RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18787, 17 June 1929, Page 14

RADIO

By

“AERIAL.”

Reception Notes. The week-end was, for “Aerial,” a whole chapter of accidents of sorts, resulting in very little listening-in being done. Saturday evening was taken up by “ bedding down ” a receiver in a new location and was not completed until very late. During the process of testing out, noted that 4YA was not coming through at any great strength. Did not hear IYA. The Wellington station faded frequently. Of the Aus-; tralians only 2FC was heard before 11.30, but signals were exceptionally clear and steady, although not as strong as have been obtained. Gave “ Horace No. 3 ”* a few minutes at reproduction round about midnight. No static. 2BL, 3LO and 2FC very clear and at a fair A 5. :: :: Yesterday’s experience is mentioned as it may prove useful to others. The writer uses a ** Valley ” charger for “ Horace's ” “A” and a Tungar for the “B.” Coupled them all up as usual on Saturday evening, the “A” to the “Valley” in one room and the “B” to the, Tungar in an outside shed. Glanced in at the “A” a couple of times in the morning and, hearing the familiar “ buzz,” concluded charging was proceeding merrily. Tested the “A” with a hydrometer at 2.30. Empty! An examination of the ammeter disclosed no current passing—the fuse had blown out! As for the“ B ” —well, laugh if you want to,’ but ! However, here’s what happened: The Tungar was connected, through an “ on and off ” switch, to the electric light bulb socket. Attached the cables to the battery and to the socket as usual. Switched on the “ juice ” ati the door-switch, then put the light socket switch to the “ on.” Spent a minute or so seeing that terminals were tight and the charger functioning, then went to bed. Did not have a chance to look in at the “ B ” until, finding the “A ” had been the subject of misadventure, a trip to test the “ B ” was thought to be in order. Result—nothing doing! Examined the charger, the “on and off ” switch, the cables and the battery. No clue there. Glanced at the door switch. Off! ! What happened? Had merely, like a careful householder, switched ; off the E.L. when leaving the shed on Saturday night! With both batteries nearly out of commission it was not much that was heard—apart from 3YA—last night. Tried the others, of course. 2YA came through fairly well, but the surging effect noticed was probably due to fluctuations in the receiver’s battery current. Nothing doing elsewhere—naturally. There didn’t seem much static about. 2XAD, Schenectady. Mr A. E. Lyes, King Street, reports this morning:—Tuned in, at 11.45 a.m. yesterday, dance music. 12: Lecture on Niagara Falls, etc. 12.30: Dance music. Trip by aeroplane. “ Oh, Miss Hanna,” “Just a Vagabond Lover,” “ Dream Friend,” “ That’s My Baby Now,” “ Ocean and a Rose,” all played by the Lucky Strike Orchestra. 2.25: Mouth organ solo. 2.35: (eleven o'clock E.S.T. Saturday night in New York), Relay from the Explorers’ Club, New York. Speakers were Dr Fisher, Mr Wells, General Brainen, Bob Bartlet and Dr Murphy. 3.30: “Bells” from Explorers’ Club. Back to studio for messages to “ Little America.” Mr Ritchie talked on “Aviation." 4.15: Messages to Byrd men at Dunedin. Signed off at 12.54 E.S.T. (425, New Zealand time). All the foregoing received on a three-valve B.T. Volume ranged from A 4 to A 5.”

Another Report. Mr A. T. Gledhill, Antigua Street, writes:—A few lines to say how DX short wave reception has improv’ed this last two months. Stations such as PCJ Holland, KDKA Pittsburgh, W2XAD and W2XAF, both of New York, KGO California, CJRX Manitoba, Canada, DHC Nauen, Germany, RFM Russia, GSSW London, all these are very good just now. I have been listening on short waves for two years and I think this winter’s reception has been the best so far. I saw in last Saturday night’s 4 Star ’ that 4 Leeston * asks what length of aerial would be most suitable for short wave reception. Well, I use an aerial 180 feet long. I have no difficulty with tuning. The highest point is 85ft high and well insulated. In conversation with other s.w. 4 fans ’ we appreciate 4 Insulator’s ’ weekly report on s.w. that is published in every Monday evening’s 4 Star.’ ” Short Wave Broadcasts. *' Insulator ” reports :—“ Short waves are behaving fairly well at present, a good assortment of stations being heard during the week. Results as follow: “Monday: VK2ME calling PCL and talking to them. Could not hear the Dutchman. 2ME was experiencing considerable difficulty with him. This was at 5.40 p.m. RFM was the best heard for some weeks past at 11 p.m. with a clarinet solo. PCL, Holland, was heard at 11.15 p.m., but was weak. Records given. “Tuesday: GoSW had some dance items at 7 a.m. Swinging badly. DHC very loud at 12.30 p.m. All speech in German. Modulation excellent. Steady. RFM was very good after 11 p.m. with musical items and talk. ZL’s 3AZ and 3CL were both heard before this at 10 p.m. with excellent records. 44 Wednesday: GSSW good on the speaker with a quartette at 7.10 a.m. DIIC again heard at 12.30 p.m. with plenty of 4 Achtung, achtung,’ which I believe is German for 4 Attention.’ Very loud and clear. W6XN good speaker strength from 5.30-0.30 p.m., with * Spotlights Revue ’ and from 6.30 p.m. onwards with dance music by the Trocadeans.

