A VISIT TO 2YA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 64, 2 March 1929, Page 10

A VISIT TO 2YA

BEAUTIFULLY FURNISHED STUDIOS.

There, aie very few people in New Zealand who have not “listened in” to Station 2YA, Wellington, but there are comparatively few who have seen over the studio, with the exception of the entertainers and all those broadcasting. It is situated right in the heart of the city, covering one whole floor of a large corner building. On ascending the stairs one first sees the lounge with its beautiful stained glass window, and comfortable chairs and couches, where anyone may listen to the programmes broadcasted from the various rooms. The Grand Studio, in common with the other rooms, is furnished in excellent taste, in this case a deep shade of hydrangea blue piedominating—a heavy carpet of blue—wide panels of the cerulean shade on the white walls, with New Zealand scenes in circular gold frames, one in the centre of each panel. Dull gold cushions lie on the numerous chairs and couches, dull blue tapestry, rare vases and graceful palmstands giving an added touch of beauty. This is where the studio orchestra has its abode, as was evidenced by the drums, xylophones, two grand pianos, and musical instruments of all descriptions. The second studio has a soft, beauty which is positively restful to look at. Delicately grey walls rise to meet the pastel-tinted ceiling and frieze with roses rioting everywhere. The dainty chair./ are upholstered with rose and parchment striped brocade, with black satin cushions. At the long window's wave silky curtains in soft rainbow stripes with heavier ones of dull rose chenille,. One gains a fleeting impression of a baby errand niano—a huge snow scene of Mt. Cook over the fireplace, ferns in large brass bowls, lovely standard lamps, and absolute silence. Everyone walks on tip-toe, even on the thick carpets, and conversation is carried on in the very tiniest of whispers. When a session is about to commence, a red light appears over the door of this room, and no one is supposed to enter. Al the same limo one of the standard Jumps inside glows redly. A noticeable feature nf the whole place is the abundance of long low

windows between each room, whereby one may see through several rooms. The Children’s Room looks cheerful with a beautiful mauve rug depicting two large geese with a green frog, and other mats with humorous figures on them. Beautiful kiddies smile out from their frames on the walls, and the striped curtains in this room are in an orangey-brown shade. A ’piano, organ and baby grand do not seem to take up much space, and the long row of hooks seem to be waiting for the hats of happy children.

Even the ladies’ cloak-room is dainty, with its orange curtains, gay flowers on the oak table, and comfortable lounge. The lavender overalls of some of the radio “aunties” suggested coolness and comfort. The Bedtime Story session, from 6 till 7 p.m., was on. and Uncle Jeff was just offering birthday greetings to some of his numerous* nieces and nephews. It seemed strange that the well-modulated, sympathetic voice was being heard by excited children in all parts of the country. Mr Drummond, the radio announcer for 2YA came, as is his custom, to say a few kindly ..words to the kiddies before the “good-night song” was sung.

Tn addition to the otlmr rooms, there is the auxiliary studio, where the market reports and news sessions havn their being, and grflmnnhnne records are Broadcast«d. and the engine room, where, nil the mechanical work is carried out.

In such congenial ” surroundings performers have everything i n their lavom* to ensure a good programme for all those “listening in.”