Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 49, 22 June 1928, Page 16

Auckland Notes

(By |

Listener

L_STENING was in the boom here during last week-end, and the achievement of the Pacific flight, combined with the achievements of broadcasting stations in describing it while in progress, have had quite an educative effect upon the general public. The period from sunset on Friday to noon on the Saturday was one of those which come only occasionally. It was one of those for which broadcasters, long-an opportunity to demonstrate to the world at large what only the listener himself realises, and that is the remarkable utility of radio, It can be predicted with safety that the splendid efforts of broadcasting stations during last week-end Will result in a considerable gathering into the‘fold of new licensees. 2BL was the most popular station during the final stage of the fiight.. It catered splendidly for listeners with an all-night service which did not let up for a minute. Of course, the flight was to Australia, and residents of the Commonwealth were more closely interested in its accomplishment than were New Zealanders, so it was fitting that the palm for success should go to 2BL. Considering distance and disadvantages under which work was earried out, Aucklanders are of opinion that the performances put up by 2YA and 1YA were no less praiseworthy. At short notice 1YA decided to continue through the night, broadcasting hourly the news that was obtained from short-wave readers of Morse. On each occasion of a broadcast a preliminary warning was given by the playing of a record, and then came the eagerly awaited news, quite as up-to-the-moment as that provided by 4QG, which was "on the spot," and which, one thought, would have made more of the all-night broadcast than it did. i1YA’s effort must have entailed bard work on the staff, and particularly on the operator. All concerned in it deserve both congratulations and thanks from listeners, who must have realised how well the station rose to the occasion in catering | for them.

PHE local papers express delight at the announcement of the organisation of the .YA studio orchestra. According to information published here, the orchestra will mal. its bow to the studio microphone next month, when Mr, Bellingham will put it through its initial performances in the same capable manner as he did with the Wellington orchestra, The night of the initial performance will be a redletter one in tl: story of Auckland radio, Everyone spoken to on the subject is pleased at the rapidity with which the TIcoadenasting Company is fulfilling its promise that * Auckland should be next." TPHE news regarding the orchestra is. not the only item to bring the smile of satisfaction to the faces of local listeners. When we listen to Sydney stations we often feel the regret that we have not the chances for relaying from theatres that are afforded in the Commonwealth. Now comes the glad tidings that there will be regular relays of "star turns" from the "Iimbassy," the ne home of yaudevillerevue that is providing a type of programme beloved by Aucklanders. Here i. another innovation for which we may well say "Thanks," OF all overseas artists heard per radio none is more popular than Mr. Alfred O'Shea, the well-known tenor who sang his farewell at 2BL on Sunday last, when he was inundated with request .umbers. Mr. O’Shea is making a concert tour of the Dominion. What a treat it would be if, on the conclusion of this tour, he could be persuaded to appear at, say, 2YA. Mz. O’Shea owes much of his popularity to radio.

QOvx programmes are still on the up grade, and one hears very few complaints as to their quality. In fact, there has been much of praise for them in the local Press, and it will not be surprising if this praise is voiced at the annual meeting of the Listeners’ Teague, which occurs on the 25th at the Unity Hall, Further artists have been advertised for, and the one ccca-

sional growl, that of monotony of artists, will soon be completely drowned in a chorus of approbation. HORT-WAYE enthusiasts, such as Messrs. Arthur, Warn, and Clarkson, were in their element during the past week-end when they supplied the local Press with the latest regarding the flight. They will be ready again when the ’plane starts on its transTasman journey-and so, we can rest assured, will 1YA, to improve even on the excellent service it gave last Friday night.