Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 25, 4 January 1929, Page 9

Auckland Notes

(By

Listener

B have had, as we anticipated, a real radio Christmas. The spirit of good-will has come through the air to so many homes, that one wonders if those who are not listeners realise how much they are missing. Of course, Christmas Eve is a late night; crowds throng the shops, where assistants toil heroically in a vitiated atmosphere; then both classes wend their way homewards, tir ed, but not too tired to tune-in

and to hear the age-old Christmas music such as was broadcast from 1YA. Thus it was that thousands sat up till the clock struck 12, in tired but satisfied enjoyment, soothed by the peace of mind which the loudspeaker conveyed to them. The continuation of the 1YA programme until midnight was a splendid touch. It brought the music of the festive season to many who otherwise would have been denied it. The carol service was highly appreciated, excellently: rendered as it was by Madame Mary Towsey’s band of vocalists. The earlier portion of the programme was in keeping with the oecasion. CQuRISTMAS m morn, too, was a radio one in countless homes. Children had been awake early to pry delightfully into stockings and to play with innumerable varieties of toys. Then at 9 a.m. came Cinderella and her visitors to give a delightfully. bright hour ro the kiddies. All at the studio microphone seemed to exude cheerfulness, and with story, music, and greetings the hour sped all too quickly. Not the least interesting part was the conveying of birthday greetings to the many tiny listeners whose natal day was December 25. They were all remembered and; called, and one can picture -their delight at the occasion. Followed at 11 am., a relay of the Christmas service St. Mary’s Cathedral, a service which took the joyous music and the imposing ritual of the Anglican Church to homes far and wide. Thus. ended Auckland’s radio participation in the great day. We missed 1YA from the air at night, but. Wellington was there for all valve set. owners, and none would grudge the staff of the local station their well-earned Christmas respite, all. too brief though they: must have found it. Greetings poured in to them from many sources, and were duly reciprocated. ae N the coming days of the holidays there will be. busy hours for the station staff, for the collection, arrangement, and rapid broadcasting of all the sporting news which the public crayes at this time is far from a light ‘isk. Most interest centres here upon the seven days’ racing car nival, and despite lack of facilities once accorded. 1YA will handle results of all races expeditiously.

HERE is every chance that the Municipal Band, the finest of its type in Australasia, will again be heard regularly over the air. ‘Representations have been made to the City: Coun cil, and when these have been’ duly considered it is hoped that an-agree-ment will be: reached which will be satisfactory both to the Broadcasting Company and to the council itself. The writer can think of no more pleasant surprise for listeners during the: New Year than to hear once again through their radio sets the band which ,-we have come to appreciate.in a manner that only, broadcasting could ak POssible. RADE has been brisk with: ‘radio dealers during the ‘past weekmuch brisker than.it was at this’ time last year, and the body of listeners -will grow as a result. It is noticeable that the crystal set is giving place rapidly to the multi-valve one. Thus the" mumber by which licensees will increase during the month cannot be taken‘as a fair indication of the business done, for in numerous cases no additional license will be necessary.. The earphones will have given place to the loudspeaker, 'There will, of course, be a slacker time for radio -businéss betweeh now and March‘ 31; but thereafter another mild boom in the trade may be anticipated.