ON THE AIR

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1927, Page 1

ON THE AIR

palatial wireless sti did. WELLINGTON, July I I. Wellington's new super-broadcasting wireless station will be formally opened by the Prime Minister on Saturday evening, and as it is second only to Daventry as the most powerful station in the Empire, listen-ers-iu will have much wider opportunities of entertainment than they hitherto have enjoyed. Whatever may lie said of the Broadcasting Company’s preliminary elioris to provide a good service on the air. this station shows signs of a very definite attempt to place the equipment on a high plane.

The broadcasting studio, in the centre of Wellington City occupies the spacious premises recently vacated by the Men’s Glut), and lias boon luxuriously lilted for the accommodation of the directing stall' and artists. It must lie difficult for an entertainer over the wireless to work up to Dial' pitch of enthusiasm which comes from the sight of a large audience, hut the new broadcasting studio, palatial in iis lay-out, will go far to create Die atmosphere for a tirst-class effort.

Duo outers a beautiful. carpeted ball surrounded with lounges, and views through la rue plate-glass panel's all the principal moms ol the suite. 1 here is a central instrument loom, where the programme announcer controls tin l entertaining output. Important churches and theatres throughout the city arc connected to this room, and through it go the items picked up at these points. They nre transmitted by a land line to the Broadcast Station on the skyline of Mount \ ietoria, hut the performers do not need to leave the city. The greater part of a wireless programme originates from the studio, and, as it is necessary to keep things moving without delay once the listenerin has commenced to give his attention, there are two studios, so that, while one item is being presented, another can he prepared. TjRAAVTXO-NOOM STT’TtIO.

The grand studio. 80 feet tong by -10 loot wide., resembles a beautiful draw-ing-room. The only suggestion of its scientific purpose is to he found in the* small stand hearing the microphone, which can he conveniently arranged among Ihe decorative ofloets. Another concession to its purpose is that the large panels on the walls are padded with thick felt, covered in blue and mulberry shot silk. In the centre ol errh arc golden medallions, each containing a choice picture ol Xew Zealand scenery. The blue and gold colour scheme has been candidly lolloned out in the furnishing. (his studio is large enough to accommodate a hi,' choir or orchestra. Ihe supplemental\ studio, though smaller, is equallx luxurious. While waiting, artists have til their disposal a spacious lounge with decorative ofloets and coiidortahle furnishing, which make this room very distinctive.

If the programme* reach the level ot the studio equipment, then wireless enthusiasts will he well served.