Our Mail Bag

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 9, 14 September 1928, Page 12

Our Mail Bag

Will correspondents please practice brevity, as heavy demands are now made on space. All letters must be signed and address given as proof of genuineness; noms de plume for publication are permitted. Address correspondence Editor, "Radio Record,’ P.O. Box 1082, Wellington.

Morse Drowning 2FC. (SHOULD you kindly inform me who puts the morse through on 2FC’s wavelength, and if there is any way of shutting him up, as I was under the impression that morse was not allowed in the 250-500 band, It comes through nine nights out of ten, and absolutely ruins 2FC’s programme. Re Wellington fading and mushyness: I do not know what labour is required to change over from one wavelength to another, but would it be possible to try one of the other station’s wavelength on their silent night to see if it effected tha cute that everyone is looking for. Also, as 2YA is a New Zealand station, built for New Zealanders, why not try less power, as anything down to 1000 watts ‘would be sufficient to cover New Zea-

land.

-Satisfied with 30s. Worth

(Qne-

whero).

[Morse stations should not operate on the broadcast band, but before this trouble can be tracked more information will be necessary. Could you decipher, or get sameone to decipher, some of the code and advise us of the re-sult.-Ed. ] Suggestions for 1YA. REWNG a reader of your interesting paper for the last twelve months, I would like to thank Mr, Sellens for his very interesting reports on S.W.. a?

which I look furward to every week. I would like to ask if he is often troubled with morse on the same warvelength as 5SW, England. I can very seldom get this station clearly for the morse, which seems to start about 7.15 a.m. I cannot get tuned in before that time, not being home. I have noticed a good deal of comment on 2YA fading: there is no doubt that it is a great pity, as it comes in here as good as 1YA, but of course fades very badly. I notice that between 6 p.m. to 8 p,m. it does not fade to the same extent as from 8 p.m. to 10 pm. SYA does not fade, nor 4YA, althongh he is very weak. I understand that Dunedin power was being raised: if so, could you tell me When, as their sports programme is worth listening to. Another point Which troubles others as well as myself: If the talks on authors which cover sometimes 20 minutes could be cut down a little and more variation put in, I think more revenue would be the result. Mystery night was dull. but for the picking of the items, which to some would be easy. What about giving some of the old performers a rest with their same old songs. and do the same as 2YA, a "Diggers’ Night." I am sure it could be done. and I am

satisfied would be encored.

N.D.

R.

(Panatoetoe).

Sacred Concert. (THESE few lines are for the purpose of protesting against the New Zealand Broadeasting Company in substituting a sacred studio concert last night for the usual band concert from the Opera House at Wellington. We get plenty of sacred musie on Sunday from the morning, afternoon. children’s, and evening sessions. and always look forward to the splendid concerts from the Opera House. We get 3YA up here better than any other station at night. and are always certain of several listeners-in on Sunday evenings I can assure you that all were very disappointed at last night’s programme and shifted to 3AR Melbourne, where we got a very good band and vocal concert.M.B.A. (North Auckland). Ii would like to express our appreciation of last night’s programme (Sunday. September 2). To us it was the best Sunday evening's concert we have ever listened to. While we recognise that the band concerts are very enjoyable, we think that a

programme such as last evening’s is much more uplifting and would like you to continue to put one on at intervals. We know these entail more expense, and work, and realise they ‘annot be given weekly. The company is already giving us good value for our licenses. Re stations. We get Wellington very good here usually, except for very short periods of fading. On Saturday night and again to-night, on our five-valve set, we had so much volume that Wellington was coming trough speaker strength with the volume control turned right off. We prefer Wellington for concert sessions, Christchureh for children’s and Sunday afternoons. For daily afternoon sessions te are not competent to judge as we are rarely present to receive

them..

Wowser

(Milton).

