HEARD IN LONDON.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17243, 31 October 1927, Page 8

HEARD IN LONDON.

FOUR O’CLOCK EDITION

THE KOOKABURRA'S CALL.

PROGRAMME FROR» SYDNEY.

MOST SUCCESSFUL BROADCAST. YET

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Rec. October 31, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 30.

The British Isles were thrilled by a magnificent programme from Sydney which was relayed by 2LO through Keston. The Listening Post states it was unquestionably the finest long-distance broadcast ever received, definitely marking a new wireless epoch. It far outdid anything of the nature yet heard, and was not subjected to half the interference suffered by many attempts to relay from America. Throughout 105 minutes duration only 15 minutes were bad (between 6.25 and 6.40 p.m.), about the time dawn was breaking in Australia. Throughout that period the interruptions resembled a vast army of kettledrummers, who were determined to outdo everything. It was a disappointment coming on top of the surprising excellence up to that point. The interference almost ruined the test of the Postmaster-General's greetings to the Postmaster-General in England, and unfortunately extended throughout the greetings to the Waratahs. With surprising suddenness, just when it appeared to be growing hopeless, atmospherics were banished magically, and the programme from 6.40 p.m. onwards to the'' close was magnificent. The crackle was not as noticeable as that accompanying a gramophone.

, "The first call of the Kookaburra sent the hearts of all Australians leaping. It was instantly recognisable, though it is feared that Englisn listeners must have temporarily regarded it as a new and terrible brand of atmospherics. The Kookaburra is a fine bird, but it is no broadcaster. A repetition of the call, together with a reference to the Kookaburra's place in Australian hearts, was as clear as if heard on a still day in the bush. "The entire programme excepting the period named, was faultless, the reference to dawn breaking and the beautiful warm summer morning coming through loud speakers drawn close to the evening fireside, gave an idea more than anything else of the vast distance over which the voices were travelling. Similarly did the announcer's closing remarks, to the effect that the 39 performers were adjourning for breakfast, while thousands in England were preparing lor bed. The National Anthem and a humorous ""good morning'' closed what must be regarded as one of the most successful broadcasts in the history of the world's wireless.