Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 35, 15 March 1929, Page 4

Auckland Notes

(By

Listener

"THE best news of the week here is that Auckland is to have a Radio Society-a live body which will do something for radio. In the outline of its objectives the new society displays wide vision. It aims at fostering and develping a love of radio, and a deeper interest in its technical side. In these days when the service man is continually called in by those who are not even certain how to connect up a dry battery there is great need for a body which will undertake elementary technical instruction. The understanding of how and why his set functions is as necessary to a listener as is the knowledge of his engine to a motorist. In undertaking to provide this knowledge for all listeners who are members the society will be conferring a benefit upon the whole radio community, who should therefore accord it whole-hearted support. It will mean better results in the home, lessened interference, and an increasing popularity for the cult of listening in.

T is interesting, too, to note the attitude which the society will adopt to the Broadcasting Company. Speakers at the inaugural meeting stressed the fact that the best results for all would be secured only by co-operation

with the company, and the local station director, Mr. Hayden, who was present, assured them that co-operation would be weleomed. Hence, ‘any critricism which emanates from the new body will be of a distinctly constructive character, and will tke into consideration all the limitations which exist upon a local broadcasting service. Under these circumstances, it would not be surprising if the society were asked later to nominate a representative upon the local advisory committee which works so enthusiastically for 1YA.

[tT is the intention of the new society to obtain suitable premises for clubrooms, which will be provided with the necessary equipment for constructors’ use, and with files of radio magazines and handbooks upon radio. A club-room of this type should become the very heart of radio interest in the city. Memembership fees have been fixed, according to classification of members, from 10s- to 2s. 6d. per annum, The society is fortunate in securing as president such an enthusiast over broadcasting as Mr. E. EH. Nalder, well known locally in cricket and other sporting circles. All radio fans will extend their best wishes to the young body. -They can do more. By enrolling as members they can ensure its full success. The secretary, Mr. H. B. Arthur, resides at. Lawrence Street, Ponsonby, and he will be glad to hear from all who wish to further the objects of the society.

WE are all hoping that there will be a relay of the historic Ngaruawahia regatta on Saturday next, and a relay also of the excellent entertainment which can be provided by the big gathering of Maoris who will assemble on ‘the Waikato on that day.

"THERE is to be a broadcast of unusual attractiveness on Tuesday evening. Mr. Alan Wilkie has granted permission for a relay of several scenes from his presentation of Henry V. An event such as this must do much to popularise radio. Thousands of keen students of Shakespeare patronise a Shakespearean season here, and many other thousands would do so were they aware of the treat that awaits them. Merely, however, because it is "Shakespeare" they regard a performance as too "high-brow." The relay on Thursday next will certainly do a great deal to convince these people of the attractiveness of the works of the immortal bard. It will have a stimulating effect both upon patronage of Shakespearean drama and upon the welfare of broadcasting.

EXT week, also, the Little Theatre Society enters into active participation in radio programmes. Among New Zealand dramatic organisations this body holds a unique position, and it has a reputation for attention to minute detail in all its productions which has given it a wonderful popularity with the theatre-going public in Auckland. In undertaking to broadcast "Outward Bound," Mr. Kenneth Brampton and his artists ahve made a wise choice. The play is one in which the spoken word is everything. It is an ideal one for the air. MADAME AINSLEY, under whose direction so many popular excerpts from operas, heavy and light, have been broadcast from 1YA, has not yet returned from Sydney. In consequence the awaited features of our Tuesday night programmes have not been resumed since the holiday season. We are all waiting for "Chu Chin Chow." !