“ Thursday: GoSW not very good at 7 a.m. DHC excellent at 12.35 p.m. Calling someone in German. Good speaker strength. RFM fair, but static bad at 10.20 p.m. Music and talk. “Friday: PCJ not as good as usual at 7 a.m. Records very good. GoSW with orchestral music was not very loud, although clear and steady. PCJ weak on speaker at 12.30 p.m. VK2ME at 5.45 p.m. was very loud calling Suva. VPD was not very loud in replying to 2ME. RFM very loud at 10.30 p.m.. with a lady doing the talking. “ Saturday: A good day: eight countries heard as follows: —GSSW with excellent orchestral music at 7 a.m. PCJ was surging badly at 7.10 a.m. WSXK Pittsburgh was fair on the speaker with orchestral music from ‘ Faust.’ 3ZC, on 50 metres at 3.10 p.m., was loud and clear. Excellently modulated. YV2XAD at 3.15 p.m. was loud on the speaker with dance music. Closed down at 3.30 p.m., when I changed over to PCJ, who came through at great speaker strengtn. VPD, of Suva, was heard very loud at 4.10 p.m with records and calling VK2ME. The latter station was not up to usual strength. Working Suva later. PLG, of Java, was heard at weak speaker strength at 4.40 p.m., with records. Calling Mr Farmer, of 2ME, later working with them. WBXK was very loud at 5.45 p.m., talking to 2ME. RFM. or. rather, to give it its

correct call, RA97, was good at 11.30 p.m. with a violin solo. The old call sign has been given before, as it is the one I have become accustomed to. I must remember to call it by its correct name in future.

