FIRST WITH THE NEWS

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 525, 6 August 1932, Page 15

FIRST WITH THE NEWS

“ The Star ” Hears Australia in Daylight. RUGBY TEST REPORTS. The All Black tour of Australia is over, and the story of how “ The Star ” received the results by radio, enabling it to be first with the news on every occasion has been referred to already in this paper, but one chapter of the story has not been related previously. How did “ The Star ” succeed in getting daylight reception of Australian broadcasting stations —an almost un-heard-of thing on this side of the Island ?

The first point considered was a suitable location for the listening post. Mr G. Shipley’s farm at Harewood was selected, and, with his per mission, reporters and operator were able to set up their station. The first occasion when recourse was made to broadcast reception (no shortwave transmission being available) was for the match at Ipswich, Queensland. At 4 p.m. the match was begun. It was broad daylight. American stations were disregarded, and a search was made up and down the dial for Australians. IYA, Auckland, was roaring in, but there was not a trace of an Australian, except for the carrier wave of 2BL, Sydney. By 4.30 2BL was faintly audible. Then a power leak somewhere in the vicinity blotted out all signals for nearly three-quarters of an hour on this wave-length, but at 5.12 2BL was heard clearly. There was no modulation from 4QG, though its carrier could be heard, but at 5.20 in it came. No football, though, and it was not until after 6 p.m., when the announcer made some station announcements, that they gave out the score in the All Black game. Greymoutli Helped. The next occasion on which a visit was made to Mr Shipley’s residence was on the Saturday of the test in Brisbane, but noise and power interference, plus weather conditions in the Tasman, combined to make reception of the Australians that afternoon a virtual impossibility. On the West Coast, however, these conditions did not worry listeners, and 3ZR, Greymouth, was heard shortly after 4 p.m. to announce that they were about to switch across to 2N-C, Newcastle, for a rebroadcast of the League test at Sydney, England v. Australia. The telephone was then used and a call put through to 3ZR. They obliged by asking any of their West Coast listeners hearing the scores in the All Blacks’ game at Brisbane to inform 3ZR. Seven minutes after the ’phone call was made they ->ut over a progress score of the Rugby test. From then on 3ZR announced the scores. The "Star” reporter took an account of the League game in Sydney and also received the scores in the All Blacks’ game. These were 'phoned through to the office and “ The Star ” was again first with the news.

The fact that stands out from these experiences is that, given a pood location, a good aerial and a really sensitive set, daylight reception of overseas stations is not impossible, as too many think. Reception of 3ZR in itself was no mean feat in daylight, for it is only a low-powered transmitter and is separated from Christchurch by a chain of Alps. However, “ The Star ’* had the happy combination mentioned earlier and success followed.

WEEK-END PROGRAMMES.

PO» SATURDAY. 2YA, Wellington (416 m 2.45: Rugby football match from Athletic Park. 5.0: Children, by Aunt Molly 'and Uncle Jasper. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30: Professor T. A. Hunter, “ Man and -His Social Institutions—Poverty in the Midst of Plenty.” 8.0: Relay from the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, of Concert by the Wellington Apollo Singers:—Apollo Singers, " Rolling Down to Rio,” " Calm is the Lake,” "Fierce Raged the Tempest”; piano, Ernest Jenner, "'Fantaste in F. Minor” (Op. 49) (Chopin); quartet, Messrs B. H. Mayall, A. E. Coe, T. Watson and D. Hall, “Summer Night”; Apollo Singers, "Love Me or Not”; mezzo-soprano, Ruth Perry, " Sappho’s Farewell”; Apollo Singers, “Cargoes,” "A Persevering Vocalist”; weather report; lecturette, Mark Nicholls, "Advice to Young Players”; Apollo Singers, "Rhapsody” (Op. 53) (Brahms); piano, Ernest Jenner, " Scherzo in E Major ” (Op. 54) (Chopin); Apollo Singers, “The Beleaguered,” "Loch Lomond”; mezzosoprano, Ruth Perry, “ Turn Ye to Me,” "Wait Till I Put On My Crown”; Apollo Singers, " The Gipsies’ Laughing Trio.” 10.0: Sporting summary. 10.10: Relay of dance music from-the Adelphi Cabaret. 3YA, Christchurch (306 m 11.30: Results of races from Addington Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting: 4.30 (approx.): Sports results. 5.0: Children, by Aunt Pat. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.45: Talk, Mr A. H. Bridge, " Town Planning —Zoning.”

