Wonder of Wonders

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 11, 27 September 1929, Page 25

Wonder of Wonders

Attraction of Radio FTER about three and a half years’ experience with radio as a listener-in, I have certain thoughts concerning radto which may be of interest more particularly to the new chum to radio. I well remember the first time I actually heard an Australian station, und the excitement of hearing a violin solo, received on a home-made set owned by a neighbour, excellent reception, too. He worked hard improving his receiver, and finally now that same gentleman can boast of owning probably one of the finest receivers and allied attachments in New Zealand. I did, of course, indulge in :a_ receiver, and soon I was "on the air" for a penny a night. Mark you a "penny a night." Wonderful! Since then I also have made improvements to my receiver, and had to be with the few who owned a short-wave receiver; and again I.have had improvements made, and now work a totally new and efficient short-waver. Being musical, musie is pleasing and rejuvenates the

body, the nerves, the soul, drives away care, worry, and takes one right out of that business groove. Away thousands of miles does the mind wander, miles does the soul look for music. thouands of miles away that carrierwave starts on its long journey to these shores to tickle the ears of the radio enthusiast. Something to take the mind off everything, something to "buck one up," something to make one feel young, happy, and carefree; that’s what I expected of radio, and with certain reservations. I get that something. If New Zealand could not fill my requirements, well, I had recourse to overseas stations. Now, would I miss radio? One might ask, "Can a duck swim?" and if he was on dry land would he want to swim? Of course I would miss the radio: the question almost requires no answer. And yet I have heard some poor fellows say, "D- the radio. I would not be bothered with it, the static and noises, and bad reproduction of good music’-music mutilated, as one man said. But see them seeking me for news of boxing and football matches, and other news--rather! They see the value of radio, but it takes a long time to get them to install radio, why I don’t know. It cannot be poverty. I think it is just that they will not concentrate their minds on anything in, particular; that the only pleasure they get in life is in be-

ing out amongst other people in theatres and halls, ete. For my part, give me my radio, a good fire, a cosy cliair, and I’m "as contended as a king." A king could not be happier, I’m sure. Once my radio was out of commission for three days, and I felt like a duck out of water-there was something missing from the home, something wrong somewhere. On another 0ccasion I was on _ holiday, and no radio available. Did I miss my radio? I swore on oath, I would never go away again without a radio receiver; and I didn’t! for 1 secured a portable set, and had the fun of the fair on the launch; and heard Christchurch Cathedral bells and all the city glamour and noises on Christmas Eve, and again New Year’s Eve. Radio! Why not live now? Why not enjoy life now? Why not get the most out of life now? There is enjoyment enough surely! Why wait for years before partaking of the good things offering? With all the pessimists groaning about trade depression, politics, etc., surely we want something to rejuvenate us during our spare time! Tt seems to me radio ean and will turn

pessimists into optimists. Radio will, Tm sure, do a great deal towards rejuvenating the mind, soul, and reyitalise humans, if, they use radio in the right quantity; for the dose, although harmless, should be taken in correct doses, generally after meals as a tonic. Radio is a genuine tonic for the weary, depressed, and worried mother or father. That is why I have for several years tried to get more humorous items included on the New Zealand programmes. IJ contend there is an enormous amount of enjoyment from using a short-wave receiver, and these receivers are not expensive, and can be obtained from any radio dealer. Another branch of radio which will bring considerable enjoyment to listeners is the amateur transmitter who works on ’phone transmission. Any listener can send in reports to the amateur transmitter and receive a reply (descriptive) card for his*trouble: and a great network of listeners and transmitters is being gradually but surely built up in New Zealand, a genuine circle of friends (unseen) friends: a brotherhood which must be for the good of the community as a whole. HE educations! side of radio has great possibilities, and the Aunts and Uncles are doing fine work-won-derful work. in fact. educating the youngsters, trying to make their lives happy, a fact alone worth the trouble of installing radio in the home. The voices of the announcers are part of the day’s routine and life. They do their work well-not much to find fault with in them. I -congratulate them.-R. Leslie Jones.