. The address was interspersed with various amusing incidents, especially in connection with travel in Germany and at the great German Fair at Leipzig, whore the language problem was acute. At the conclusion Mr Stanton was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The competition resulted as follows: Senior.—Australia, Mr A. Greenway (2DN). Europe, Mr A. Hutchison (Lyons). North America, Mr A. Hutchison .(WHBB). Junior.—Australia, Mr F. Wilson (4\VK). The best on broadcast was from WHBB, while Mr J. Robertson HIP card was the best from an amateur short wave station, and the commercial short wave was Mr F. Wilson’s HHX. DISPLAY OF CARDS AND CUPS. The public was given a further opportunity of viewing a very fine display of verifications, cups, and shields, which was on exhibition at the Winter Show, and which was transferred to a Princes street shop window last week. The display was arranged by the Otago district headquarters branch of the New Zealand DX Radio Association. No doubt casual readers of the ‘ Star’s ’ DX column were interested in the character of these verifications, which are frequently referred to.

10.45: Further dance music by Jack Cowdrey and bis band. 11.15: Close down. IYA, Auckland. 4.45: Rebroadcast of commentary on the test match. 6.25: Dinner music. 7: News and reports. 7.30:-Talk on gardening. 8: Chimes. Programme of miscellaneous recordings. 9: Weather; station notices. 9.5: Continuation of recorded programme. 9.12: A. L. M’Pherson (Scottish character artist). 9.27; Further recorded items. 10: Sports summary. 10.10; Dance music. 11.15: Close down. TO-MORROW 4YA, Dunedin. 9: Chimes. Report of play in the first cricket test match. New Zealand v. England. 9.5: Recordings. 10: Report of play in the cricket test. 10.5 s Recordings. 11: Relay of service from the Salvation Army Citadel. 12.15: Close down. 1; District weather forecast. Dinner music. 2: Recordings, including at 2.30, ‘ Symphony No. 4, Op. 98, in E Minor ’ (Brahms). 4.30: Close down. 5.30: Children’s song service. 0.15 : Recordings. 6.30 : Relay of service from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. 7.45: Recordings. 8.30: Excerpts from operas of Germany and Austria. (Weather and station notices at 9.2.) 10: Close down. 4YO, Dunedin. 5.55: Rehroadcast by the Empire station’s' commentary on the first day’s play in tho first cricket match, New Zealand v. England. 6.25: Recordings. 8.30: ‘ln Order of Appearance,’ a programme of recordings. 9: Light instrumental and ballad programme. 10 : Close down. 3YA, Christchurch. 9: Chimes. Report of play in the cricket test. New Zealand v. England. 9.5: Recordings. 10: Report of play in the cricket test. 10.5: Recordings. 11: Relay of service from St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. 12.15: Close down. 1: Dinner music. 2: Recordings. 4.30; Close down. 5.30: Children’s song service. 6.15; Recordings. 6.30: Relay of service from Trinity Congregational Church. 8; Recordings. 9: Weather, station notices. 9.5 ; Then Philips (English lyric soprano) in an operatic recital. 9.20; Recording of two orchestral pieces. 9.25: Studio presentation of the one-act play, ‘ Greater Love Hath No Man,’ by Catherine Brownbill. Performed by the Civic Players. 10: Close down. 2YA, Wellington, 9: Chimes. Report on the first cricket test match, New Zealand v. England. 9.5: Recordings. 10: Further

A RADIO LINK

A Portsmouth (England) mother recently received letters from two sons, one living in Simonstown, South Africa, and the other in Pennsylvania. U.S.A. Both said how much they had enjoyed hearing a commentary from tho Empire broadcasting station at Daventry on a football match between Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion. Her third son had actually been present at tho game.

