A COMMUNITY ASSET.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1934, Page 6

A COMMUNITY ASSET.

The official opening to-night by station 2YB of a new transmitter, which coincides almost exactly with the fifth anniversary of the opening of the station, draws attention to the existence of what, is one of the most popular* and enterprising social institutions in Taranaki. Since 2YB first went on the air on April 27, 1929, to overcome a much-deplored weakness in the broadcasting service of New Zealand, it has been an increasingly valuable adjunct to the social amenities of the district. In spite of severe financial difficulties with which it was faced in the second year of operation the society carried on, and not once has it failed to broadcast its programmes according to schedule. The members of the society, whose work is entirely honorary, have not been afraid to seize opportunities, and from time to time have made special broadcasts from various parts of the province. Perhaps the most notable of these have been the descriptions of the flight and - landing of aeroplanes crossing the Tasman Sea from Australia. Special efforts like these, however, involve considerable expense, and for lack of finance the society has been compelled to curtail broadcasts necessitating the hire of expensive land lines. With the object of giving a still wider and better service the two engineers of the station have for some months been engaged on the building of a new transmitter, and the result of their efforts will be heard for the first time at 8 o’clock to-night. The effect of Mount Egmont as a “shading” factor is still uncertain, but it is hoped that South Taranaki will henceforth have a reasonably good service. Radip ; has taken a definite place in the lives of people of all nations, and it is destined to play a still bigger part. The society directing 2YB realises this. It is keeping abreast of the times, and for the service it is giving it is deserving of the support of the listening public.