2YA Put on the Air with Fullest Success

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 1, 22 July 1927, Page 2

2YA Put on the Air

with Fullest Success

Prime Minister Officially Opens the Empire's Strongest Overseas Station

Reception Good Throughout Dominion, the Pacific. and Western America

A distinguished assemblage graced the official opening of 2YA, Wellington’s new, broadcasting station. The ceremony took place in the studio in Featherston Street, the accommodation being taxed to the limit, although the invitation list had been rigorously curtailed owing to the restricted accommodation. The chief officers of the Government departments and leading men in the city, with their wives, were present. Speakers had been limited to three-the Prime Minister, the Postmaster-General, and the Mayor of the city. A long programme of exceptional merit had been prepared, and the entertainment extended ever nearly three hours. The function was a pronounced success. Three excellent speeches were delivered, and the concert items were rendered in a manner that was expected from such talented artists. The broadcast transmitting was carried out very successfully, for cablegrams received from islands in the Pacific and from Vancouver reported good reception, while in Australia 2FC re-broadcast part of the programme. The whole evening’s entertainment was relayed to Auckland and Christchurch, so nearly every receiving set in New Zealand heard broadcast by 2YA one of the best concert programmes that the Empire City could provide. During the evening the guests were entertained at supper, and flashlight photographs were taken of the studio, showing Mr. Coates at the microphone. _

Speaking immediately after the opening band selection had been played, the Prime Minister said :- "Tt is with the greatest pleasure that X find myself here to-night at the regnest of the Radio Broadcasting Company to open this new station, It is an event which marks an important milestone in the development of wireless in New Zealand. ‘The station is ten times as powerful as the existing stations at Auckland and Christchurch. It is the second most powerful station in the British Empire. The great British Station at Daventry alone is more powerful than the station yon are hearing to-night, and this fact must be admitted to be a credit to New Zealand and to the enterprise of the company, . "One cannot but think of the amazing progress that has been made, not only in wireless, but in every branch of science, within a very brief period, People who are still young have seen changes as far-reaching. in their effect as the world has hitherto been accustomed to see extended over several generations, We haye seen just in

these parts few decades the emergence of the motor-car, the appearance of the aeroplane, the evolution of the telephone, the daily extended application of electricity for power and lighting, and the development of the motion pictures. When science has made these steps in the briefest space of time, one can well speculate-as to what the future may hold in store. "No Limits to Future." "Nothing is impossivle. When -wireless has made such immense progress in a few brief years no limits can be assigned to its future. Even now scientists assure us that we are on the threshold of discoveries-television, for in-stance-by which it will be possible for persons at the opposite ends of the earth to be brought virtually into each other’s presence in a fraction of a second. Probably when I am addressing by wireless a man who is 100 miles. away, my voice will reach him before I am heard by those at the other end of this hall, "hat is because wireless, like light, travels more rapidly than sound. "¥ think you will agree at the end of this evening that the Broadcasting Com-

pany is to be congratulated on the splendid programme which has been arranged for to-night. In the past a certain amount of comment has been directed at the nature and the quality of the programme for the listeners-in. There is certainly no room for such comment to-night. And one must Temember, too, that the Radio Company is faced with considerbale difficulty in blazing the trail for broadcasing in New Zealand. .For one thing, they cannot provide such excellent entertainments as they would desire until there is a large circle of listeners-in. And then eople are very naturally disinclined to install wireless until perhaps more progress has been made. So that the company is obliged to some extent to contract ahead of demand, However that may be, I am sure that it is in keeping with the sporting instincts of the people to give the company a fair spin and chance to do its work, "Tt is not necessary for me to speak at any length from the point of view of the amusément, information, and education that will be carried over the air from this station to all parts of New Zealand. We are all familiar by

