Notes from Auckland

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 41, 27 April 1928, Page 16

Notes from Auckland

FIER the simmer of excitement created by the public meeting convened by the local Listeners’ Iveague, wireless enthusiasts in Auckland have settled down in a generally satisfied frame of mind to enjoy the nightly programmes from 1YA and from other stations further afield, but with little better to offer. ‘Though the Auckland listener does a growl occasionally, either verbally or in the columns of the local dailies, his is not the frame of mind that is disguntied, and le has been quick to renew his license. Radio will not wane here. It has too firm 4 hold upon public taste, and the number of converts to its ranks is increasing daily. HE first of the public relations committees, the one which axlvises regarding the broadcasting of church services, has got to work in earnest. It has made a thoroughly satisfying allotment of the times available to religious bodies, and adherents of various denominations will now know exactly when the tenets of their own faith will be on the air. By this work alone the committee has well justified its creation. JROBABLY the best series of lectures ever arranged for 1YA is that upon the story of our own country, so ably delivered by Mr. A. B. Chappell. The subject matter of the lectures must have occasioned much research, and tteir interesting presentation has held the attention of thousands, who rreviously knew far too little of the fascinating story of their own land. ‘The lectures should be preserved in print. My

Hii least appreciated of all the good things broadcast from Auckland seemed to be the regular item by the studio trio, which, for a beginning, often awed the utinitiated by its correctly given title. The craze for jazz is very strong in the light-hearted northern city, and there were mally whose musical knowledge did not extend beyond these realms of syncopation. They expected the trio to come down to this level, and when it did not do so they complained. Now, however, the painstaking efforts of the three instrumentalists are having their effect. Listeners are being educated to the heauties of classical music, with the result that vituperation is giving place to appreciation, and a appreciation of a steady growth. ‘The trio is winning its way to a popularity that, according to the man in ile strect, formerly it could never attain.

(THE weekly operatic excerpts are always enjoyable, and they too are improving each time. Listeners probably fail to realise the amount of work and enthusiasm required to produce such broadcasts weekly. They owe a debt of gratitude to Madame Ainsley for her untiring efforts in this field of their entertainment. OF course the ‘‘star turn" from 1YA is the relaying of the Municipal Band, and there are few sets not in use when the band is on the air. It has an ‘appeal to all, and those who have explored thoroughly the broadcasts from all other stations which can be regularly picked up in New Zealand, are unanimous that they hear nothing else in the way of brass and reeds to equal it. Auckland is justly proud of its own civic band, Most impressive was the relay of the dedication service last Sunday night, when the ‘Toc H’’ ritual was excellently handled. No listener could fail to be impressed by the dignity and the solemnity of the occasion, so ably conveyed from church to the seclusion of the home. TRING the coming week Auckland4" ers will be able to enjoy two Shakespearean nights, and to make comparisons. On Monday night, when the local station is silent, there will be a rush to tune in 2YA, while on the following evening, the lucky poOssessors of yalve sets will be able to sit back and say ‘fhere, I told yon so. Our programmes are quite as good as the Wellington ones.’’