“Sunday: ZL’s 3AZ, 3BA and 388 all heard during the morning. 3AZ’s records are very enjoyable. WSXK was heard at 2 pjn., but not very loud. Another American station was audible just below them, about 24 metres (not W6XN on 23.35 metres), but I had to leave the set for a time, and when I returned at 2.45 p.m. they had closed. W2XAD loud and steady at 2.45 p.m. with a relay from the Explorers’ Club in New York City. Several noted explorers spoke to the Byrd party. W2XAF was not as loud as the former station. CJRX, of Winnipeg, was heard quite loud at 4.40 p.m., with orchestral music. A new station to me, WBXAL, short wave station of WLW, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.SA., was tuned in at 4.50 p.m. at fair 'phone strength. Several dance and vocal items. A vaudeville programme given till 5.30 pm., when they closed with the call sign. Strength after 5 p.m. grew until they could be heard weakly on the speaker towards the close; 52 metres will find them. CJRX still in operation till 5.47 p.m., when they closed with 4 God Save the King/ Excellent band programme. RA97 was not very good on Jhe speaker at 9.40 p.m. Talk and a few musical items were heard. ZL’s 2AX and 2BE were heard having a chat at 10.30 p.m. IBC, of Auckland, was on records at 10.20 p.m., but a little rough.” A Special Programme. Mr L. P. Simpson, Gloucester Street, writes on June 15:— 44 Listening to WBXK, Pittsburgh, to-day, when this station was working duplex telephony with 2ME, Sydney, the announcer stated that on June 22 (23 here), they would broadcast a very special programme from Atlantic City for the Byrd Expedition. The programme is being arranged by the Paramount people, and it was stated that the greatest array of talent! it is possible to get together would be assembled for the occasion.” From The Studios. This evening at 2YA the Studio Orchestra will open with the overture “Italians in Algiers” (by Rossini), and will also play during the evening Massenet’s 44 Scenes Pittoresques,” Rubinstein’s “ Reve Angelkjue,” a piece entitled 44 Schubert’s Sketch Book,” and Moszkowski’s “ Three Spanish Dances.” Mr 11. Temple White will give a brief recital on the organ of the Taranaki Street Methodist Church. The pianoforte soloist for the evening will be Miss Patricia Clayton, play “ Cuban Dances,” by Cervantes. The vocalists for Monday evening will be Miss Monica Malfroy (mezzo-soprano), Mrs T. Treacey (contralto), Mr Oliver. Foote (tenor), and Mr John Prouse (baritone). Mr Norman Aitken, the popular elocutionist, will recite an excerpt from “Julius Caesar,” and a humorous number, “ The Bus Conductor.” •7 tz :*j At 3YA, at 7.30 pan., Mr Charles Buckett will give a lecture on “ People a Physical Culturist Meets.” The band portion of 3YA’s entertainment will be provided by the Woolston Band, under Mr R. J. Estall. One of the band’s most popular programmes will be presented. The assisting vocalists will b~ Miss Myra Edmonds, Miss Marjorie Nelson, and Mr Theo E. Turner (baritone), while Miss Lily Hughes (a daughter of Mr W. M. Hughes, late Prime Minister of Australia) will give elocutionary numbers. Instrumental numbers will be played by the Studio Trio. At 4YA the first part of Act 3 of Wagner’s great opera, 44 Tristan and Isolde,” will be presented. The story of the opera will be fully described. Contributing to the supporting programme will be Miss Roma Buss, Mr F. M. Tuohy, and there will be instrumental items by the Studio Trio. Miss Joyce Hould, elocutionist, will recite 44 The Storming Party,” “ Lorraine, Loree,” and “ Admiral’s Orders.” For the entertainment of patients at the Bottle Lake Hospital, 3ZC has arranged a special programme of music for to-morrow afternoon, including a rather unusual variety of requests from patients, ranging from Sibelius’s, beautify “Valse Triste,” and Rachmaninoff's “ Prelude,” down to the everpopular “ Sonny Boy.” TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES. Following are details of to-day’s programmes received from New Zealand and Australian broadcasting stations: IYA, Auckland (333 M.). Silent day. 2YA, Wellington (420 M.). 3 to 5 p.m.: Afternoon session 5: Children’s session. 6: Dinner session (records): —National Symphony Orchestra, “Die Fledermaus”; soprano, Lucrezia Bori, “Ciri biribin.” 6.15: Violin, Fritz Kreisler, “Shepherd’s Madrigal”; soprano, Lucrezia Bori, “II Bacio—The Kiss.” 6.30: New Light Symphony Orchestra, “Three Spanish Dances.” 6.45: New Light Symphony Orchestra, “Triana”; Silver Choir, “The Blue Danube.” 7: News session. 7.40: Lecturette, Mr II C. South, “Books—Grave and Gay.” 8.1: Orchestra, “Italians in Algiers.' 8.9: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Monica Malfroy, “Black Roses.” 8.13: Pianoforte solo, Miss Patricia Clayton, “Cuban Dances.” 5.20: Baritone, Mr John Prouse, “I Rage, I Melt, I Burn” and “O Ruddier Than The Cherry.” 8.24: Recital, Mr Norman Aitken. “Cassius Instigating Brutus.” 8.31: Orchestra, “Scenes Pittoresques.” 5.39: Contralto, Mrs T. Treacey, “Recompense.” 8.43: Instrumental, Kreisler, Kreisler and Raucheisen, “L’Arlesienne —lntermezzo.” 8.47: Tenor, Mr Oliver Foote, “Rosebud” and “Eyes That Used to Gaze into Mine.” 8.53: Orchestra, “Reve Angelique.” 9: Weather report. 9.2: Organ recital, Mr H. Temple White, “Nocturne in E Flat” (Driffell), “Traumerei” (Schumann) and “Marche Solonnelle” (Maillv). 9.17: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Monica Mallroy, “Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes” and “The Star.” 9.23: Orchestra, “Schubert’s Sketch Book.” 9.31: Baritone,

“Vulcan’s Song.” 9.35: Humour, Mr Norman Aitken, “The Bus Conductor ” 9.41 Jno. Goss and Cathedral Quartet, “Sally Brown,” “Hanging Johnny” and ‘‘Whisky Johnny” (record). 9.49: Tenor, Mr Oliver Foote, “There’s a Land.” 9.53: Orchestra, “Three Spansh Dances.” 10.1: Close down.