8.0: Relay of opening speeches from Winter Show. 8.20: Recording, Marelt Weber and Orchestra. “ The Squirrel Dance.” 8.23: Tenor, T. Ritchie, "A Memory,” "My Desire”; Lichfield Male Quartet, " When the Bloom is on the Rye.” 8.31: Recording, London Palladium Orchestra, " Katja, the Dancer ” Waltz. 8.34: Male Quartet, “Goodnight, Beloved,” "Doan You Cry, Ma Honey.” 9.0 (approx.): Relay from Civic Theatre, ringside description of wrestling match, Muir v. Wilson. Weather forecast; Male Quartet, " Stars of the Summer Night,” "Always More”; bass, W. Cotton, "Down in the Deep”; Male Quartet, "In Absence”; recording. Gracie Fields, "They All Fall in Love But Me.” 9.50: Duet. H. J. Francis and P. A. Caithness, "Flow Gently, Deva”: Male Quartet, "The Soldiers’ Farewell 1 *: recording. Barnabas von Geczy's Orchestra, "One Kiss ” "Waltz. 10.2: Sports summary. 10.12: Dance music. FOR SUNDAY. 2YA, Wellington (416 m 2.0: Recordings. 6.0: Children’s song service, conducted by Uncle George, assisted by the Children’s Choir from tlfe Newtown Church of Christ. 7.0: Vivian Street Baptist Church. Preacher, Rev D. J. Boulton-Smith. 8.15 (approx.): Relay of Band Concert by the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band from St James Theatre. 3YA, Christchurch (306 m. —980 k.). 2.0: Uratnopnone recital; 5.30: children’s song service by Methodist Sunday Schools. 6.15: Musical chimes. 6.3 U. Durham Street Methodist Church; preacher. Rev P. N. Knight. 7.45: Recordings. 8.15: Relay from 4YA, Dunedin:— Programme featuring J. Crossley Cliuieroe’s Madrigal Singers; recording. State Opera House Orchestra, Berlin, "The Marriage of Figaro.” 8.24: Madrigal Singers. " Come, Shepherd Swains, ’ "Awake, Sweet Love.” 8.29: ’Cello, Mrs V. Moffett, " Second Movement from Concerto in G Minor ” (Handel), " Dream Idyll.” 8.36: Soprano, Clarice Weir, "Flower Song”; Male Chorus. “Clear the Track,” “Shenandoah.” 8.46: Resording, Mandolin Band, “ Stephanie Gavotte,” “ Torna a Surriento.” 8.51: Tenor, Eric M’Farlane, ‘ The Meeting of the Waters.” 5.55: Piano, C. F. de Monchaux, Two Preludes: “E Minor (No. 4)”; “B Flat Major (No. 21) ’’ (Chopin). 9.0: Weather report. 9.2: Madrigal Singers, “Come Again, Sweet Love,” “ Now is the Month of Maying.” 9.9: Recording, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, “ Bgcchanale ” (Saint-Saens) ; "Damnation of Faust” (Berlioz). 9.17: Contralto, Mary Teviotdale, " The Unforeseen,” "He is Tender With the Beasts.” 9.23: ’Cello, Mrs V. Moffett, " Hamabdil ’ (Bantock); "Come, Sweet Death ” (Bach). 9.32: Shanties, JClltheroe and Male Chorus, ” Hilo, Somebody,” “ Blow the Man Down,” "We’ll Haul the Bowlin’.” 9.42: C. F. de Monchaux, “ Refrain de Berceau (Palmgren); "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin” (Dehussy). 9.48: Madrigal Singers, "Who is Sylvia?” "Love Is a Sickness.” 9.54: Recording. Band of H.M. Coldstream Guards, " Faust.”

rOR MONDAY. 2YA, Wellington (416m.—720k.). 10.0: Recordings. 10.30: Devotional service. 11.12: Lecturette, ‘Cooking.” 11.37: Lecturette, “Health Hints or First Aid.” 12.0: Lunch music. 2.0: Recordings. 3.30 and 4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children, bv Uncle Jeff. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30: Talk, Miss E. Blake, “British Drama League Festival.” 7.40: Lecturette, W. E. Priestley, " Modern Ballroom Dancing.”

