Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 9, 14 September 1928, Page 7

Auckland Notes

[F the radio trade in the Auckland district does not experience a boom, it ought to, for the diversity of entertainment and news lately provided by 1YA, and the big features in prospect are sufficiently attractive to bring thousands into the radio fold. Listeners themselves can help materially in this direction. All are familiar with those friends who say, "I see there is something good.on at 1YA tonight. I’ll invite myself round to your place to listen in." A delicate hint that possession of one’s own set is much better than dependence upon the courtesy of a friend will help them, and will help progress. YA is heard with fine steadiness here in the daytime by those who have good sets and know how to operate

them. On Wednesday the account of the first Rugby Test was heard most distinctly, and judging by the full and and early accounts in the newspapers, the latter made full use of their sets that afternoon. R. FRANK SUTHERLAND, our popular basso, was missing from the Wednesday night programme at 1YA. Many Wellington listeners were probably unaware that he was officiating in another important capacity dur ing the afternoon at that day. He was the man behind the whistle at Athletic Park. So popular was the rendering of | "Rose Marie" by the Madame Ainsley concert party that listeners are eagerly looking forward to the presentation from the "Maid of the Mountains" on Tuesday. There is absoluutely no doubt of the general appeal which such renditions make to the large body of listeners. (GREAT was the disappointment of listeners when it was announced on Saturday last that the trans-Tas-man flight had been postponed. A Saturday evening flight would have been ideal for most listeners, for there would have been no qualms about Sitting up all night with a day of rest

ahead. However, when one reached out for "distance" one realised that it was perhaps as well that a postponement had been made. Static was terrific, and that switching from station to station. which is beloved of so many would have been impossible. (THE average listener fails to realise all that preparation for a frequently postponed flight entails upon the staff of a broadcasting station. An all-night vigil awaits them when the Hight commences, and meanwhile, in anticipation, the staff at LYA is vir tually sleeping on the job. It must have been a trying week for them. (THE announcement in the evening papers that 1YA.was to re-broad-cast portion of one of the services in connection with the Eucharistic Congress in Sydney, caused large numbers

to tune in earlic¢r than usual on Wednesday night. Atmospheric conditions were far from favourable, static being very pronounced. Despite this, the magnificent choral music was received at. good volume, and all portions of the service could be heard, though it was marred by interference. Still better results are hoped for during the weekend, and there is every prospect of their being attained. Even as it is, the staff at 1YA have reason to feel gratified with their first attempt. It demonstrated possibilities that we are sure will be fully availed of in the future, and in carrying out the rebroadeast the station rendered a signal service to a large number of the community who are deeply interested in the historie services conducted in the new Sydney Cathedral.