2YA ORCHESTRA

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 1, 20 July 1928, Page 15

2YA ORCHESTRA

t PROPOS of programmes, "Wanganui," in this week’s "Mail Bag," submits.a weighty argument and hopes to see the subject ventilated further, His suggestion, based on an analysis of a week’s renderings by the 2¥A orchestra, that the position of two-thirds classical and one-third light opera and dance music be reversed, in -eonformity with popular taste, is one which can only be endorsed. I canhot say that I agree with your correspondent’s view that fhe orchestra should figure more in the programmes, for I think that we hear ample of this enjoyable combination of instrumentalists. "Wanganui," in quoting 8LO’s huge reyenue, as well as drawing attention to the predominant fare supplied by that station, viz., light music and comedy items, makes out an excellent case for the adoption of such a programme policy by the New. Zealand Radio Broadcasting Company.

It passeth my understanding AOW radio, as a home recreation, is ever going to enthuse the general public as it should do, while the contrary policy is being pursued. The nonappearance of the dinner-music sessions, referred to by your correspondent, does not cause me, personally, ‘much sorrow, for after all the music was intended to be of the "subdued" | type, and my little circle are all sati-. ated with the latter. There is one thing, however, which I do mourn, and that is the disappearance of a dance band from 2YA. Really, My. Editor, are we never to hear one again from Wellington. We were promised Saturday evening dance sessions this winter, which have not materialised. [We are not aware of any such promise. When the orchestra started Saturday was set down for vyaudeville,-Ed.} However, in closing, sir, there can be no doubt but that in the fulness of time our radio programmes really will be popular, and with regular dance sessions at the close of each evening’s entertainment-not in the form of gramophone records-W.G.R. (Wellington). Some Suggestions? WHEN I started listening-in, Easter, 1927, there was a very poor choice of fare from New Zealand stations, and it was only Australian stations which made radio worth while. Now the New Zealand Broadcasting Company are giving us quite a feast of musical items, which are appreciated by the majority. For a young country like New Zealand the Broadcasting Company are quite well to the fore in the way of high-powered stations and have skilful engineers who are the chief link between artist and listener. ‘here is quite a lot to alter and add in the way of management to suit listeners, and bring more attraction to the still waiting public. Does the Broadcasting Company for one minute put themselves in the place of a listener who has invested £40 in a 5-valve set? Have they ever sat over their machine burning midnight oil

right out after distant stations? Have they ever had a party of prospective listeners to give them a musical treat and the wonders of distant reception, and the only proof is by the call sign? My, suggestions are: Leave out the everlast« ing useless reiteration of George Court, Karangahape Road, and A, R. Harris Company Buildings. Always give the call sign between items; it is essential to people logging stations, also the name of the artist, then 2 person can haye a choice of performer. In after noons, why not start one station earlier, also evenings could .be earlier in the winter months. Reading over most letters, there is unjust criticism and no serviceable suggestions.-James A, Moore, Dannevirke.