Reception in Dunedin. (THERE is no doubt that, as your correspondent, Mr. D. BE. Booth, says, the local reception of 2YA has been very disappointing for months past. The excuses which are made for this cannot hold water, and it is no use saying that we are badly placed for reception. If we are thus placed how is it that for the first few months after the big station was opened we had perfect reception both in regard to volume and lack of fading? I think that the whole cause of the trouble is the broadness with which our local station transmits-many "listeners-in" find it impossible to tune this station out. as it is constantly "coming through" 2YA’s transmission and distorting it. It would be interestin; if Dunedin listeners would send to you a report on their reception of 2YA for a week. paying special attention to the two nights when 4YA is silent, and comparing them with the other nights when both are on the air. By this means a solution of the present miserable state of affairs might be arrived

at..

Constructive Criticism

(Dunedin).

[The broadness of tuning was treated in our issue of August 17, referring to 297M. The remarks then made apply here.-Ed. } Japanese Stations. As my neighbour, doubtless in fury at the banning of racing broad‘asts, has ceased to continue subscribing to your paper, I am _ reluctantly forced ta part with 10s. myself in order

to remain in the know. This is a very fine location for reception from the various stations, as I have even had the pleasure of wireing to "AYA the reception of the results of their first two races at their last trotting " meeting, and last Saturday the names } of the players in the Canterbury and |. Otago match came through perfectly before the game started. I notice that your correspondent "Switch" is "looking for a tame Jap" to interpret JOHK for his benefit. It may prove more favourable to the peaceful relationship of the two countries if he leaves well alone. The other evening I was listening to JOHK at about 10.25 in order to see whether or not the evening musical session was heralded in by a beating of gongs or striking of clocks or what. A lengthy discourse in the very best Japanese was proceeding when suddenly it broke forth into the most mellifluous English: "Terrible; Splendid! Come and make a bet!" Followed by a retranslation of the above into the local dialect, and the station closed down for the session. My chief sorrow about Japanese stations is that nowadays they no longer bang a gong or tea-tray or something to announce the next item as they used to do three years ago. The one which goes in for "light comedy" most frequently is the fellow just above 4QG, who is awfully funny. though his imitations of the cat and the hen in converse pall in course of time. That was a nasty smash in the motor-cycle race for the "silver scarf" at Brisbane last night. I trust that the poor chap wasn’t killed, but the way they switch-

ed off made it seem like it.

G.

F.

(Ohura).

[JOGK, operating on 380 metres, would be the station ‘ust above 4QG. -Hd. ]

Praise For 2WVA. I FEEL I must express my appreciation of the programmes provided by 2YA. ‘The orchestra is wonderful, and the records played on Sunday afternoon are well liked by all at home, also the humorous items during the week. I must say I can listen to almost anything except jazz. The programme suggested by J.K. in the "Radio Record" of September T would

certainly be an ideal one.

Crystal

(Kaiwarra ) .

Criticise to Improve. [ AM accused, by E.C.P., of Ngaruawahia, of lauding "Aussie stations," in current issue of "Radio Record." I would like to state, for the information of E.C.P., and anyone else, that I very seldom tune in Aussie unless on Saturday night for a fight or wrestling pout. 3YA is my first favourite, 4YA and 1YA next. I don’t miss much of Wellington’s star items; as, for instance, I thoroughly enjoyed a visiting contralto, who gave Scotch and Irish folk songs. They were a treat, and pronunciation was perfect-and no side. I think if our artists were more natural (less ‘"dorg," as a seaman would say), they would be easier to listen to. The programme on August 4 was a treat, a real free and easy. and as already stated by me was eijoyed by a house full that I know of. I criticise for the benefit of listeners, and then onlv to try for the best result,

not to destroy altogether:

J.

K.

(Trent-

ham).