now with the extraordinary effect of wireless in bringing the more isolated sections of the community-the farmers and the people of the backblocksinto touch with current events. Nor is its usefulness by any means confined to the lighter side of life, In the days of the future it will be possible by short lectures to bring all sorts of important information into the possession of the man on the land, I hope, for instance, that before long arfrangements will be made for the broadcasting of weather forecasts and reports that will be serviceable in connection with many phases of work, forecasts that will reach those concerned more rapidly than can possibly be the case throngh the newspapers. Value in Time of Crisis. "But there is another, and larger, aspect to which I desire to call your attention, and it is one that induced Government to assist to some degree in the establishing of this station. You will note that the station is capable of communicating with any part of New Zealand, by day or by night. At night it can speak with ease to the Pacific Islands and Anstralia, AH

must realise what a great advantage it will be when we have to face a national crisis. We will never lack the most direct means of contact with all parts of New Zealand, and we will be brought much closer than ever to our sister Dominions across the Tasman, and our dependencies in the Pacific. From this point of view the station is more than a pleasant means of passing the time. It is ready, should the time ever arrive, to become part of our national equipment. If it is not equa! to actual personal contact, it is, at any rate, the next best thing. "A recent Inglish writer hase expressed the opinion that those who are responsible for the control and direction of broadcasting hold the most important place in the country. Tt is,’ he said, ‘my firm conviction that the office of director of the London station is second in importance to- no other office in the Kingdom.’ Its power with the community is incalculable. ‘That exercised by the Prime Minister, and his Government,

WIDESPREAD REPORTS OF SATISFACTORY RECEPTION -_-- SOME LOCAL FADINGS IN DOMINION , Thanks to far-secing preliminary arrangements on the part of the Post and Telegraph Department, prompt advice was received from overseas points, as to the reception of 2¥A. By courtesy of the Secretary of the Commonwealth Post Office, and of the Pacific Cable Board, reports promptly came to hand from various points, so that shortly after the supper adjournment announcements were made as to the quality of transmission, and the reception being experienced.

is almost a little thing in comparison.’ That is what the writer says: it is not my considered opinion. "YT need not stand any longer before you and the admirable _programme which has been arranged for this evening. It is, perhaps, feasible, although one hesitates to make any definite promise on such a point, that on some future occasion the proceedings of Parliament may be made audible throughout the country, In such a case it would be needless for me to remind you that listeners-in would have, at least, the advantage of being able to switch off at a moment’s notice. ‘That is a privilege that none will wish to take advantage of in connection with to-night’s programme. "In declaring this station open, I congratulate the Broadcasting Company on its achievement, and I hope that 2YA will give pleasure to countless numbers of: listeners in the towns and country districts for many years to come." . A GREAT ADVANCE _--

POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S PROPHECY. The Postmaster-General’s remarks were as follow :- "Ror the third time within twelve months, I have the privilege and pleasure of addressing the wireless listeners of the Dominion at the opening of a new broadcasting station. In August last, when I officiated at the opening of the Auckland station, it was considered that a great advance had been made in having such an up-to-date broadcasting station as 1YA. The wonderful results of the opening of that station were soon apparent. number of licenses increased from 4400 to 9000 by the end of October, and to over 18,000 on March 81 last. ‘To the opening of the Christchurch station, of course, is due some of the credit for this great increase in the number of licenses. Although the Christchurch station, was uot officially opened until February, the conrpany actually made use of the plant on September 1 fast year. When I spoke to you at the official opening of that station, I remarked on the wonderful increase in the number of licenses since the Auckland station went on the air, and forecasted that the new Wellington station would give another great impétus to broadcasting. I repeat that forecast to-night, and will add, since hearing of the very fine results of the tests already made by this station, that this little Dominion now has stations of which every reasonable

person may be proud. "We are here to-night to assist at the opening of the third station erected by the company, a station which, despite assertions to the contrary, is the most powerful broadcasting station in the Southern Hemisphere. ‘That is something to be proud of. Little Sympathy With Complaints. 1 just wish to make one or two very frief remarks about the agitation that has been taking place in certain quarters. Although this is the first occasion

for a long period on which I have addressed you about broadcasting matters, I should like to say that I have not been neglecting my duties as Minister in charge of tlis great service. 1 have been watching the position very carefully, and have analysed every ‘complaint that has been made, and I have called for reports from my departmental officers and from the company. I say. at once that, with the majority of the complaints, 1 have little sympathy. It lias been explained repeatedly that these ‘new stations were being built as quickly as the material conld be obtained, and yet certain sections of listeners have not hesitated to criticise what they describe as unreasonable delay.

