Our Mail Bag

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 7, 2 September 1927, Page 13

Our Mail Bag

Sunday Afternoons Wanted. G.S.P, (Uunedin): May 1 suggest that many listeners like myself would appreciate ‘some music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons? If each of your four stations took turns on these afternoons we could pick up that station and always have music on those two vetv desirable afternoons. As it is, all we can get ou a Saturday is a football match, which every listener does not find attractive, although, of course, many do, I grant. The Christchurch Sunday afternoon oratorio some weeks ago was a-real delight. Such music, of course, you cannot produce every Sunday afternoon, but gramophone records would be very accept-able.-[The interest in sporting broadcasts is remarkable, and the way they are handled by the Broadcasting Company makes eutertainment even for those who do not follow outdoor games. We would suggest that Saturday afternoons be left to the sporting fraternity, without question. Sunday afternoon is different, and perhaps the Broadcasting Company would turn a sympathetic ear to you even at the risk of taxing an already overworked staff. So far there are no regular Sunday afternoon broadcasts, although some are put on as opportun- ity offers. We hope more will be.-

Ed.J ’ Diversified Tastes. Satisfied (Milton) -‘‘Your ‘Radio Record’ is greatly appreciated in my home. My youngest boy wants jazz, the oldest bands, the oldest girl orchestral items, the wife hymns, myself sermons, and the baby howls. Could you arrange to have them all given at the same time, and_ we will get a loud-speaker for each? I thought it as well to. enter the list of grumblers, but with the programmes from

saa, Bid, aad SYA we get 4 good selection to choose from and great results. We all syimpathise with the officer in charge of 4YA (even the baby), and we hope it will mot be long before his station can be classed with the others as Al."’ A Crystal Enthusiast. McN. (Lower Hutt) writes: "Being a radio enthusiast, I wonid like to tell you of the results I am obtaining from a 3 Brownie crystal set with a pair of 12s. 6d head ’phones. I have an aerial just short of LOOft., includmg the lead-in My poles are 30ft. high, and by putting the head ’phones in two crystal tumblers I could hear, plainly, the sermon and band items on Sunday evening broadcast on relay by 2YA. As a matter of fact, the band music by the Port Nicholson Silver Band was clearly audible at a distance of 20ft from the set, as we must be more than two miles (?) airline from QYA, I think this a very creditable performance, and would be pleased to hear of other amateurs who are operating crystal sets and the results they are obtaining. I have listened in to various stations throughout Australia while resident there, and honestly consider 2YA, both as regards volume and quality of programmes, second to none. Also, I am sure 2YA’s announcers are really excellent. ‘Shey are deliberate in their announcing, and always appear tu take a very keen interest in their work. For a country the size of old New Zealand I consider we have an excellent radio service, and I would conclude by quoting a Bairnsfather motto to those who are crying about not receiving good service, ‘‘If they knows of a better ’ole, go to it." Best of good wishes

Too Much Classic Stuff. A Listener (Island Bay): ‘All in our house appreciate very much the weekly paper that vou are issuing‘The Radio Record’-and would like to comment very favourably on the reception of the items broadcast from 2YA. The only thing is that the-I might say, bulk of the-owners are catered for very poorly in the selection of items. It makes one tired to hear the number of old songs that everybody who thinks they have a voice will sing time after time. The number of lighter, popular items that are broadcast could be considerably increased. It seems that the arrangers of the programmes are catering for the classical song audievce too much. I, and many of my neighbours, very | often close down for a whole or perhaps just tune in for the cabaret and theatre orchestras; while the bulk of our time is spent in listening to Sydney and Melbourne. A — good deal more of the items such as are being put over by Frank Andrews, Ronnie and Monty, and Billy Ilart would not weaken the programunes by any means," Great Improvements.

Radio (Picton): {I must write vou a few more words of appreciation in regard to the quality of the programmes and the general tone of the stations. The improvements whieh have been made by the B.C. of late are simply wonderful, I think. Kven the most exacting can surely find something to their liking in the host of items broadcast. Since the ‘Record’ first came out I have found reception steadily increasing in quality and volumeseems to me to have almost doubled. But the progress made in the programmes is surely beyond the dreams of the constant ‘snivellers.’ Your paper, too, deserves more than a fair share of prais2 for its handy, constructional articles and items of general news. In conclusion, there is no need to wish the ‘Record’ everv suc- | cess any mere, it is getting it."

