Notes from Auckland

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 47, 8 June 1928, Page 16

Notes from Auckland

(By

Listener

JTELUSTRATIONS and particulars of Wellington's "radio car’ have aroused much local interest, and all who suffer in Auckland and suburbs from the varied types of preventible interference with reception are anxious to hear of the results of an excellent step on the part of the P. and T. Department. A similar travelling equipment could render useful service here, but it must be admitted that the interference question is far less acute than it was twelve months ago, when the night was made hideous as soon as the local station closed down. One hears an occasional howler nowadays, but the pandemonium of the past is gone, and gone for ever, one hopes. Still, there is much "man-made static" which might be obviated. The warships in port are very considerate during broadcasting hours, but occasionally the exigencies of the service demand that they should interrupt. Yacuum cleaners and violet ray apparatus are frequently operated at night in some districts, and leaks on power lines cause a disturbance = at times. This is immediately remedied if reported, for the power board officials, most of them keen listeners themselves, are ever ready to attend to complaints of interference with reception. 4OR the first time in Auckland, if not in New Zealand, the aid of broadcasting has been sought, and has been instantly given, in the tracking down of two escaped prisoners from Mt. Eden gaol. On Tuesday evening last descriptions of the two escapees were sent out from 1Y¥.A, and though no connection with this announcement is traceable, one of the two was captured next day. The utilisation of the station shows yet another avenue in which our radio service can serve the community, and the fact that the whole countryside can almost immediately be supplied with the deseription of a criminal should in itself be a deterrent of any future attempts at escape. HE Auckland Listeners’ League is to hold its annual meeting on the 25th instant. Formed just over a year ago, to replace the moribund Amateur Radio Society, the league quickly secured & membership of over a thousand, due largely to the fact that its membership fee was only a modest shilling. Unlike other societies, it does not hold regular monthly meetings for its members, nor does it arrange tech- . nical lectures which attract enthusiasts in other centres. At the forthcoming annual meeting it is expected that such questions as the Dominion Radio Advisory Board and the allegedly high prices of radio apparatus will loom large. . BAck again at the 1YA microphone is Mr, Culford Bell, whose clarity in announcing is commented upon by the farthest DX listeners who pick up | the Auckland broadcasts. ooOow7VvCvOCL OO OOO EEE Eee re

LASst Wednesday’s Town Hall con-. eert by the Municipal Band and assisting artists provided a most enjoyable programme. Band music is ag popular in Auckland as are the renderings of the orchestra in Wellington, and though the acoustic properties of our Town Hall are not all that they might be, the relay was perfect. It is noticeable that vocalists sound even better when relayed from the hall than when heard from the studio. Quite a number of listeners comment upon this fact, which is technically unaccountable, for the acoustics at the cosy concert chamber at 1X¥A are all that could be desired, and as far as broadcasting itself is concerned, singers would much prefer to face the microphone there than to appear in the Town Hall before one that collects all the incidental noises among a big audience, THE Lyric Four is recognised by all competent judges as the finest vocal quartet in the Dominion, and it is more than that. It is a whole entertainment in itself, for each member is a talented contributor to its programmes, and humour is never wanting when Mr, Alan McElwain is about. Consequently the Saturday night hour of this quartet at 1YA is always one of our best features of the week. Last Saturday was no exception, though the Lyrics had a heavy evening, An hour before the microphone, an appearance at a local the"atre, and then a performance before His Excellency, who was the. guest of the Savage Club, is a big bill to fill in one night. : HERE ts very general commendation among those who have secured copies of the "Record’s" publication, the "New Zealand Radio Wisteneérs’ Handbook." The wide range of useful information supplied, and the excellent tables of broadcasting stations with their wave lengths and hours of transmission are just what the average listener requires. The book should be assured of a ready sale among Auckland fans. .