TUITION BY WIRELESS

School broadcasts arc in the experimental stage in New South Wales, but the 'Education Department has been able to judge their effect upon teachers and children to some extent. It does not need to bo emphasised that most of the children enjoy the diversion provided by wireless, but some of the teachers, although supporting the principle, are not sure whether the broadcasts are tho best that could be given. Teachers say that the dramatic presentation of incidents and facts of educational value are extremely helpful as long as they are followed up. It is realised that it is up to the teacher to see that the lessons given over the wireless are followed l up and made the most of. One of the troubles is tho poor reception in some of the country districts. No doubt teachers’ nerves are jaded enough without having to listen to savage noises caused- by static. One school has protested against the stopping of a broadcast to make way for a test match ball-to-ball description. It can be taken for granted that the children were not associated in the protest.

THE PHO6RAWS

TO-HIGHT 4YA, Dunedin. 4.30: Rcbroadcnst of a running commentary on the first Rugby football test match,'Australia versus South Africa, at Sydney. (4YO: Children’s session.) 6.10: Dinner music. 7: News and reports. 7.30: Talk on cricket by Mr G. A. Wycherley, ‘ Cricket —New Zealand v. England, at Lord’s To-day.’ 8: Chimes. 4YA Concert Orchestra, conducted by -James Dixon, plays selections from Cochrane revues. 8.10: James Macfarlane (tenor). 8.16; Tho orchestra in two light pieces. 8.24: Recordings of soprano. 8.34: The orchestra presents a suite by Quiltor. 8.46: James Macfarlane (tenor). 8.52: The orchestra. 9: Weather; station notices. Description of professional wrestling match, relayed from the Town Hall, followed by old-time dance music by the Revellers’ Dance Band. 11.30: Close down. 4YO, Dunedin. 5: Children’s session, conducted by Cousin Molly. C: Close down. 7: After-dinner music. 8: ‘ Vaudeville of the Air,’ a bright, popular entertainment. 9; Old-time dance music by the Revellers’ Dance Band. 10 (aoprox.) : Comedy and light music. 10.30: Close down. 3YA, Christchurch. 4.45: Rebroadcast of a running commentary on the first Rugby test match, Australia v. South Africa. (Children’s session from 3YL.) 6.25: Dinner music. 7: News and reports. 7.30: Time signal. 8; Chimes. Programme of miscellaneous recordings. 9; Weather; station notices. 9.5: 3YA Orchestra, conducted by Gil Dech. 9.13: Recording (tenor). 9.17: 3YA Orchestra in two light pieces. 9.24: The Chatterboxes in patter sketch and song. 9.33: 3YA Orchestra. 9.45; Recordings (male quartet). 9.48: 3YA Orchestra. 10: Sports summary. 10.10; Dance music. 11.15: Close down.

2YA, Wellington. 4.45: Running commentary on first Rugby test match, Australia versus South Africa, at Sydney (rebroadcast by IYA, 3YA, and 4YA). (2YC: Children’s session.) 6.25: Dinner music. 7: News and reports. 7.30; Time signals from the Dominion Observatory. 8: Chimes. ‘ The Eight o’Clock Revue,’ a grown-up children’s hour, devised and directed by Will Bishop. 9; Weather; station notices. 9.5: ‘Jazz Virtuosi,’ a short programme featuring Duke Ellington and his orchestra. 9.20; Recorded dance music. 9.30 : Dance music by Jack Cowdrey and his band, relayed from St. Francis Hall. 10: Sports results. 10.10: Recorded dance music.

EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA 9

report on the above cricket match. 10.5: Recordings. 11: Relay of morning service from tho Salvation Army Citadel. 12.15 (approx.) ; Close down. 1: Dinner music. 2: Recordings. 3; Relay of recital from the National War Memorial Carillon. 3.15: Selected recordings. 3.30: Time signals from the Dominion Observatory. 4.30: Close down. 6 : Children’s song service. 7 : Relay of evening service from St. Peter’s Anglican Church. 8.15: Recordings. 8.30: A piano recital by Freda Cunningham, L.R.S.M., of compositions by modern English composers. 8.48; Dorothy Buckingham, L.R.S.M. (soprano), presents a group of modern English songs. 9: Weather, station notices. 9.5; Joseph Kaartincn, the distinguished Finnish saxophonist. 9.20: Recordings (chorus). 9.30: Record (orchestra). 9.35: Special programme, ‘ Dancing Dignity,’ a programme illustrating the beauty in the dance—-when tho classicists wrote music for the ballroom. 10: Close down. IYA, Auckland. 9: Chimes. Report of play in the first cricket test match, Now Zealand v. England. 9.5; Recordings. 10; Report of play in tho above cricket

IYA, Auckland. 9: Chimes. Report of play in the first cricket test match, Now Zealand v. England. 9.5; Recordings. 10; Report of play in tho above cricket match. _ 10.5: Recordings. 11; Relay of service from the Church of Christ, West street. 12.15: Close down. 1: Dinner music. 2: Selected recordings. 4.30: Close down. 6; Children’s song service. 7: Relay of service from the

Salvation Army Congress Hall. 8.15: Selected recordings. 8.30: Recorded presentation of the complete opera ‘ Carmen,’ by Bizet. 10.30: Close down. SHORT WAVE PROGRAMMES (New Zealand times are given.) TO-NIGHT. Empire Stations (16.86 m, 19.76 m, 25.53 m, 31.55 m), Daventry. 5 p.m.: Big Ben. ‘ London Log,’ hy Walter Fitzgerald.. 5.10: The 8.8. C. Dance Orchestra, directed by Henry Hall. 5.40: ‘ John Londoner at Home ’ (25), an evening with some of his many and varied acquaintances. Presented by Pascoe Thornton. 6.10: ‘ Responsibilities of Empire ’ (10), a talk by the Rt. Hon. the Viscount Halifax, K.G., G. 0.5.1., G.C.I.E. 6.25: The news and announcements. Greenwich time signal at 0.30. 6.45: All-England Lawn Tennis Club championship meeting—commentaries on the play from the centre court, Wimbledon. 7.15: Close down. DJA (31.38 m), DJB (19.74 m), Berlin. 4.35 p.m.: German folk song._ 4.40: Week-end concert. 5.30: News in German. 5.45: Week-end concert (continued). 6.25; Greetings to our listeners. 6.30: News and economic review in English. 6.45; ‘ To-day in Germany,’ sound pictures. 7: Concert of light music. 7.45: The listener overseas collaborates! Entertainment and music. 8.16: ‘ National Socialist Principles.’ 8.30; German poetry to old English melodies. Erich Rauch (bass) and the Weinkauf Trio. 9: News and economic review in German. 9.15: ‘ Research into German History and Folklore,’ children’s games. 9.30: Selections for flute and cembalo, played by Heinz Breiden, Bernd Scholz. 9.45: Sign. off. SLR (31.34 m), Lyndhurst. 8 p.m.: Chimes. Market reports. 8.10: Sporting notes. 8.30: Talk. 8.50: National nows bulletin. 9: Queensland news bulletin. 9.5: ‘ Lyre Bird.’ 9.10: National programme. Midnight; News. 0.20: Mail bag session—Australia, New Zealand, and North America. 0.40: Dance music. 1; Close down. VK3ME (31.55 m), Melbourne. 10 p.m.: ‘Around the World With the Dance Bands.’ 11; News bulletin and sporting results. 11.15: Australian artists’ programme. Radio-Colonial, Paris. On 25.24m—9.30 p.m.';' Records. 8.45; News. 9.30; Close down. On 19.68nr. —10.30: Concert. 11.15: Talk. 11.30: News in English. 11.45: Concert. 0.15: Records. 0.30: Concert. 1: News. 1.30: ‘The Message from Paris,’ by Francois Porcho. 1.40: Judicial talk. 1.50: Records. 2: Variety. 3.35: Close down. 2RO, Rome. On 25.4m.—11.13 p.m.: Varied programme from the Italian stations. 12.50: Mediterranean hour, including news, a piano recital, and a talk. 1.30: Near and Far East, including the week in review, news in Hindustani, soprano ■and baritone solos, music requested by radio listeners. 3.60: Italian East Africa, including news in Italian, oneact opera, sports news, and latest news. TO-MORROW Empire Stations (16.86 m, 19.76 m, 25.53 m, 31.55 m), Daventry. 5 p.m.: Big Ben. The Morris Motors Band, conducted by Sydney V. Wood. 5.53: A religious service (Roman Catholic), from St. Oloysius’ Church, Glasgow. 6.25: Weekly newsletter, sports summary, and announcements. Greenwich time signal at 6.30. 6.45: A message from the Chief Scout (Lord Baden Powell) to Empire Scouts. 6.55: All-England Lawn Tennis Club championship meeting—commentaries on the play. The first cricket test match, New Zealand v. England—commentary by Howard Marshall. The Championship Cup—commentary by Major G. PhippsHornby on the last five chunkas of the game. The Royal Air Force display—commentary .on some of the events