What a Boon is Radio. M.C. (Fulding) writes: "T should like these lines to give you some idea of what a blessing wireless is to some of us. We have had our set about four months, and never fail to listen. in. I am slightly deaf, and therefore never cared for concerts and such like, but with the head ’phones I can hear everything. The first Sunday we had our set I listened to the church service from Christchurch, the first service I had heard for twelve years. My hearing has improved immensely, and I can hear music in California without ’phones. I have a friend who is very deaf; I persuaded her to come and try the head *phones. She heard everything, and said she had not enjoyed anything so well for many, many years. She has her own set now, and her hearing is greatly improved, Soon she hopes to hear the music without the *phones. In conclusion I wish the Radio Broadcasting Co. .every suecess, and thank you for the bright and cheery times you give us 2

Paparoa Reception. An interested listener at Paparoa supplies these notes on local reception of various stations :-- Daylight.-1YA: Strong, steady, and clear. 2YA:; Has been weak, but is improving; four valves gives good londspeaker results; fairly steady, no distortion, SYA: Very weak until akout 4 p.m, when it comes in muclt

stronger. At 4.15 p.m. is sometimes | stronger than 2YA; fades a little, no distortion. anizot.-LYA: Very strong, usually ‘very clear, but occasionally a little distortion; swings somewhat in the early ; evening, but is very steady after about 8.30; no fading. 2YA: Strength about _the same as lTYA; fades rather: badly and frequently; very clear, no distortion. 3YA: Strong, fades frequently, no distortion; clearest of all N.Z_ statieas here; sometimes quite as Jou as 1YA 4YA: Extremely weak; takes five valves to bring in on sneaker; clear, but fades somewhat Weather Reports. B.L.H., Haweta: May I make a suggestion with regard to your weather reports that I think would be of better use to your country listeners, and would be no inconvenience to those in the town, and that is, that they be broadcest. immediately aiter the 6 p.m. chimes from 2YA. In the. country at this time of year most of us retire early, and only when friends are in, or anything special on, do we sit,up until 9 p.m. Your paper is of great interest, and I follow others in saying that it fills a long-felt want.-[It is not from preference; but from necessity, that the weather report is announced at 9 o'clock. If the report were procurable earlier it would be announced earlier.]

Te Moana (Geraldine): The ‘Radio Record" is a very interesting paper, and we enjov it greatly. The programmes are also very good, esnecially the three northern stations. ‘There is just one suggestion that mav be of interest to manv of the children fisteners-in, and that is that the 2YA Uncle shonid have his session on a Thursday instead of Fridav evening, as it is the onlv evenins in the week there is no children’s session Onur kiddies seem quite lost with to wireless on a Thursdav.-fThe Broadcasting Comnanv intends in the near future to have children’s sessions everv evening the three main stations are onen.-Ed.}

The Amateurs. R. G. Logan: In a recent issue of the ‘Radio Record,’ and under the heading of ‘‘Kaiapoi Notes.’"’ I see a few lines in siefeuce 2 the smatear transmitters who spoil concerts for the crystal set user. ‘the correspondent who wrote these notes appears to have the idea that 1 would hike to see the amateurs dumped m the sea aitogettier. 1 would not, as I recognise that they are doing good work But they could suill do that vood work and keep off the mr between 8 p.m. and 10. The writer says that I ought to learn how to tune my set. He is labouring andae: a icin. gion, for information from professional afi’ amateur sources, as well as miy own knowledge, shows that it is impossible to tune out the morse the matter may now be dropped as far as Rangiora igs concerned, as I believe there is a movement afoot among the | Rangiora transmitters to keep quiet be'tween 8 and 10 p.m .

A Dunedin View. Wellington, 2¥.\, has been rather a disappointinent to quite a number down here, considering the power it is sup.posed to be. Fading is very bad at times, and one has to sit down beside the sect so as to control volume, as_ if set is delivering good volume one minute, the next it is hardly audible. Mush is noticeable at times, but is not very bad, fading right out is worst fault. ‘The ‘mike’? the announcer uses seems to be much better than the rest, as his voice comes out clear, without any background of hiss. As for programmes they are quite satisfactory as far as I am concerned. IYA and 3YA are not nearly so good, since the wavelength change, especially the latter station. Fading is bad from both, and_ 8YA goes off into a mush just when one wants to hear something, Possibly atmospheric conditions account for’ some of these troubles, as the "Anssie’ stations are all, with the exception of 21°C, mushy at times, and all subject to fading, especially those last few weeks.

