Current Events

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 12, 4 October 1929, Page 4

Current Events

A PLBA for the broadcasting of the complete opera of "La Traviata" from 2YA, Wellington, has been received. "This is an undoubted masterpiece and in keeping with Verdi’s genius, The Columbia people have just released a complete set of records of this opera. The soprano is the famous Mercede s Caspir, the tenor is Lionello, and the baritone is Galleffii, Italy’s greatest baritone. The production of this excellent opera would be greatly appreciated. HE sputtering electrical noises, other than atmospheric static, which create interference is caused by loose tramway rail bonds, radiations from electric nower plants; from electrie lighting systems, and by motors of all descriptions, down to the small house fan. In fact, electric hair curlers are said to be the cause of such disturbances. An Australian writer was informed by a trader who recently toured many towns throughout Victoria, that the evil is serious in many ways; in more than the existence of the annoyance. Listeners who complain are unable to obtain any ready relief because the Commonwealth Government authorities cannot force the owners of the fans or hair curlers to fix them up so that they will not cause the interference. Of themselves, when properly made and used, those electric devices will not cause the disturbance complained of; it is when insufficient attention is given to their use that they become troublesome to the broadcast listener. HE fiend who persists in trying to bring in "outside" stations and incidentally spoils reception for many seores of others, generally operates a set which is incapable of performing

what is asked of it. An Australian’ writer says: "The one, two, or three- r valve receivers, in addition to the service they give from nearby stations,’ often: manage to pull in stations from other States under good conditions. As a general rule, however, they are able to accomplish such work only if they are tuned to give the last ounce of amplification that the receiver possesses. This necessitates extremely critical tuning, and. causes a lack of stability which takes most of the pleasure from long distance reception." A MR. B. L. GOODGER, of Maroubra, near Sydney, writes to the Sydney "Wireless Weekly" that at times, when conditions are favourable, 2YA, Wellington, roars in. He ‘sfprates a home-built neutrodyne. He has to employ a special wave trap to shut out 2BL and 2WH, Sydney, to get 2YA, Wellington. AN THOMAS and Mae Crean, entertainers, are broadcasting several original duologues from 2FC on October 38. Dan Thomas, who is a veteran of the stage, began his stage career in London over 30 years ago, and sinca has travelled round the world and into many curious places. Miss Mae Crean has long been a favourite with the publie as leading lady in musical comedy, many leading parts in which she has played both in South Africa and Australia. Miss AGNES McDIARMID, wht was one of the three finalists in the recent radio competitions, is one of the well known singers who are delighting listeners from 2FC. Miss McDiarmid, who is a coloratura soprano, will be singing in association with Miss Eva Newbury from 2BL on October 3. Miss FLORENCE BENTLEY, who as a child had the distinction of playing the part of Wendy in the first production of "Peter Pan" in Australia, will sing from 2FC on October 3. She left the stage some years ago, and, as she was the possessor of a mezzo voice of excellent quality, took up singing as a serious study.