STRAY SPARKS

Evening Star, Issue 22442, 12 September 1936, Page 4

STRAY SPARKS

Listeners Fooled. The Polish station recently gave a broadcast in an “ unknown tongue,” and asked listeners to write in and say what the language was. Of the three hundred answerers, nearly everyone guessed correctly that it was a description of a boxing match, because of the gong sounding, etc., but even those who suggested that the language was Hungarian, Hebrew, or Amhanc, were wrong; it was Polish; a Blattnerphone recording of a boxing match, played backwards. , * Walking-stick- Transmitter, The latest portable transmitter is called the “ Walking-stick Transmitter,” because the aerial and acorntype oscillator are carried in the stick. The LF amplifier and modulator are in a binocular case; and the crystal microphone fits like a buttonhole or a wrist watch. The wavelength is about one and a-half metres. » » ♦ • 8.8.5. Staff. The London Press is complaining that while broadcasting is coming up for discussion in Parliament 8.8. C. authorities have shut down on the staff. Sir John Reith, they say, “with an iron hand is making sure that at least no one inside Broadcasting House does or says anything to provoke criticism which would prejudice his chances of successfully overcoming the crisis ahead of him,” and “ journalists are no longer granted facilities to interview certain high officials. They might talk too much.” 'lew Regulations. The Australian P. and T. Department has gazetted new regulations, to ■jperate from September,!, for the control of amateur transmitters. In recent years the trend in amateur work has been towards telephony, which is not in accord with the official idea of the value of experimental work. The use of gramophone records on the two main bands during evening hours is prohibited and “ calls ” also are banned. The broadcasting of entertainment by amateurs is illegal in New Zealand also and has been so for several years. * * * • Another Comedian. Another comedian, Arthur Helmsley, has commenced an engagement with the National Broadcasting Service. Mr

Helmsley has played for the Australian Broadcasting Commission, his. parte ranging from Shakespearean roles to variety, with his portrayal of Willie Mossop in ‘Hobson’s Choice ’ as perhaps his greatest success. He is said to be a pioneer of Lancashire humour on the stage in Australia. * * * • Awatea’s Equipment, The motor vessel Awatea carries, is addition to several wireless telegraph transmitters, a compasS, band repeaters, lifeboat equipment, and a telephone transmitter to enable passengers to converse with friend* ashore. ' .