"Now for my real grouch: After the radio broadcast stations turn their programmes loose ‘‘on the air’? in good order and. condition, do they not care how they are received? Is it a matter of no importance to the company that reception of programmes is completely spoilt at times by howling receiving sets, sometimes for the whole evening. he bedtime stories from Christchurch are almost always mutilated this way, aud children cannot be bothered listening unless they can understand what is being said, clearly.

Power leaks are another serious source of annoyance, but they do stop sometimes for a day or two. Static, of course, we cannot help. The only thing that prevents many murders is the offenders with radiating sets are not within reach. "Could the company not force the seriousness of the ‘howling valve nuisance’ home on to the public by giving frequent and forcible talks on the subject from all stations, This serious trouble certainly limits the number of listeners, and often completely stops the sale of radio sets as I know to my cost, "Re power leaks, could the R.B,C. not approach the power supply authorities about leaky insulators on H,T. lines, loose connections, ete., as this trouble is second only to the howler,

"Now, this has been one long growl, but I can assure you the cause of it is. unfortunately very real, as I could easily. prove if I took the trouble to go round for signatures jn verification.’?-

UI am etc:

W.

TAYLOR

| Dunedin.

{You will note our comments elsewhere regarding atmospherics and fading. So far as the "howlers’" are concerned, though this is a matter of great importance to the company, it surely cannot be considered to be the company’s duty to track them to their lairs. -The company, we are sure, has its hands full already in. putting programmes on the air. -The Listeners’ Leagues through the country have considered that this work is. within. their province, and rightly so, It is their duty, by every means in their power, to help the Government inspectors to suppress those who make the night hideous for listeners. The murderer of a "howler" would be acquitted by. a@ jury of valve set owners on the grounds of justifiable homicide! But we do not advocate any resort to Lynch Law !-Ed.]

Selecting the Programmes. "Allow me to congratulate the Radio Broadcasting Company on the improvement of the programmes now provided for listeners-in,’? runs another letter. ‘Being a valve set owner, I am able to select my concerts from your four stations, aud find the items so good that one wishes. one could listen in and hear the lot at once. I am yery content, however, to listen to any one item, as each and every one is a treat now. ‘The concert provided from 2YA last Sunday evening was a great pleasere, every artist being first-class. This ‘programme was refreshing after the over-doses of cliurch mmusic broadcast on .Sundays."’

"Y have no suggestions to make, but I have a wish. It is with reference to the broadcasting of church services on Sundays. If practicable, could the more important denominations be represented every Sunday-Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist-at one of vour |

| stations respectively??? —

M.P.W.

B.

| Canterburv.

[It should be possible to arrange this. No doubt it will be one of the duties of the new superintendent of programmes.- Tid. } Delighted With Simplicity. "Tust a few words in appreciation of your broadcasting station. We know very little about wireless, but we have a small crystal set, and ean get all your items beautifully. I have a small familv, so have neither the time nor the opportunity of attending concerts, and to be able to stay home sewing or darning and vet ‘listening-in’ to the various items is very welcome. We greatly enjoy the orchestra. We were always under the impression that a great deal of ‘tuning-in’, etc., was necussarv; our’s lias not been readjusted for a fortnight. Tust connect up a couple of wires and there you are "’

Whangarei on 2YA, | A Whangarei enthusiast makes these comments :--"Might I offer hearty congratulations on your programme to-night (Friday), from .both a musical and technical point of view. From night to night since the official opening the transmission. has steadily. improved. Io-. night’s observations are as follow:General hum practically indiscernable ; modulation, especially voice, excellent, fading practically negligible; bad atmospherics which interfered badly with ‘both 1YA and 38¥A did not materially affect your programme; as regards volume, it is necessary to detune considerably using three stages of impedance

