Suva Broadcasting

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 33, 1 March 1929, Page 8

Suva Broadcasting

New Years Eve Event AN important page of Fijian history was written on the last day of last year, when, for the first time, New Year greetings and a programme of music were broadcast from Suya to listeners throughout the Pacific. The broadcasting was in the nature of an experiment, and was arranged by Amalgamated Wireless (Australia), Ltd. The Governor (Sir Byre Hutson), Lady Hutson, and party of representative. citizens assembled at the house of Mr, R. C. Farquhar, senior radio officer of the Suva Radio Station, at Vatuwaga, where a microphone and other wireless apparatus was installed, and the land line between the house and Suva radio utilised. Throughout the colony, in Tonga, and in Samoa, hundreds of listeners were awaiting the broadcasting announcements from Suva, and reports from all over the Western Pacific show that the results were very satisfactory. Many listeners in Australia also picked up the pro-

gramme, which was transmitted on a wavelength of 450 metres. _ The speakers referred to the prospects of a successful new year for Fiji, and also the development of wireless, special attention being given to the sé vice broadcasting could render to in the way of disseminating market, stock, and shipping reports, and in providing musical programmes. © A little later Suva Radio came on the air, with a musical programme given voluntarily by Suva artists.