Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 43, 10 May 1929, Page 26

Auckland Notes

(By

Listener

LAst week has been one of such achievements that one wonders if he can remember them all. First in order of time there came the opening of 2YB, with 1YA’s‘ attempt to reproadeast. The fates could not have been more unkind. ‘Static was virulent. The rebroadcast .was_ thus marred, but sufficient was achieved to show that under favourable conditions, whenever Taranaki has something special to offer, Auckland will be able also to put it on the air. QNE of the greatest of local broadcasting efforts culminated in a veritable triumph on Sunday evening. The relay of 2YA astounded even the most optimistic. It was as perfect as a local broadcast, and was in itself an ‘education as to the possibilities of radio. Many who heard Wellington for the first time on crystal sets, without any interference, were delighted. Inevitably ‘the experiment will react for the benefit of broadcasting, for those who heard it now realise what lies ahead, and will. become set owners if they are not already so. Both the telegraph staff and the staff of the Broadcasting Company concerned in the relay deserve best thanks for the splendid achievement. Incidentally, the public in Auckland were awakened to the disadvantage under which they are labouring through the absence of ou! own Municipal Band on the air. As a number of councillors returned at this week’s poll are definitely pledged to the extension of broadcasting privileges where municipal music is concerned. we are hoping that the whole of the "ban (ne) d" question will be reopened at the council table and not in committee. YA kept up its reputation for sports announcements when it described the first of the season’s Rugby at Hden Park on Saturday. Football began at 1.30, and so did 1YA. Both matches were exciting struggles, as all who listened are aware. Mr. Dudley Wrathall was at the microphone, and did full justice to the teeming incidents in three and a half hours’ play. 66 A NIGHT OF CONVIVIALITIES." Such was the title of this evening’s programme from 1YA, and the title did justice to the fare offered. It was one of the breeziest evenings which local listeners have had. There was a delightful blending of humour. and seriousness. Music, song, story, and "gag" were well interspersed, and the big unseen audience laughed as heartily, and felt like applauding as enthusiastically, as did those assembled in the studio. It was quite a "brain wave" to present such a programme, and whoever is responsible

for the freshness of the speeches and the many local "hits deserves con gratulation. We are all quite willing to join in many more such convivial nights. THE pleasure of dining to 2YA’s music has been spoiled for several nights by execrable atmospheric conditions, and. all are hoping that the indication of better conditions over the Dominion and the Tasman will enable us to hear Wellington at its best. _ Then, of course, we shall ask for dinner music at 1YA. HE newly-formed Radio Society did not fail to champion the cause of listeners during the municipal elections. It made the "band question" a subject of interrogation tO each candidate, and was doubtless gratified with the replies received. Unfortunately the move made by the sociéty was at such a late hour in the campaign that it was not as fully effective as it might have been.