Across the Tasman

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 30, 7 February 1930, Page 15

Across the Tasman

HE figures showing the number of wireless licenses in force in Australia as at December 31 have recently been released by the Postmaster-Geuer-al. The grand total for the Commonwealth is now 309,981, an increase of 21,093 during .1929. The State of Queensland is the only one in which i decrease for the year is shown. The ratio of listeners to 1000 of population in relation to the whole population of Australia is now 48.60. This ratio, in comparison with those determined in other countries, places Australia fifth in the world. ON February 26 an innovation will be introduced through 2BL, in the form of "National Nights." The Consuls of various countries will be approached to speak to listeners, first of all in their own languages, and then in English. The National Anthem of each particular country will » sung, and then a short foreword ‘will be given introducing traditional folk-songs. The entertainments will conclude with the presentation of pianoforte solos composed by famous musicians of each country. "HE Two Sad Sunbeams," a pair of popular comedians who have just returned from a tour of Queensland, where they frequently appeared from 4QG, will be heard from 2BL on: February 6. Messrs. Sibley and Sayles are the gentlemen, and their patter runs along the lines of the well-known style of the famous "Two Black Crows." Mr. Sibley bears the name of "Aloysious,? while his friend answers to the name of "Nicodemus." It is the quaint questions of Aloysious combined with the slow drawl and philosophical replies of Nicodemus that make these artists so popular. ON February 8 Foster and Needham, the popular radio entertainers, will be heard from 2B. As they are New Zealanders by birth, their programme should prove of special imterest to listeners in this country. HE New South Wales Ratiway Band, comprising thirty-five players, will broadcast a select programme of music from 2BL on February 7. This band, although it has only been formed during the last 18 months, has been highly commended by critics on the high standard of its performances,