A Delayed Intention

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 13, 23 November 1928, Page 7

A Delayed Intention

Amateur Society Discusses Question of Dinner Music

"\ , os O doubt due to the fact that the election was to take place on the following day, only about 30 listeners attended the monthly general meeting of the Wellington Amateur Radio Society, Tuesday last. However, the meeting was truly representative, there being ladies and several of the younger element present. Both ladies and young people are made very welcome at these meetings, and it is desired that more may. be seen of them. Mr. Byron Brown, president, in opening, made reference to a promise made by Mr. Ball at a farewell dinner to Mr. Owen, and expressed his intention of again reminding Mr. Ball, but before he would discuss it, asked for "grouses," as he was sure there were many who had some trouble to air. Interference.

A COMPLAINT was voiced about electric line leakages in the vicinity of Daniel Street. . It was seconded by others present, some adding that amateurs had continually made themselves a nuisance. These complaints, it was explained, should be directed to District Telegraph Engineer, G.P.O., who would no doubt take the steps necessary for their prevention. _ Another complaint; a listener had been troubled with a station morsing on 2YA’s wavelength. The complaint "found numerous seconders. When it yas suggested that a letter be forwarded to the secretary of the G.P.O. complaining about the warship, for such it: was decided to be, the objection was raised that it was presumption to question the action of His Majesty’s ships. A member, however settled that -‘*We once caught him sending cricket scores !" Dinner Musie. WHEN everyone had been satisfied, Mr. Brown voiced ‘his complaint: "At that dinner wine flowed, and perhaps when the wine is in the wit is out." A promise had been made to broadeast dinner music-Mr. Ball’s promise had not been broken, it had been held over. In explanation, the company’s representative replied that when he made the promise he must have been affected by the approaching departure. certainly not by the wine (laughter). "However," continued Mr. Ball listeners will remember that something happened shortly afterwards (April) which put quite a different aspect on the matter----10,000 listeners failed to renew their licenses. As for extras, no one could complain, and when the financial position warranted it dinner music would be provided. iA point was raised by Mr. Levy provision of dinner music wount be a healthy stimulus to the popularity of wireless; it would have a healthy reaction, especially among the diston who had little other time to isten in. The position to-day showed that only a relatively small proportion of farmers possessed wireless sets. Farmers had to retire early, and the company in providing dinner music would be doing a good service. The

Australian stations 2FC and 2BL provided a dinner session, and it was very popular. . | Mr. Ball, in promising to pass on the recommendation, added that perhaps a law could be passed requiring the cows to be milked by 6 p.m. to enable farmers to enjoy dinner muse. Mr. Taylor, honorary secretary, raised an important question: "If dinner music were introduced, what would become of the children’s session, which is becoming so eminently popular with young and old " After some discussion, it was decided that a re-cast of the arrangements prior to 8 p.m. would have to be made. It was finally decided that Mr. Ball be asked to convey the wish of the society that dinner music be introduced as promised. Tribute to Uncle Ernest. HE impending departure of a vicepresident, in the person of the Rev. Ernest Weeks, was considered, when appreciation of his work and regret at his departure was expressed. This was formed into a resolution, unanimously adopted, expressing appreciation of the magnificent work of the Rev. E. Weeks, in the capacity of Unele Ernest, for the children of New Zealand. The chairman said that us a radio uncle the Rev. Week’s work was unparalleled in New Zealand. All Electrie Sets. HIS concluded the business and Mr. Preston Billing, the speaker of the evening, was introduced. "All Hlectric Sets" was the title of the address and Myr. Billing presented an interesting lecture demonstrated by his excellent eight-valve "all from mains" set. In. outlining the history of wireless sets, the speaker contended that there were three distinct types :-Battery operated, electrified (using elimina. tors) and all-electric sets, using A.C. valves. In extolling the latter it was pointed out that when once put into operation these sets required no attention. They would operate from either 280 or 100 volt mains. The principle of rectification was made clear, it being pointed out that there were two types of rectifying valves, whole-wave and half-wave rectifiers, this set made use of the latter. An unrectified A.C. could not be used by the valve elements, A loop aerial was used to demonstrate the set and listeners were provided with a musical treat. ‘"Unfortunately," remarked Mr. Billing, "the dynamic speaker I had planned to use is not working well, so that I must apologise for having to use an inferior speaker." At the end of a few minutes those present were wondering what Mr. Billing would term a_ superior speaker, for the reproduction was flawless. 2YA, it was declared, was "on its best behaviour,’ but as someone remarked, ‘can we, from our sets determine when it is off its best behaviour ?" | A ’cello solo was in progress, and those present were of the opinion that little could be finer. 2YA’s orchestra,

it was remarked, was truly one of the best in Australasia. Mr. Preston Billing answered seyveral questions put to him and on completion was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. . Mr. Brown, in expressing his appreciation, said he was going to,start right away to save up his pennies to have an all-electric set, so impressed was he by the demonstration.