Notes from Auckland

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 48, 15 June 1928, Page 16

Notes from Auckland

(By

Listener

| OTHER than from orchestras, New Zealand stations have very few chances. of conducting theatre relays, but Auckland is fortunate in securins, on one night per week, the star item of any performer who may be appearing at the Majestic Picture Theatre. Thus we have been enabled to hear such delightful entertainers as Jack Lumsdiaine, who is ranked as a. big item in Australian radioland, and Ernest McKinley... This week Reno ts appeariug in xylophone items, and the relaying of twa of these on Tuesday evening was a revelation to many listeners of the capacity of the instrument as well as of the capability of the player. AUCKLAND'S wiuter racing carnival drew its tens of thousands to Kllerslie, and it is safe to say that it drew as many teus-of thousands to the loud speaker or to the earphones, for it is surprising how few listeners miss a description of a ruee meeting. There nre hundreds of folk who would never go near a racecourse, and who, from their religious or moral convictions, regard it as a place to be shunned; yet they quite enjoy listening in to the descriptions so well given by Myr, Allardyce, The popular sports announcer has enbanced his reputation here in the north by the splendid manner in which he deseribed every event in the three days of racing. JADAME IRENE AINSLEY is an indefatigable worker in the cause of radio entertainment, and must spend endless time in the preparation

of excerpts from grand operas which she and her capable little party produce weekly. The Intest, a selection of gems from "IL Troyatore," though it utilised only three vocalists, will be’ yoted one of the best yet. It was rather astounding to hear only three voices, and two of them female voices, start off the "Anvil Chorus," but the general effect was altogether pleasing. OTITING presents a greater difficulty in relay work than the handling of the municipal organ recitals from the Town Hall. The placing of the microphone has been fixed only after long experiment, so that there will not be blasting from the fortissimo passages of the grand organ, and o also that delicate pianissimo renderings will not be altogether lost. So great is the range of volume, however, that, if one is to enjoy our city organist to the full, it is necessary to manipulate the dials at times. No true lover of organ musie minds doing this; in fact it gives him a feeling of personal trol of the instrament. MPHE broudeasting company eatered to the fullest for sporting Llisteners on June 2. The relays of racing were interspersed with descriptions of an exciting football strugsle at Eden Park, ; a

ISTENERS who have come into touch with members of the musical committee associated with I1YA cannot but be struck by the enthusiasm shown by these ladies and gentlemen. It is too early yet to notice the fruits of their labours, for * programmes have to be prepared a long way ahead, but the writer is assured) that these fruits will soon be ready for the gatheriny. and that they will tickle the palates of all set owners who tune in the Auektand station. UR short-wave enthusiasts have had a great time this week, and wal who could read Morse rapidly have followed some portion of the messages sent out by Captain Kingsford-Smith’s party. One short-wave lad sat up all through the Sunday night, and appeared at work next morning tired, but triumphant. Incidentally, he was of much assistance in supplying information to the daily press.