2YA Off the Air

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 37, 28 March 1929, Page 27

2YA Off the Air

60-mile Gale does Damage "WV INDY Wellington" justified its name last week, when a 60-mile-an-hour gust damaged 2YA’s outside gear, and put it out of action for the evening. The wind carried away a couple of down leads which, becoming foul of the steel aerial masts, caused a leakage of the transmission current. An endeavour was made to effect repairs, but the force of the wind was so great, on the crest of the hill that this was difficult, and a little later the station ceased transmission. The station operators regarded the blow as the worst they have experienced since the station was erected, this certainly being so from the point of view of the damage done, for hitherto 2YA had stood up to the strongest blasts of Wellington’s strongest winds, and at the summit of Mount Victoria they are felt in all their fury. To carry out repairs with the wind blowing with such force was impossible, it being as much as any of the men could do to retain a foothold on the hill, several of them being blown over on more than one occasion. Efforts were made by Mr. Davies (the station director) and residents to effect repairs, but owing to the darkness and wind this proved imypossible.

Announcement was made from the studio as to the mishap in the hope that listeners would be able to catch even the weak transmission possible in the circumstances, Speaking above the ordinary tones, the announcer explained the efforts being made to continue, but eventually the station was forced to close down. Repairs were effected next day, and a compensating programme arranged. careers sesinsiie ee

It’s An Itt Wind--." HE two mishaps from which 2YA suffered last week have proved to the advantage of listeners. On the Monday evening the station had to close down in the middle of a splendid entertainment which was being given by Signor and Signora Marotta. The result has been that these two fine artists have been asked to accept a further engagement, and another concert will be arranged for a future date. On the following Tuesday evening, Nature put 2YA out of action, and another entertainment had to be curtailed. ‘The staff worked late that night and all next day to repair the damage done by the gale. It was late that afternoon before it was known for certain that the repair work would be completed that day, and then it was decided that, in justice to listeners who had been deprived of a full entertainment the previous evening, the station should go on the air that night, although it was the usual silent night. At very short notice, therefore, a programme was arranged, and 2YA broadeast a good entertainment. It was an action on the part of the Broadcasting Company that earned the geueral approval of listeners. Appreciation. FEEL I must express my appreciation of the manner in which 2YA compensated listeners for the unfortunate accidents whi 9 occurred on Monday and Tuesday. Great credit is due to the programme organiser, mainly for the high standard of the programme and the engagement of artists at such short notice. Let this evening’s entertainment serve as a lesson to those who continually growl about the service of the Radio Broadcasting Company. Apart from the fact that Wednesday is usually 2YA’s silent day, I think that the service is all that can be desired.-‘Contented Listener." (EE ae