An Early Morning Broadcast

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 32, 21 February 1930, Page 1

An Early Morning Broadcast

New Zealand Welcomes Chichester

WELCOME deviation from the usual routine of broadcasting was afforded listeners to 2YA on Thursday: morning last, when this station went on the air at 8.40 to broadcast the arrival of the New Zealand airman, Mr. F. ©.. Chichester, who was arriving by the Maunganui from Sydney, whence he had flown from London. Just before we were taken over to the "Improvised studio" listeners were accorded some selections of excellent music. On switching over to Queen's Wharf the cheery voice of Mr. Ball told us the station was broadcasting from an observation point in a box of one of the huge frames on that wharf. This is one of the most novel points in which the microphone of 2YA has found itself. It can be seen in the centre of the photograph depicting the lowering of the aeroplane. After having described the huge crowds that were assembled to wel‘come the intrepid New Zealand aviator, Mr. Ball diverged a little to discuss modern development and how it was exemplified in the scene that was being enacted before him. "Before me lies a huge liner, up-to-date in every respect, almost like a floating home. How this contrasts with the crude shipping of our forefathers who came to these shores a hundred years ago. On the wharf I can see moving-picture men recording the whole proceedings

on film, thus making eternally a record of this scene. Then there is the broadeasting: another marvel of the age. From this viewpoint we are telling the whole of New Zealand that this gallant airman has arrived. Only a relatively small number have the facilities to see him, but all can hear of him through this modern marvel. He himself flew from London to Sydney in a small ’plane that is to be carried round the town on a motor-lorry -another marvel. Had the weather been fine, several ’planes from the Wellington and neighbouring aero clubs would have gone up to meet him. Thus from every aspect this is a scene typical of the’ modern age." HIS was an excellent picture to paint, but the announcer in trying to paint a different picture for the fairer sex failed completely. "Were I a fashion designer, I should probably be able to convey to you something of the gay appearance of the young ladies who have been deputised to accord Mr. Chichester a rousing welcome,’ and then Mr. Ball told us of the "‘pinkies" and "blueys," the "greyies" and the "brownies" in which these young ladies were dressed. The interlude, although not as enlightening as the announcer would wish, was most amusing. The young ladies are seen in the photograph below. (Concluded on page 8.)

Early-Morning Broadcast

(Concluded from page 1.) Listeners were all at a loss to under- © stand why Mr. Chichester was So long in making appearance, but after half an hour the appearance: of the wing of the aeroplane over the edge of the boat explained matters. He had: been waiting to see his ’plane safely landed. As this fragile little craft gradually appeared from the deck, Mr. Ball told the whole of his vast radio audience, so that those who were listening obtained a very accurate picture of what was being enacted. Who of the listeners in seeing the photograph previously referred to on this page could disassociate it with the picture created by the announcer! ° The arrival of Mr. Chichester needed no announcing. The hoorays, hurrahs, and cheers conveyed the tidings for which everyone was waiting. Short speeches were made on the wharf, and then the aviator and the official party threaded their way through the vast crowds to the Town Hall, from which the second part of the broadcast took place. Here Mr. Chichester was officially welcomed. In the intervening period listeners were entertained with gramophone records from the studio. The whole broadcast was very fine. It was carried out without a hitch of any description, and its unorthodoxy must have attracted the interest of all listeners who were able to hear it. Can you solve a difficult problem? See "TRIALS IN TACT" (on page 27 of this issue).