From Correspondents

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 3, 2 August 1929, Page 32

From Correspondents

Comparisons. EALLY, you know, the mailbag section of this paper is m: * amusing. The rising popularity of the R.B.C. is responsible for the amusement, because no sooner does someone write criticising the R.B.C. than there appear a host of letters fairly squashiing the gentle critic in all directions. Of course, this is proof that the eritie’s views are not shared by the majority. Stil, I must say I admire those critics who have the temerity to air their views, nowing full well that they are almost certain to be sat on heavily in the following publication. Purely out of curiosity, I should like to know if all those who criticise are comparatively new listeners-in or not. By new I mean listeners of three or four years’ standing, for I simply can’t imagine that any listener who owned a set prior to 1925 can be one ‘of the critics. When I think how in 1922, to hear two or three musical items per night with large intervals between was considered really first-class reception, and then to consider again the simply astoundingly stupendous strides-again apologies-that wireless invention and organisation has accomplished, I cannot imagine that the critics are of the older school of listeners. Also, the cost of wireless apparatus is about one-quarter what it then was. For instance one valve cost me £4 10s., and a pair of headphones £4. Of course

with such prices one usually mage most of the apparatus oneself. Then again to get the best results, usually one had to crouch over the dials and use hand-capacity-because it was mostly unavoidable-whereas. nowadays a set requires practically no attention. I should like ‘to say that radio is forging ahead in this district. One good lady who has an all-wave set, came home after a month’s holiday and said she really didn’t know which she was most pleased to see, her husband or the wireless set! And I might mention that both.are very excellent. In conclusion I might remark that I gain as much ‘entertainment from Burope and America as from Austra-lasia.-J.O.H.T. (Hakataramea). Church Services. "(CHURCHGOER" seen... to think that there shouldn’t be so many Courch services broadcast on Sundays. I would like to sayin reply that there ,are many listeners like myself who live in the backblocks, and never get a chance to attend their respective churches on Sundays. The services which are’broadecist by the R.B.C. are greatly appreciated here. I consider that I get my 30s. worth on Sundays ealone. "Chi "igoer"’ also complains that there is not enough music on Sundays. What about the splendid ~ programmes given by the ‘ort Nicholson Silver Band, which are. broadcast by 2YA and 1YA? "Churchgoer" is certainly hard to please. If the Broadeasting Company 20: ‘inues as they are doing I for one will be well satisfied — D. Jemmett (Gordonton).