Java Stations. N your answers to correspondents in this week’s issue, you give "MW." the wavelength of ANE as 21.93 metres. I refer him to your Listeners’ Guide, which gives it as 31.86 metres. If I may be permitted to correct you, this station no longer uses the 31.86-metre wavelength, transmitting only on 15.93 metres. This is according to their QSL card sent me dated June 10, on which they stated: "We don’t sent more on 31.86’-rather a quaint way of putting it. Hours of transmission are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 1770 and 1970 G.M.T. on 15.93 m. Input is 15 k.w. high-tension power amplifier 7000volt six phases rectified a.c, current 50 cycles. Telephony set is eristal controled. (The spelling of the last two ‘words are as on the QSL card.) Another station in Java has been heard . here recently at very good strength on 40 metres, using your "Radio Record" three-valve S.W. receiver, Which con-

tinmes to give excellent results_

R. F.

Stanton

(Christchurch. )

The Mushiness Fault. NOTICE in this week's "Record" that correspondents blame our sets for distorted reception from 2YA. -I bave tried different B voltages, but there is no difference, part of the items clear, the other part mushy. If you ean hear part of programme clearly and the other part distorted and fading, well, the set is all right. When 3YA vebroadcasts 2YA, the same thing is noticed; 8YA rebroadcast goes mushy at intervals. 38YA’s set is. worked by an expert, and if he cannot get it clearly without distortion, well, it is either 2yA’s transmission at fault, or the atmosphere, but most certainly not our sets. B3YA is always received clearly here, no sign of mush, etc. The programmes are of such a high order that it is a pity one hears half of it spoilt

through distortion.

A. R.

Gardiner

(Purua).

The Racing Ban. BEING one of those who have been greatly interested in hearing the broadeasting of racing events, may I through your columns express my opinion, and I know the opinion of many other country people who have wireless sets, commenting on the N.Z. Racing Conference's opinion that the above increases betting. let them face a few facts. No doubt some of the members are subscribers to your journal-if not they should be. I have been betting on racehorses just whenever I wish to for the last twenty years and find no difference to-day. I just simply ring a bookmaker or his

agent, or a friend, and say what I require and it is done, providing I get my message in a few minutes before the start of a race. Every bookmaker has either a radio or a friend that has one, and it’s no use trying to have a bet whilst the race is on, and the describing of an important race is fascinating and interesting and does not increase betting. I have been at hotels and other places where the broadcasting was to be heard, and the numbers that congregated were there to hear how their money was getting on previously handed over to the bookmaker; and why not? The Government oblige the folk that are handy and ean afford to go to race meetings with cheap fares, and special trains, to my mind and many others mostly to bet on a legal machine for betting. Why penalise the person who cannot afford to so to a meeting through having to

work or many other things that could be mentioned? I can assure the Racing Conference from my own experience and that of many others that the increased betting they complain of is tommy-rot and mostly consists of 2s. 6d. and ds. bets. In the country districts if we want a bet we ring up and always get our modest quid or two placed exactly where we want it, despite the fact that hundreds of bookmakers are fined the modest sum of £75 or £100 or so. The racing officials know just as well as we do that the country is full of bookmakers and their agents in New Zealand, and I’m safe in saying there is not a township in New Zealand that one cannot get his bet fixed up if he wants one. If the Racing Conference wants to reduce the bookmakers’ business there is a far better way, and that is for the New Zealand Racing Conference to do its best ta enable the people of this country to walk into any post office and wire money direct to the secretary of the racing clubs. have our bet and place those who are a few hundred wiles away from the races on the same footing as those who have excursion trains, concessions and a proper bet-

ting machine.

Common Justice

(Wai-

totara ) .

The King’s English. HE "Radio. Record" (Friday, September 7) to hand, and, as usual, { have turned to the "Mail Bag" volumn, and have just come to the letter headed "The King’s English." I think this is a most insulting letter, and one that should never have been printed, but consigned to the waste-paper basket. I think I am right in saying that the majority of Masterton listeners have very little fault to find with any of the announcers; of course, they, like the rest of us, are not perfect. My advice to "Homo" is, if you cannot say 2 good word for anyone, then don't say

a bad one, or sling mud.

J. W.

d'C.

(Masterton)

naineiet 6 hineenneeseeeneenen ee ae YTER reading "Homo’s" letter, I eannot refrain from answering such 2 sarcastic outburst. Why cannot he be man enough to sign his name? He must be ashamed of his writing. These critics may be students of English and other languages, but perhaps be duds on anything else. Mr. Announcer may perhaps not please everyone, but he does the majority, I think, and if "Homo" and Co. were to have a try at his job they may make a complete bosh of it altogether. In conclusion, Sir, let me quote a_ text: "Let he that is without sin cast the

first stone."