from Hendon Aerodrome. 7.25: Close dawn. DJA (31.88 m), DJB (19.74 m), Berlin. 4.35 p.m.: German folk song. 4. '9: Concert of light music. 5.30: New, , n German. 5.45: Concert of light music (continued). 6.25: Greetings to our listeners. 6.30: News and review of the week in English. 6.45: Gay Sunday music. 7.30: Symphony concert —compositions by Ludwig Van Beethoven, played by the Orchestra of tho KWS. under the direction of Werner Richter-Reichheltn; soloist, Romuald Wikarski. 9: News and review of the week in German. 9.15: Hitler youth programme—‘ German Girls’ League: Our Vacation Boy, Peter.’ 9.45: Sign off. SLR (31.34 m), Lyndhurst. 8 p.m.: * Random Pages,’ a piano miscellany. 8.10: ‘ Tho Chinese Dragon Awakes,’ Miss Constance Duncan. 8.30: Symphony hour. 9.30; This week’s story. 9.45: ‘ Gems From Favourite Operas,’ 10.20: ‘lnternational Affairs.’ 10.40: A film broadcast, 11.45: Epilogue. Midnight: Close down. Radio-Colonial, Paris. On 25.24ra.—3.45 a.m.: News. 4.30: Concert. 6: French news. 6.20: Colonial talk by Paul Tetau. 6.30: Records. 7: News. 8: Relay. 10: Col-

onial market prices. 10.30; Close down. On 25.60 m Concert. 11.45; News. 12.30: Close down. 2.30: Records. 3.30; News. 4: News in English. 4.15: Records. 5.30: Close down. On 25.24m.—8.30 p.m.; Records. 8.45: News. 9.30 : Close down. On 19.68m.—10.30: Concert. 11.30: News in English. 11.45: Concert. 1.30; Talk on the cinema by Leon Werth. I. Reviews and periodicals by Francois Teramond. 1.50: Records. 2: Concert. 3.45: Close down. JZI (31.46 m), JZJ (25.42 m), Tokio. 1.30 a.m.: News in English. 1.45: Stage music of the Japanese kabuki plays and folk songs. 2.15: News ia Japanese. 2.30: National Anthem. 2RO, Rome. On 31.13m.—5 a.m.: Arabian hour, including a concert of Arabian music. 5.51: News in English. 6.35: Varied programme from the Italian stations. 11. North America—news in English. 11.50: Latin America, including news, one-act opera, replies to letters from listeners, vocal concert. MONDAY SLR (31.34 m), Lyndhurst. 2.15 p.m.: ‘At Home and Abroad: The Watchman.’ 2.30: Time signal. Victorian news. 2.35: Interstate weather notes. 2.45: Music. 4.30: Time signal. School broadcast —‘ Milestones in Modern History.’ 4.50: Classical music. 5.30: Close down. Radio-Colonial, Paris. On 25.24m.—3.45: News. 4.30: Concert. 6: French news. 6.10: "Music Halls, Circuses, and Cabarets,by Mr Legrand-Chabrier. 6.30: Records. 7: News. 8: Relay. 10.30: Close down. On 25.C0m.—10.45: Concert. 11.45 V News. 12.30: Close down. 2.30: Records. 3.30: News. 4: News in English. 4.15: Records. 5.30: Close down. JZI (31.46 m), JZJ (25.42 m), Tokio. 1.30 a.m.; News in English. 1.45: Entertainment or eye-witness accounts. 2.15: News in. Japanese, 2.30: National Anthem.