3YA, Christchurch (306 M.). 3 to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon session. 5: Children’s session. 7: News session. 730: Talk, Mr Charles Buckett, ‘‘People a Physical Culturist Meets.” 8: Chimes; studio programme by the Woolston Band and assisting artists. 8.1: Band. “Martial Moments.” S„13: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Myra Edmonds, “I Wept, Beloved,” and “The False Prophet.” 8.19: Salon Group, “Jean nine, I Dream of Lilac Time” (record) 8.23: * Instrumental, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. 8.35: Baritone, Mr Theo E. Turner, “Duna,” 8.39: Bond.

“Tangino” and “Persuasion.” 8.46: Recital, Miss Lily Hughes, “The Song of England.” 8.51: Soprano, Miss Marjorie Nelson, “Voga Voga Gondolier.” 8.55: Bass with chorus, Ivar Andresem, “The Sacred Name of God”; soprano with chorus, Meta Seinemeyer, “La Varginr Degli Angeli” (record). 9.3: Weather report. 9.8: Band, “Classica.” 9.18: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Myra Edmonds, “The Curtain Falls” and “Oh, Lady, Be Good.” 9.25: Recital, Miss Lily Hughes, “The Coward.” 9.30: Christchurch Broadcasting Trio, “June,” “Autumn” and “Autumn and Winter.” 9.42: Soprano, Miss Marjorie Nelson, “A Night in May” and “The Nightingale.” 9.49: Band, “Jungle Drums.” 9.54: Baritone, Mr Theo E. Turner, "Eleanore” and “Only the River Running By.” 10.1; Band, “Gopak” and “Merry and Bright.” 10.6: Close down.

4YA, Dunedin (463 M.). 3 to 4.30 pjaa.: Afternoon session. 6.1: Children’s session. 7.1: News session. 730: Lecturette, the Rev E. S. Tuckwell. 8.1: Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, “Pique Dame” (record). 8.0: Tenor, Mr L. E. Dailey, "Flower Song” and “A Farewell.” 8.16. 4YA Broad casting Trio, “Aida” Selection. 8.22: 1 Recitals, Miss Joyce Hould, “The Storming Party” and “Lorraine Loree.” 832: Presentation of the opera “Tristan and Isolda,” Act 3 (Wagner), first instalment (records). 9.4: Weather report. 9.6: Soprano, Miss Roma Buss, “Charming Chloe” and “The Dove.” 9.13: 'Cello, Mr P. J. Palmer, “Sonata in C Major” (Handel). 9.18: Baritone, Mr F. M. Tuohy, “Thanks be to God” and “A Bachelor Gay.” 9.25: Violin solos, Miss Eva Judd, “To the Spring” and “Anitra's Dance.” 9.30: Recital, Miss Joyce Hould, “Admiral’s Orders.” 9.36: Pianoforte, Mrs Ernest

