From the Chatham Islands

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 33, 1 March 1929, Page 9

From the Chatham Islands

Enthusiastic Listeners Tt is in places away from the centres of civilisation that broadcasting is appreciated to the full. The Broadcasting Company is continually receiving letters showing the great value which is placed on its service by people in the backblocks and in other isolated positions. Such a case is the Chatham Islands, 500 miles from the coast of New ZeaJand. The importance of radio to the residents of the islands was told by Mr. FF, W. Mitchell, the manager of a sheep farm, now on holiday in New Zealand. He came over on the little steamer "Tees" with a load of sheep for sale, and one of his first places of call in Christchurch was station 3YA. The population of the Chatham Islands is about 500, including Maoris. There are twelve receiving sets at present, but two more are being installed. The advent of radio has revolutionised life on the islands, said Mr. Mitchell. Although they do not receive mails except. at long intervals-he himself has to ride 30 miles for his mails-they are jn daily touch with the life of the world. hey get good reception of New Zealand, Australian, and Amerjean stations, but especially of 3YA. To that station they look for all their news, and the most important piece of news to them is the report as to the movements of the "Tees," which links them with the New Zealand mar- _ kets. All the happenings in New Zealand are closely followed-racing, football, churches, concerts, in fact, the whole broadeast service. Mr. Mitchell said he listened in to the flight of the Southern Oross from and back to Australia, and heard everything perfectly. He said it was just as good as being on the spot. Instead of being isolated for months at a stretch, the people in the Chathams are as much abreast of world affairs as are the people of Christchurch. There was now no hardship in living away from the centres of population. . Mr. Mitchell commented on the fact that when 8YA rebroadcasts 2YA the rebroadcast is generally received betthan the direct broadcast from A. .