"Ty. regard to the quality of the programines: I have, on different occasions, had the finances of the company looked into, and have satisfied myself that everything is in order, that there has been no unnecessary expense in adiministration, and that the company gave as good a service as I could expect in the circumstances. ‘The expense of erection the stations has been much greater than was anticipated, and to enable the erection of this big station the Government has assisted the company to the extent of a loan of £15,000, realising that a really big station is now a national mnecessitv —

"When you read that some person with the non de plume of ‘Fed-up,’ or something equally expressive, is tired ‘of the programmes, don’t forget to appreciate the point that public opinion is not unanimous on every point. Some prefer iecturettes, some classical music, some jazz, and it is certain that in mo country is broadcasting’ popular with all. Now that you have a choice of stations, I can only advise you to ‘tune in’ for the items you prefer, and leave the others to those who like them. There is every prospect now of better programmes, and if the expected influx of new subscribers eventuates, we can look forward to many excellent programmes in New Zealand. Listeners have been joining up at the rate of 250 a week for -some time, but I anticipate that this figure will be doubled next week. "The Prime Minister lias already told vou something about 2YA. should like to say how pleased I am, as Postmaster-Geueral, that this highpower station is now available for the work for which it is intended.. It has_ been said that the chief function of broadcasting is to transmit music for the entertainment of listeners. I am prepared to assert, however, that that time hag passed, and that this wonderful product of science is equally interded to function as a medium for the dissemination of education and of news. ‘the tests alreadv made prove that 2YA has a daylight range over the whole Dominion, and that it will be possible to supply to the people in the backblocks full reports of the markets, weather reports, Press news, lectures, and other information. It is uot only those in the hackblocks and the city Ustener who will benefit by the opening of this station, but also the dweller in the distant Pacific

Islands and in far-off countries, who will be able to listen to 2YA, and thereby learn something about our wonderful country. Greetings to Pacific Islands. "1! desire -to send a message of greeting to listeners in the outlying portions of our fair Dominion, such as Samoa, which I had the pleasure of visiting a few wecks ~go, and to those in Rarotonga and other Islands in the Pacific Ocean, toward whom the Government of this country has responsibilities, I hope that they enjoy to-night’s concert, and th.t the teports of reception at distant places will be sent along in order that we may judge the effectiveness of the transmission. "I have very great pleasure in congratulating the company on the opening of this wonderful high-pawer station, 28YA, which has been established for, and will carry out, very important work in this country.’’ CONGRATULATIONS OFFERED

The only other speech on the programme was by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup), who extended his congratulations to the company on _ the completion of the new station. It was a great achievement,. and merited all the success the enter: prise of the promoters deserved. Ile paid a warm tribute to the splendid design, and solidity of work, of the new station, the construction of which was commenced only in January last. The work was pushed on so well ‘that’ the installation of the plant was commenced in May, and the entire job had now been completed-in record time. A suitable building had alsa to be found for the studio in the city, and had to be equipped and furnished. He regretted that the thousands who were listening-in that night were not able to see in themselves what had been done in connection with the new studio, which, it was unanimously acreed, was the Jast word in artistic fur; nishing and refipement. ‘The environment would surely inspire artists to

give of their best. ‘ The citizens had reason to be pgratified with 2¥A, which was one of the most up to date stations in the world, and certainly the most powerful south of the line. Its voice would be heard, not only over New Zealand, Australia, and the scattered islands of the Pacific, but would sweep the western States of America. The plant and buildings had involved an outlay of about £27,000, and no better investment, from the national point of view, was conceivable. The time was at hand when the greatest preachers, singers, music~ ians, and orators, would have the world in their audience. Nor was the end in sight. To adopt a scriptural phrase: "Hye hath not seen, nor ear leard, nor hath it entered into the-mind or heart of man to conceive the wonders, the miracles, that in the future would be unfolded.’’

