Manawatu Radio Club

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7413, 22 December 1930, Page 8

Manawatu Radio Club

ANNUAL REPORT. The following annual report is to be presented at to-night’s annual meeting of the Mauawutu Radio Club (2ZF): — After paying all expenses, including new equipment, thero is a credit balance of £3O 8s 9d. It has always been tho policy of tho management committee to try and have a small credit on hand, but certain spare equipment on order (valves, etc.) will absorb this balance in the near future. The year closed with 559 financial members, which is a record to date. During the year, the management committee decided not to approach tho City Council for a subsidy, which has been generously given iu tho past . e felt that a principle was involved. As tho club had been firmly established, owing to the growth of radio, it was felt that we would get the support required from listeners—a policy that has been fully borne out by results. A new motoi generator was installed by club members during the year, and the power radiated increased thereby. This extends our useful range during periods of static disturbances, by increasing the strength of the broadcast over tlic noise level. The station is now on the air three nights per week regularly, and for extra transmissions of a special nature when required. Tho relay line to tho Opera House has enabled our members to hear some very lino concerts. Tho special relay amplifier, which was built during the year, has enabled us to carry out tho relays with a minimum of trouble. At the same time, it obviates the dismantling of permanent studio equipment. It is pleasing to be able to record that some of our daylight transmissions were received over the whole of New Zealand at good volume.

The thanks of the club arc due to Messrs Collinson and Cuuninghamc for free use of their premise for tho club. By their kind permission, tho studio was enlarged and an announcer's room built, which has greatly increased the ease of operation. The studio is now large enough for any concert party or band performance. Tho matter of use of records has caused the management committee some concern. The thanks of the club are duo to Mr A. Hoc, who kindly interviewed the Australasian Performing Eights Association in Sydney on our behalf, and brought back the true facts of the position. From the Ist January, 1931, the club will have to pay a fee for the performing rights, but our share is a nominal one,

which the management committee consider reasonable. Tho thanks of the club arc due to tho Australasian Performing Eights Association for thcii very fair treatment in the matter of composers’ performing rights, of which they have control. The matter of use of records loaned to us by Messrs Coles, Ltd., took a serious turn in November when all gramophone dealers in New Zealand were forbidden to loan records to a broadcasting station. The thanks of the club are due to Messrs Coles, Ltd. for their great, help in the past, but they had no option but to obey the mandate of the gramophone corporations. The position now is that, although the pciforming rights have been satifactorily settled, the club can only use its own gramophone records, or those loaned by listeners. Accordingly, an appeal was made and over 4000 records have been promised to date for the club’s use. The station orchestra, which has given a number of very enjoyable concerts over the air is still in existence, but has been handicapped by numerous changes in personnel. Mr H. Prince, who was the first conductor, resigned his position, recently and Mr A. W. Lcct was appointed in his stead. It would bo almost impossible to. thank all those who

have assisted the club during the past year, as they are so numerous. The club has received many generous gifts of equipment, goods landed at cost price, all artists have given their services voluntarily, while dozens of members have carried out any work required for improvements or to assist in the smooth working of the station. The fact that wc have such a large membership is sufficient proof that their services arc appreciated. All officials of the club have given of their best, sometimes at great personal inconvenience, in order that 2ZF could bring pleasure and enjoyment to homes.