8.0: 2YA Concert Orchestra. “ Maritana." 8.10: Recording (bass-baritone), Peter Dawson, “ Follow Me ’Ome." 8.14: Orchestra, “Alla Stella Confldente” (Robandi). 8.20: Soprano, Madame Margherlta Zelanda. “ How Fierce lie Looked arid Watched Me," “ High. High, High, Aloft They Cry," “ The Piper of Love.” 8.35: Recording (humour), Milton Hayes, “ Meanderings of Monty,” “How America Was Discovered.” 8.41: Orchestra, “ The Nutcracker Ballet.” 5.56: Recording. Columbia Light Opera Company, “Herman Lohr ” vocal gems. 9.0: Weather report. 9.2: Lecturette, Dr Gibb, "The World Outlook.” 9.15: Orchestra, “ Thousand and One Nights,” “Marche Militaire.” 9.24: Recording (piano), Patricia Rossborough, “ Trees,” “ Good-night Vienna.” 9.30: Madame Margherlta Zelanda, “ Ave Maria,” “Cows Are in the Corn,” “ Libia mo ne Lieti Calici.” 9.45: Recording, Rotorua Maori Choir, “ B Pare Ra ” (The Warriors' Departure), “ Haere Tonu ’ (Maori War Song). 9.50: Orchestra, “The Cinema Star.” 10.0: Dance programme. 3YA, Christchurch (306m.—980k.). 3.0: Gramophone recital. 4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children, by the Rajah. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30: Dr C. E. Beebv, “Child Physchology ” (No. 3). 8.0: Christchurch Municipal Band, “ The Victor’s Return,” “ Comrades in Arms.” 8.14: Recording, John Goss and Cathedral Male Voice Quartet, “ Ten Thousand Miles Away.” 8.17. Recording (piano), Constance Mering, “So Dear.” 8.20: Baritone, J. Thompson, “ Troll the Bowl,” Australian Bush Songs: (a) “ Bush Silence,” (b) “ King Billy’s Song.” 8.26: Band, “ Ernani.” 8.36: Soprano, Thelma Thomson, " June Rapture,” "Tom Jones.” 8 40: Whistling. Mrs H. Pa ton, “ Lay My Head Beneath a Rose,” “When 'he Moon Comes Over the Mountain." 8.45 Recording, London Novelty Orchestra, “Amina.” 8.45: Recording, Light Opera Company, “The Desert Song.” 8.52: Band, “Fascination.” 9.0- Weather forecast. 9.2: Talk, J. T. Burrows, “A Touring Team Between Matches.” 9.17: Recording (organ), Tererne Casey “Annie Laurie.” 9.21: J. Thompson, “ Pass Every Man,” “My Sword for the King.” 9.25: Band, “A Melodious Review.” 9.33: Thelma Thomson, “ Unfolding,” “Rosa Resurget.” 9.36: Recording, J. H. Squire Celeste O 'tet, “ The Piccaninnies’ Picnic.” 9.39: Recording Male Chorus, “War Songs.” 9 43. Mrs Paton, “Granny’s Highland Hfi*ne,” “When Your Hair Has T;iirnod to Silver.” 9.4 9: Recording, London Novelty Orchestra, “ Love in idleness.” 9.52: Recording (humour), Ann Penn, “That Monte Carlo Song.” 9 55. Bard. “ The Conqueror.” The set used by the “ Star ” was a Pilot seven-valve superheterodvne receiver, lent by the General Radio Co.. 627, Colombo Street. -—6