The Pacific Cable Company: "Have just received information from Vancouver and West Vancouver that broadcasting heard very good at times. Static very bad all night. Selection ‘Aloha Oe’ very distinct, also two National Anthems at end." Cox, Cape Beale, reported: OVA continuous from 12.385 till 3.45 a.m. (Canadian time) Receiving conditions exceptionally bad, but 2YA came through static and interference with fair strength and good modulation." San Francisco: "Three private radios report hearing 2YA " Niue: "2¥YA heard last night: on loud speaker, using four valves." Suva: "Opening speech and musical programme from 2YA received with splendid volume. Congratulations."’ Suva: "Received chimes. Excellent strength, excellent modulation, slight fading, speeches and items very clear. Wishes aud congratulations from Viji.’ Apia: "Wellington station good and strong; every word in speeches easil'y distinguishable. Rarotonga reports very strong aud excellent, Papeete very clear." Suva: "All items very distinct and reception excellent."’ Fanning Island: ‘2, "R. Dalley reports 2YA coming through very leud and distinct. Mr. Coates’s speech very

clear, also musical items." © Melbourne: ‘Foliowing reports teceived relative to 2YA,_ Wellington. Strength up to geod loudspeaker, fading marked, modulation excellent, Sydney: Good loudspeaker, successful rebroadcast by 9FC,, slight fading, no distortion. Hobart: Very distinct, good Joudspeaker, fading and distortion at times. Brisbane: Loudspeaker strength modulation good, little or no fading." NEW ZEALAND REPORTS. | Awanui and Kaitaia: ‘I’rime Minister’s speech very strong, clear, and steady. Since then other items decreased in strength, but clear, with oreasional periods of slow fading.’ Dunedin: ") p.m. radio 2YA_ being received at great strength all over Ctago and Southland, but all reports agree pronounced fading every few minutes. Specch very clear, and reproduction of all tones excellent," Hamilton: "Volume much greater than Auckland; modulation good; appatent occasional fading, but more probably variation in output; selectively good." *

Taumarunni; "Radio 42xYA, all Cidssts of sets here state reception coming in strong; slight fading twice during Prime Minister’s speech; other items very clear Motor audible throughout, ~ but does not impair clarity." Palmerston North: ‘‘Broadcasting Taihape reports good reception; Prime Minister’s and Postmaster-General’s speeches received clearly, some fading experienced at regular intervals for about ten seconds. Reception double LYA’s strength." REARD ON A CRYSTAL. Napier: "Except for cycles of fading transmission very good. Station heard on crystal set at Napier." Christchurch: ‘Reports from North and South Canterbury and also from Greymouth indicate that fading at times is general. The yolume is. good, as is also modulation, except at fading period. During last fifteen minutes of first portion of programme fading was decreasinec.’"’

Gisborne: ‘‘General satisfaction’ with Q¥A. Fading noticeable, but otherwise reception clear and strong." ¢ Whangarei: "Mr. Isherwood reports modulation perfect, slight atmospheric fade, also slight geuerator hum; reception exvellent, with great yolume. Mr. Shepherd reports Prime Minister and Postmaster-Gerieral’s addresses both heard here distinctly, also musical items notwithstanding occasional fading; generator Hum very noticeable through speech modulation inclined to blasting." Tsuranga: "Reports from three_stations, reception good, volume good:’ Rotorna: "Dr. Duncan, of Rotorua, ‘reports reception of 2YA volume much greater than Christchurch. Tone good, faded bad during speech. Dynamo hum present." IVA, Auckland: ‘Reception splendid. Prime Minister’s speech came in with nerfect clarity." Russell, Bay of Islands: "Mr. C. F. Baker, Russell, Bav of Islands, while congratulating 2YA, revorts as follows: Volume immense, mofulation vetv ood, clarity excellent, fading verv slieht " SOMEBODY WASN’T PLEASED. And, just fo show that everyone can’t be pleased. we publish this. [There may be more to follow:"Saye for the dreary speeches and preponderance of classical items, the programme was an €X« cellent one."*