RADIO NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18157, 23 October 1930, Page 10

RADIO NOTES.

' THE RACING BAN. AN ARBITRARY ATTITUDE. , BROADCASTING OF RUGBY GAMES. (By “Static.")' The attitude of the racing and trotting conferences with regard to the broadcasting of race results can scarcely commend itself to any fairminded person. The arbitrary attitude adopted by the racing authorities in placing a ban on broadcasts from the course proper has been a sore point with the big majority of listeners in and hopes are still entertained that an agreement will eventually he reached between the authorities and the company. It is the country listener ,who is most affected by the ban. The running descriptions of various races, which hitherto were a source of keen enjoyment, are denied him and he has to content himself with the bare result obtained only under considerable inconvenience and imitating opposition. - When the difficulties the comnany has to contend with in giving its listeners service, are taken into consideration, it will be freely admitted that it has fully justified the appreciation of radio fans for what it has done. In striking contrast to New Zealand, we find that, in Britain special facilities are provided for the broadcasting authorities on the occasion of a big racing fixture. Australian listeners, too, are fortunate in this respect. Tt is surely time that New Zealand fell into line and permitted the public to participate once again in a privilege which they have every right to demand. « Wireless broadcasting is rather a sore point with the major Rugby unions at present following the successful tour of the British team in this ■Dominion. They all have the same “tale of woe,” namely that broadcasting seriously affected the attendances, not only at the British matches, but also at the various club and other competition games under their control. Listeners as a result are naturally concerned about the possibility of yet another ban on one of the most popular branches of radio broadcasting. It will be remembered that it was only after considerable public agitation that the New Zealand Union agreed to the broadcasting of the Tests and games in the main centres. Rugby enthusiasts who were not in a position to travel a distance to witness the big games followed sparkling descriptions of the various matches over the air. The wireless set owner was indeed a most popular individual among, his friends and acquaintances on a Saturday afternoon. As avrs only to be expected, the gate takings at many country matches were badlv “smacked to leg,” a striking illustration being provided at Te Awamutu on a certain Saturday. The Mayor of that town seized the opportunitv of augmenting the council’s unemployment relief fund by installing a wireless, set in a hall and charging for' admission.' Morrinsville were to play Waipa at Te Awamutu that day and efforts were made by Waipa to stage the game before the British match commenced. Negotiations unfortunately fell throno-h and the MorI rinsville team did not arrive until It

was nearly time for the broadcast to commence. A crowded hall listened in to the description of the British game, with the result that the local game was witnessed by a mere handful of spectators. Another rather humorous incident occurred at a race meeting when it was advertised as ah added'attraction, that a description of one of the,. British games would be broadcast from a specially installed-set on the-course. There is little likelihood of the club repeating a sirhilar “attraction.” The totalisator receipts during the broadcast were seriously affected, as a big proportion of the public crowded round to listen-in to the exclusion of all

An interesting series of talks on Dental Hygiene was commenced last Thursday by officers of the division, and will be delivered on alternate Thursdays from Station 2Y.A, Wellington. The series, which should be followed with considerable interest, will comprise five lectures, which will be delivered on the alternate Thursdays from 7.40 p.m. to 7.55 p.m.

Miss Edna Langmuir, who has returned to Auckland after 12 months’ absence in Australia, where she has been fulfdling stage engagements, was heard over the air from IYA on Saturday evening. Miss Langmuir, who is well-known to the Waikato, is a pleasing radio performer and it is to be hoped she can be secured again for approaching programmes.'

One of the most enjoyable Australian programmes that is looked forward to each week by New Zealand listeners is the weekly community singing concert relayed from the Ashfleld Town Hall, Sydney, on Thursday evenings.

The results of the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting will be on the air from IYA, on Saturday afternoon.

Miss Nina Scott, a regular performer for IYA (Auckland) will be included in a special programme for the local station IZH on Wednesday night, when she will give a popular selection . of elocutionary items. Other leading Hamilton artists will assist.