PLANS OF THE A.B.C. The plans of the Australian (Broadcasting Commission in regard to educational broadcasts are discussed by Mr Felix Barton, who is in charge of the school broadcasts for the commission in New South Wales, in the following interview taken from ‘ Wireless Weekly ’:— Mr Felix Barton, in charge of school broadcasts for the commission in New South Wales, is a B.A. of Adelaide University ; he has taught in Sydney and Adelaide; has been interested in educational reform for many _ years, and made a study of new teaching methods in the special schools in England after the war. He was for some time an announcer at 4QG, and came to Sydney about December last to look after educational broadcasts. “ At present we have a register of between 300 and 400 schools,” Mr Barton said, “ and recently the_ Roman Catholic authorities have decided to equip 200 Metropolitan schools to listen to A.B.C. talks, and to supplement these with talks from their own station.” “ How many children will that make? ”

“ For the coming term the applications for talks booklets suggest about 17j000 children, and the -Catholic authorities estimate that their' schools may total about 40,000 children. But the figures are not yet definite.” “And what school sessions are most populaf? ” “ The principle adopted by the commission is that school broadcasts are not justified unless they give something the schools do not provide themselves. Music arid French are the obvious subjects—French readings by a French man or woman; there is no attempt to teach grammar. We put out a special French booklet for the children, so they may have the passages in front of them as they read, and break the session with a recorded song, in French, of which the words are also in the booklet.

“ In music, actual teaching can be done; in some cases the children are actually taught songs. Of course, all our educative sessions must have some hearing on the syllabus, otherwise the teachers might, grudge the time lost when they could ' be cramming _ for examinations; but now that music is part of the regular curriculum of the high schools, and pupils can be examined in it, lessons in appreciation and form are quite in order. On Friday afternoons at 3, there is a very popular national relay, ‘ Adventures in Music ’; Mr Frank Hutchens has been conducting it in Sydney, and Professor Heinze in Melbourne. Mr Hutchens has been bringing members of the orchestra into the studio in groups; woodwind, strings, and brass, and so on, to illustrate the quality and effect of various combinations; Mr Alfred Hill composed a special piece for three French horns, and Mr Hutchens composed a number of short pieces to illustrate the blending of instruments._ 44 For primary history classes three dramatisations are made each term. These are written by Mr Edmund Barclay and acted by the A.B.C. Players; i last term, for instance, we had 4 The Coming of St. Augustine.’ Each term we have a travelogue for the geography sessions; last term it was _ 4 A Trip up the Yang Tse-kiang,’ a dialogue with sound effects between the captain of a boat and a Boy just come out to China. Next term it will be 4 Down the Ganges.’ : . . “ Another drama session we have is for the secondary English classes; Dr George Mackaness, of the Teachers College, has arranged a - series of scenes from famous English plays, illustrating the growth of English drama from the Miracle plays—the Noah’s Ark and St. George plays, we had, and next will be Heywood’s 4 Four P’s,’ 4 Gammer Gur‘ton’.s Needle,’, and the best scene from Marlowe’s 4 Dr Faustus.’ ” 44 How many books do you put out each term?” . 44 This term, three. One primary, one secondary,,, and one secondary French. There is also a special. Adventures in Musio ’ pamphlet^ 44 And who pays for them? ■ 44 They are issued free by the commission.” ~ , , 44 And what other subjects do you cover?” , 44 Nature , study, history, and geography can all do _ with talks by specialists. Teachers in small country schools or even in metropolitan schools, cannot specialise as scientists or naturalists, for instance, or their other subjects would suffer. For geography, talks by travellers who have been there are always an advantage. 44 Another thing: we have been greatly helped by 8.8. C. demonstration records of lessons given in England. Some of these were played through to teachers and others at the Teachers’ College recently; and in the course of a discussion afterwards Professor Mackie remarked that our people had to learn a lot from the technique of the 8.8. C. broadcasters.” 44 In what way?” 44 For one thing, they have more liveliness. It’s a different technique. Without gesture you have to gain the attention of the children. _ The teacher who can put his personality across the air is difficult to find. We want humouritoo. One of the most success-