Harold J.

Finlay

Hil-

wera).

CRAVE your indulgence for a few lines in answer to a letter in your last issue entitled "The King’s English," py "Homo." This gentleman accuses Mr. Hunt of condoning the announcer’s mispronunciations and mistakes on account of his pleasant manner. Now, Sir, I have listened to ‘diy from many parts of this little globe, and can assure him that what he calls 2 "pleasant manner" is the hall mark of a cultured gentleman, and his English is 20-carat; in fact, it is often a ray of sunshine through the clouds. Myself, I do not profess to be as learned as "Homo" concerning the English language, but I don’t think it sporting to splash the mud because the grapes are sour. How about "Homo" trying some of his "Homo" stuff before the "Smile himself? Then we will know

what the Kine’s English sounds like.-

Fernleaf

land N your issue of September 7 "Homo," writing behind the shelter of anonymity, makes a most unfair attack on the 2YA announcer. Despite some mistakes of pronunciation, I venture to think that the gentleman under discussion is most popular with radie listeners. There is no doubt that he compares favourably with his predecessor in his announcing. If I thought it fair I could mention several "howlers" perpetuated under the late announcer’s regime. The object of this correspondence ix, I take it, not to hurt anyone's feelings, but to see what experiments ean be made for the sake, more parHonlariv. of the rising generation.-

R. Stewart W.

Hunt

(Witham).

Mr. Howard Raises Dust. MEY experience has taught me that it is useless to argue with an editor. Stil] I will venture another round. If the Racing Conference said that the "Dominion"? or any other newspaper should not be permitted to publish the results of the races, would you expect sarlinment or the Government to interfere and say you must permit them to publish the results? Or would you say, "Less Government in business," and leave it to the parties to settle? "Now. that blessed word "democratic" is like the word Mesopotamia to the old lady. "Does he (Mr. Howard) support the demand for some of the few shillings of the listeners?’ That's sob stuff, Mr. Kditor. As a fact, once 1 pay my thirty shillings over the counter at the P.O. it matters not to me whether the Broadeasting Company gets it or who gets it. I have no further say in it. The B.C.C. looks out for that. Flowever, my point was, and 1 insist on it, that the broadcasting of racing news is a domestic matter between the B.C.C. and the Racing Conference, and the Government has

no right to interfere.

E. J.

Howard

[There is nothing in Mr. Howard’s note to answer. We never argued that

the Government should interfere. We argued that the Racing and Trotting Conferences were wrong to deprive their supporters, the public, of Broadcast descriptions, and that the arguments by which they sought to justizy their bun were unsound. Mr. Howaré is avoiding the issue. Where does lx stand? With the conference or with the people? Why birk the question * --Ed. |] Was it Manila? WOULD like to suggest to your ¢orrespondent, C. Hodgson, Wairoa, that the station he heard broadcasting 2 boxing match at 11.45 p.m. on August 25, was KZRM, Manila, operating on wave-length of 406 metres. This station can be heard most nights from 11.30 p.m. until about 2 a.m, under favourable conditions. While I am on the job I would like to tell you how much we appreciate the "Radio Record." The postman is always eagerly looked for here on Wednesdays. When do the Broadcasting Company anticipate putting on the long-looked-for dinner music? Some time ago you mentioned in your paper the company was keeping the matter in view. Has the view become faded and distorted, as 2YA has a habit of doing at times?-

G. C.

Coleman

(Nelson) .

SEE by last issue of "Radio Record" Mr. C. Hodgson, Wairoa, inquires the station between 400 and 420 metres. He will find it to be KZRM, ~ Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippine Islands, on 413 metres, 726.1 kilocycles. I have just received a report from KZRM, with a letter bearing eight 2 cent stamps, with their time of broadcasting hours, ete. Hope this helps the

inquirer. Cheerio.

S.

Ellis

Okato,

DX.