Topical Notes

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 33, 28 February 1930, Page 25

Topical Notes

Atmanwaz electrical click which interferes with crystal set recep‘tion at a distance of 400 yards is certainly a formidable intruder. A listener at the recent meeting of the Wellington Radio Society reported that the automatic tramway switch which operates the red and green lights near the Wellington North post office, Thorndon, loudly interferes with reception on his crystal set at his home in Burnell Avenue, about 400 yards away from the switch. The honorary secretary of the society was deputed to investigate the matter. WHILE many people in New Zealand are protesting against the Americans foisting their language on us per medium of the talking pictures, it is amusing to note that even the Americans are sensible of mispronunciation by their radio announcers. The Jhicago "Herald and Examiner" publishes a protest by a listener that a certain announcer pronounces "theatre" as "the-ay-ter." It is rather amusing that only one word was objected to; one has only to listen to the American announcers for a few minutes to perceive that pronunciation is not their long suit. Incidentally, why do some people pronounce "’cello" as "shello"; why not "chello"?

a | "THE day may not be far distant when photographs will be flashed by radio between Australia and New Zealand. For instance, a photograph of the finish of the Melbourne Cup could, even now, be reproduced in the New Zealand papers on the morning after the race. News from America reports that Mr. W. A. Winterbottom, vicepresident in charge of the R.C.A. Communications Ltd., has announced that the most recent developments in photoradio are simplification of. apparatus, greater speed, and the reduction .in rates between New York and London. The charge for photos sent by radio across the Atlantic is approximately 8/- a@ square inch. LATELY "Switch" has been listening to his old friend Hare MHongi speaking from 2YA, Wellington, on Maori names and their origns and interpretations. Hongi, who is a quartercaste, is wonderfully steeped in Maori lore, and is a fluent speaker of the Native language. He has an indescribably engaging manner and his friends, Maori and pakeha, are legion. Hongi is one of the few people remaining who can speak with authority on Maori legend, and his knowledge on this subject would fill a large volume. He has written much, but could write considerably more.