ful sessions is 1 The World We Taarit In,’ by Mr J. A. M'Callum, of Sydnw Boys’ High School; this is the news or the week, two or three _ topics, a 15minute session. It is quite simple and straightforward; yet I find it as enjoyable as any other news session on the air. It goes on at,noon on Wednesdays, and next term will be relayed t<s all States.” “ And how are these broadcasts arranged?” “ The commission has an Advisory Council on School Education; this is largely the Department of Education, and the Teachers’ College; the Assistant Director of Education (Mr A. W, Hicks) is chairman, and Mr E. A* Riley (ex-inspector of schools) is secretary. The council works through subcommittees which draft the programmes, and the A.B.C. has a vetoMr Riley has done a tremendous amount of work for the committee; and Mr W. T. S. Crawford, the radio inspector for New South Wales, gives his advice on all technical questions, such as what equipment will be best for certain districts. Recently the A.W.A. have designed a receiver specially for school reception, and have lent models of this to various schools for them to test.” “ And who buys the equipment for the schools?” “The local parents and citizens’_ associations. , If the local associations don’t or can’t buy receivers tbe schools have to do without broadcast lessons.”; “ Do you ask children in to take part in the sessions?” “ No. We had about 70 girls from the Fort Street High School in the studio one day singing songs; they all sat on te floor while a lecture was being given—that was a busy day! In Poland they give broadcasting sessions, in which children ask questions; I believe they are very successful. But they are extemporary, I think; and lie*e everything must be written down. I don’t think such a session would be successful unless it were extemporary.’*

CANCELLATION OF PLAY

REASONS FOR BAN The cancellation of plans to broadcast a new radio play was announced by the 8.8. C. recently. The play, ‘ Patriotism Ltd.,’ was written by Mr L. du'Garde Peach. When the broadcast was originally announced the 8.8. C. stated that the title was also that of an armaments firm around which the plot centred, and added:— fr Tho author gives vivid glimpses of the scenes behind a flourishing ‘ racket.’ Tho bland cynicism .of the firm and its customers is so outrageous as to be completely convincing. The situations are admittedly fantastic, yet for those who wish to find it there is undoubtedly a moral to ho drawn.” The action takes place in “ the great international firm of Patriotism Ltd.,” except for one short scene in “ Andania.” The 8.8. C. announced that it was felt that “ the broadcasting of ‘ Patriotism Ltd.,’ at this particular mohient, might be mistaken by some listeners for a comment on current national affairs.” It is understood that cancellation was made on the 8.8.C.’s own initiative, and-that the Government did not intervene. “ This _ is just another instance of 8.8. C. said Mr L. du Garde Poach. “It is light satirical comedy, and it would be ridiculous for listeners to suppose that opinions expressed in it were those of the 8.8. C. Any political opinions in the play are mine. ‘‘ I am extremely surprised that the play should bo withdrawn at such short notice.” Mr du Garde Poach has written more than 100 productions for radio.

