TACKLING HOWLERS

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 32, 24 February 1928, Page 4

TACKLING HOWLERS

Sse ACTION IN VIEW _ WELLINGTON AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY MOVES A special committee meeting of the Wellington Society was held on Thursday last, when among other matters the tackling of the "howler" nuisance was considered. The Wanganui Society asked the local society to request the Band Contest Committee at Christchurch to permit the Broadcasting Company to broadcast the week’s proceedings at Christchurch. As a definite refusal had been decided upon by the Bands Association, it was considered useless sending on the request, as much as the society would like the contests broadcast; further, time was too short to do any good. The Howler. The meeting was called to discuss two important matters; ‘Howling’ valves and membership. The secretary reported that the general manager had stated that the company would be glad ‘to consider the broadcasting of approved matter, calling upon owners of one and two valve sets, and certain other forms of receiving sets, to desist from interfering with listeners who have provided suitable sets for "receiving" long-distance stations. Certain sets have their limitations, and it is unreasonable for listeners to expect to hear distant stations unless they provide the correct and non-interfering type of receiver which is necessary, without interfering with neighbours. The society is determined to assist as far as possible to reduce this form of interference to a minimum; and asks listeners, dealers, the Broadcast Company, and the ‘Press’? to join in the "attack" upon the incessant ‘howler." The hon. secretary reported having made arrangements for short special messages to be given by an expert when the time was ripe. Success of Maori Pageant. The committee passed a.unanimous resolution congratulating the company for the splendid Maori Pageant recently broadcast. It was noted with pleasure that 2VA will broadcast more light orchestral music shortly, and when possible continue broadcasting until a later hour on Sunday nights, The society considers Sunday night is a very important night for listeners, in that most set owners are able to devote the Sunday night to listening; and the committee has appealed to the Broadcasting Company to concede this point. The main trouble appears to be, says the committee, difficulty in obtaining artists on Sundays, but the society states they would prefer selected gramophone records in preference to closing down early. A letter from the company’s general manager stated that only lecturettes of wide general interest and other spoken matter of an entertaining nature will be broadcast after 8 p.m.. As far as possible the musical programnies will not be interfered with. More Members Wanted. It was decided to make a big effort to enrol more listeners as mem: bers, and the hon. secretary was empowered to make certain ar: tangements with a view to strengthening the society, it being considered that the society has, and is still doing, good work in the interests of listeners, and broadcast‘ing as a whole. It was resolved that new members joining after this date on payment of their subscription (5s.) would remain financial members until the end of April, 1928; the current year closing April 30 next. In future, special instructive and entertaining evenings will be provided by the society for members. Co-operation Planned. The committee recorded its appreciation for the opportunity of meeting the general manager (Mr. A. R. Harris) and Mr. Bellingham (musical director) recently in Wellington, when various important matters were discussed. ‘I'he society, although desirous of having the silent night eliminated, realises that to duplicate the staff in order to provide nightly transmission is hardly possible just yet, owing to the heavy expeuse incurred in running four stations, but hopes as the numbers af licensees grows further improvements will be possible. The society recorded the fact that the company, through the general manager, stated that everything possible was being done to give listeners a good | broadcast service. Society Matters. , The hon, secretary asked the com-. mittee to provide an assistant hon. secretary, owing to the large amount of work which the society had to handle. The president and members said they all appreciated highly the enormous amount of voluntary work done by the hon. secretary, and it was decided that Mr. G. W. Morgan-one of the com-mittce-should act as assistant hon. secretary. The hon. secretary’s address is: Amateur Radio Society, Wellington, Box 603, The last conference held in Wellington decided that official correspondents should be appointed by each society in New Zealand, and such correspondent would keep in touch with kindred societies. With this end in view, Mr. Morgan was appointed by the Wellington Society as official correspondent to the Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay Societies. It is requested that all other societies throughout New Zealand notify the Wellington and eyerv society the name and address of its official correspondent, This intercommunication between societies is to facilitate the work of each fpociety. tery :