andio."? | Reconciled to Backblocks. } * "We have just installed a wireless set, and we think that our station LYA. is fine indeed. Especially did we enjoy Friday and ‘Tuesday’s programmes. The organ recitals were glorious. We are away back here, shut off from _ the busy world. ‘The quietness sometimes weighs upon my wife; but she told me that now she does not mind if she never sees town Something for wireless !’’-- That’s the verdict of a country listener. Bands for Country Folk. ; "J wish to express my of the great improvement, also. the

sincere endeavour made by your ompany to give improved service. Despite the criticism, I consider the New Zealand stations compare favourably with the Australian stations, 1YA hes. greatly improved, 2YA and 3YA areé very clear, but fade very badly, which is very disapgointing. We sincerely" hope something will be found to elim-. inate tlis great drawback. I also wish to express my appreciation, as well as, that of many of my friends, of thé Sunday afternoon programmes given at 1YA,. I can assure yon they are greatly appreciated, and: it would be more so if the Municipal Kand could be switched on. Country people have’ not the opportunity of hearing goa

| bands."’:

J.

T.

Cambridga:

Remember the Wide Circle. "Reading some of the comments in the ‘Radio Record,’ it seems to mé¢ people don’t remember the wide circle you have to cater for,’’ says one writer. "As a listener-in for more than four. years now, I consider it wonderful the improvements that have been made, both in tone and quality. The church services on Sundays must give great. pleasure to hundreds of people unable ‘to attend church. I know my own mother, an old lady, enjoyed it, as she’ was unable for a long time before her death to: go to church. As I write this I am listening to the service broadcast from Christchurch. This is only one of many, many things we enjoy. As one who enjoys all the different pro grammes you put on, I thank von." .

‘How to Get Dunedin. ‘We have a five-valve wireless set . by Gilfillan, and the vendor gave us a list of severa}) broadcasting stations, with the setting of the dials for each station. This was before the wavelengths of the New Zealand stations" were altered, and now we cannot pick up 4YA at all. Will you kindly let ug know by means of your valuable paper if there is any relation between the wave-length of a broadcasting station and the setting of the dials? Wehave noticed the symbols of several stations which we have not got on our list, and we should like to get them if possible. The New Zealand stations we have require the following setting: -IVA, Auckland (833 metres), 25, 27, 98: QVA, Wellington (420), 444, 46, 46{; 8YA, Christchurch (306), 19, 28, 24; 4¥A, Dunedin (463); SAR, Melbourne (484), 68, 63}, 65. ‘Thanking you in anticipation.-Yours, ete,

O.

D.

Newv Pymouth_

[We suggest you try about of, 90, 61, or thereabouts. 4YA wonld be comparatively weak with vou.]

2¥A Very Clear. C.F.B., Roxburgh: We enjoy 2YA’s concerts very much,:and we can’ soon tell if you are giving out the details, for there is not one station which J pick up where we get it so clear and distinct as Wellington, although Christchurch and Brisbane are close second and third. The listener-in who is not satisfied with Wellington wants to see a doctor and have his head read. In regard to the "Radio Re .- cord" I think that if it was half the size and double the thickness it would be far better, for I am sure hundreds are keeping all copies for future re-ference.--On the last point, to halve our size would involve folding and slower production at heavier cost; more important still, it would certainly cost a day’s mailing for | many placcs. Under our present equipment and conditions the present size is un-avoidable.--Fd Some Suggestions. §. W. Tiles (Waiterimu): I am very interested in the various articles in your paper, and rather amused at one entitled "Don’t Meddle.’? ‘fhe anthor thercof presumably is a radio dealer who doesn’t believe in amateurs trying to learn anvthing about their sets. Has it ever occurred to him that if his slogan of "don’t meddle" had been strictly adhered to we should never have had wireless, the tclephone, and many other marvels due to man’s inherent curiosity to find out what inakes | things go. «4 .%

Now, re programmes. £ am Macce pleased to note such a marked = im‘provement, and listeners have now little cause to grumble. There are, however, one or two points in which they could be further improved. IYA and 2YA both have Thursdays for band nights. This is an error which could easily be rectified, and would be greatly anpreciated if it was. Again, jt is hardlv fair that Saturdav nights from 9-11 should be devoted to jazz at TVA, 2YA, and SYA. If 2¥A gives jazz the others should arrange differently, or else give alternate Saturdays. Also, why is it that we hardly ever hear piccolo, clarinet, and oboe solos. These should be good "over the air."?