BROADCAST HUMOUR

60ID TASTE RULE / The reason that one seldom if ever hears jokes over the radio about tha Supreme Court, the Duke of Windsor* Mrs Simpson, and the war in Spain was explained in a recent issue of tha ‘ New York Times * by Ed. Wynn* veteran comedian of stage and radio* who has been stringing together all sorts of gags for thirty-odd years. While broadcasters have few ironclad rules concerning the butt of the comejibes, the yardstick of good taste is the measure that should govern the jests, according to Mr Wynn. “No matter what subjects may b« specifically banned by the broadcasters, anything that offends good taste isj or should be, definitely taboo on the air,”* the comedian explained. “ For, instance, 1 have never been questioned or ■ the blue pencil used on. any jokes about President Roosevelt. Once, however* when I tried to introduce a joke about the President * who would be known as the greatest lover of all titne because of his Supreme “ Courting,” ’ I was asked not to use it. Child marriages is another topic I was asked not to mention.” While there are no bans placed oa such subjects as Congress, the President, Hitler, or Mussolini, jokes on such topics must be handled with consummate skill by the radio gagster. However, when a jest is pointed at any. national or international figure such as , Hitler t Mussolini, or Roosevelt, the comedian is treading on dangerous ground, Wynn points out, because no matter how innocent the gag may be in itself, it may be interpreted as offensive by a portion of the radio, audience. “ The copiedian’s job. is primarily to entertain,” he explained. “ Any jokes concerning religious creed, human deformity, or misfortune, illness, disease* or death should be avoided, and if such topics are made the butt of a joke they must be handled with the utmost discrimination and good taste. It might be possible to tell a gag about such a tragic affair as the Spanish revolution* but it seems to me. it would take a trigger mind to devise a pun on this subject that would not be considered in bad taste. “ Topical subjects naturally inject freshness into a broadcast, but here again the greatest care must be exercised. For instance, while it is permissible to tell a‘joke about sit-down strikes in general, any reference to any specific strike is absolutely banned. I was asked not to use a joke referring to a million-dollar baby and the five-and-ten-ceht store.. “ The off-colour joke, of course, haa no place in any mixed gathering, and should be strictly banned on stage* screes, and radio. “ If the rule of good taste was religiously applied to each and every joke, there would be no need for censorship of any kind. There should be no need for censorship on such a delicate subject as. Edward and Mrs Simpson. A. comedian who knows his business realises that to tell a joke that may be interpreted to be offensive in any sense by even a minor part of his audience does him immeasurable harm* “ For example, I have never told a joke in all my carrer that I considered would ridicule a race of people in any way. I have found that the Scots are most tolerant of jokes at their expense* but this may be because. of their fine sense of humour. The Irish, too, have a highly-developed sense of humour* but jokes at their expense they prefer to come from one of ; their own race. They resent being made the butt of th# other fellow’s, joke.”

ENGLISH LICENSES '|' r V

INCREASE IN FEE PRONBED It- is understood that an. increase in the price of wireless licenses from 10* to 12s 6d a year is being considered by the English Government. Figures have been prepared for th» Chancellor showing how .the additional revenue could usefully be spent by th* 8.8. C. /(writes the politicalcorrespond dent of a London paper). Some of it would go to, develop th* television service, which many 8.8. C, officials feel is being stunted by short* ago of money. The remainder would gq towards ordinary,; <*. broadcasting ex* penses. The plan is not universally favoured in 'Whitehall. The increase would operate against the poorest class of th* community. Against this is put th* plea that television must be helped tq perfection. Television, in the meantime, may have an additional grant this year of £150,000. The actual amount will be decided by the’ Treasury. This amount would enable the 8.8. C, to:— Transmit better television programmes. Engage more artists. Increase programme hours. The Alexandra Palace staff Could also be strengthened. *