Drake, “The Prince.” 9.41: Vocal duet. Messrs Dailey and Tuohy, “Watchman, What of the Night?” 9.46: 4YA Broadcasting Trio, “Song to the Evening Star." 9.52: Soprano, Miss Roma Buss, “Bless You.” 936: D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, “Here We Are at the Risk of Our Lives” and “Dance a Cachuca” (record). 10: Close down. Australian Stations. 2BL, Sydney (353 metres)—9.3o p.m. to 1 a.m.: Concert session. 9.50: “Best anecdote” competition. 2FC, Sydney (442 metres)—9.3o p.m. to midnight: Concert session. 10.45; Violin recital by Albert Cazabon, musical director of the Prince Edward Theatre. 3LO, Melbourne (371 metres)—9.3G p.m.: Station Orchestra and Madoline Knight (contralto). 9.49: Station Or chestra. 9.59: Wilfrid Thomas (bass) 10.14: The Jedal Trio. 10.30: M. F. Cockburn. 10.45: Royal Victorian Liedertafel. 11.15: Station Orchestra. 11.45: Madoline Knight. Dance music until 1 a.m. 3AR, Melbourne (484 metres)—7.3o to 9.25 pm.: Gramophone recital. 930 to 10.9: Addresses. 10.10 pm. to midnight: Dance music, with studio items during dance intervals by Skipper Francis (baritone), Bert Ray (comedian) and the “James Girls.” 4QG, Brisbane (385 metres)—93o to 1130 pm.: Studio concert. FOR TUESDAY. 3ZC, Christchurch (250 m.). 10 a.m.: 44 Rosamunde ” Overture, Parts 1 and 2, Sir Hamilton Harty and Halle Orchestra. 10.5: Tested Recipes—Date Scones, Brown Betty, Chocolate Roll. 10.25: 44 Sally Horner,” Brian Lawrence (boy tenor); “ Tambourin Chinois,” Yovanovitch Bratza (violin) ; short talk supplied by Ballantyne’s; “Hungarian Rhapsody” (No. 12), William Murdoch (pianoforte). 10.40: Mrs Harvey Cook, talk, “A Few of the Later Novelists”; song, 44 O Lovely Night,” Eva Turner (soprano); “ Pisen Lasky ” (Love Song), Bratza (violin) ; 44 The Yeoman’s Wedding Song,” Louis Graveure (baritone) ; W. H. Squires’ “ Popular Songs” (Parts 1 and 2), lI.M. Grenadier Guards' Band. 12 noon to 1.30 pm.: News and information session, and programme of music. 2.30 to 4.30: Special programme of music for the Bottle Lake Hospital, including 44 A Musical Switch” (Parts 1 and 2), Plaza Theatr_ Orchestra; “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” Heddle Nash (tenor); “Valse Triste” (Sibelius), Cherniavsky Trio; Gounod’s 44 Serenade,” Maria Kurenko (soprano) ; 44 Prelude in C Sharp Minor” (Rachmaninoff), William Murdoch (piano); 44 Pirates of Penzance,” vocal selections, Columbia Light Opera Company; “ Sax-o-Phun,” Rudy Wiedoeft (saxophone); 44 Who’s Blue Now?” Goodrich Quartette; “ Liebestraum,” G. T. Pattman on Compton Organ; 44 Dreams of Long Ago,” Enrico Caruso; polka, 44 Ojra,” Russian Balalaika Orchestra; 44 Little Betty Bouncer,” Flotsam and Jetsam (sketch); “Spring Fever,” Muriel Pollock and Constance Mering (piano duet) ; “ The Jolly Coppersmith,” National Military Band; “The Little Irish Girl,” Alfred O'Shea (tenor); “Gipsy Airs,” Toscha Seidel (violin); 44 My Hero,” Virginia Perry (mezzosoprano) ; 44 Deep in My Heart Dear,” Mischa Dobrinski (violin); 44 Gee Whizz,” Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra ; 44 La Donna e Mobile,” Louis Graveure (tenor); “ The Turkish Patrol,” Regimental Band of H.M. Grenadier Guards. 6.30: Children’s session. 7.30: Wireless Talk. 8 p.m.: Tabloid news session. 8.10; Concert session, including “ Shepherd Fennel’s Dance,” Royal Opera Orchestra; 44 When the King Went Forth to War,” Theodor Chaliapin (bass); “ One Lives But Once,” Sergei Rachmaninoff (piano); “La Paloma,” Amelita GalliCurci (soprano); 44 The Busy Bee,” Plaza Theatre Orchestra; “Gipsy Caprice,” Fritz Kreisler (violin) ; “ Ombra Mai Fu,” Essie Ackland (contralto) ; “ Nocturne in F Sharp Major ” (Chopin), Ignace Jan Paderewski (piano) ; “ Evening Song,” John M’Cormack (tenor) ; “ Allegro,” Master Yehudi Menuhin (violin) ; 44 Serenade ” (Volkman), 44 Flight of the Bumble Bee,” Chicago Symphony Orchestra; “Romance” (La Nuit), Sophie Breslau (contralto); “Polonaise” (op. 53), (Chopin), Parts 1 and 2, Raoul von Kaczaiski; “Little Log Cabin of Dreams,” Marie Burke (soprano) ;

“Nocturne No. 2” (Fetes), Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra; “ Song of Prince Galitzky,” Theodor Chaliapin (bass) ; “ Valse Bluette,” Cavalier Solloway (violin) ; “ Seem Lak’ to Me,” Paul Robeson; “ Aucassin and Nicolette,” Fritz Kreisler (violin) ; 44 11 Bacio,” Lucrezia Bori (soprano) ; “ Merrie England,” Regimental Band of H.M. Grenadier Guards. 9.30 to 10.15 p.m., programme of dance music.