BROADCASTING FOR FARMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19947, 16 May 1928, Page 14

BROADCASTING FOR FARMERS.

Sir, —I would like space to discuss one aspect of the broadcasting services from a working farmer's viewpoint. This class of farmer works long hours in the summer, but in the winter he goes to bed soon after dark. Nature will not stand the strain of a short night s sleep all the time, and it is the general practice of the hard-working farmer to make up the lost sleep of summer during the winter. The broadcasting of the evening concert commencing at eight, is of very little use to this class of listener, as he is, or should be, in bed very .soon after that time. I have tried listening in night after night, but it does not pay—one's system needs tho sleep, and our set is very little more than an ornament. It would be very simple for the Broadcasting Company to meet us on one point, and that is to start the evening concert at seven instead of eight o'clock, as that hour is wasted. Tea is over, and there is no music from anywhere. The children's session from six to seven is good, and should not be altered, but nobody wastes the battery on the news and reports, as we have read it, all in that morning's Herald. It would not be necessary to start all four concerts at seven -o'clock. Two stations could issue news and reports, and the other two could have their concerts from seven till nine, the stations taking their turns alternately. Those wishing to listen after nine would have the other two stations and Anstralia as usual. This arrangement would inconvenience nobody, and benefit the ones who need the recreation most. On Sunday, the afternoon concert commences iust as we have to CO out to milk. Corld it be arranged to start at 2 p.m. instead of three? I am sure these alterations would meet with a lot of approval in country districts. Sleepy Listener.