Across the Tasman

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 21, 6 December 1929, Page 8

Across the Tasman

Topical Broadcasting _ News Fricures have been recently made : available showing the licenses issued by each Australian State to ‘the end of October, 1929. The total number of licenses issued in the Commonwealth to that date is 309,822, an increase of 24,273 over the number in force a year previously. An increase over last year’s numbers is shown by every State excepting Queensland, which has decreased by 1987. ..The latter State has been steadily droj@ing back, and the present licenses in force, 23,487, dre less than the number existing as far back as 1927. ‘THE haunting tribal melodies which constitute one of the principal charms of Alfred Hill’s Maori opera, "Teora," evidently hold a big fascination for the Australian musical public. Following the recent broadcast of this opera, the A.B.C. received so many letters of appreciation from listeners all over Australia that they consented to a repeat performance. In "Yeora," Alfred Hill has not so much adapted Maori tribal melodies for the purpose of grand opera as written an opera to enshrine them. Alfred Hill, the composer, is well known in New Zealand as the composer and producer of "Hinemoa," a similar opera whiti was presented in this country .recently. , LAND-MARK, both literally and figuratively, in the history of Australian aviation was recently established in the erection of the Hinkler air beacon in Sydney. Mounted on a. large steel tower, fifty feet in height, it towers 220 feet above the street level, and can be seen under conditions of average visibility at a distance of 30 miles. The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Scullin, who performed the opening ceremony, stated during ‘he course of his remarks that the beacon was Australia’s first contribution’ towards the safety of night flying. Other officials, including the president of the Australian Aero Club, spoke, aad the whole proved a very interesting broadcast. \. \