Auckland Notes

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 41, 24 April 1930, Page 6

Auckland Notes

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LATELY the 1YA_ authorities have been engaging a large number of new artists, proving that there is still a good supply of talent in our midst which has not yet been brought to the microphone, During the last ten days of April half-a-dozen new soloists have been heard from 1YA, and the station has a further batch booked for May. These include Mr. S. W. Marshall, humorist, Miss Adele Taylor, soprano, and Mr. Arthur Wright, bass baritone, all on May 10; Miss C. Pringle, soprano, May 14; and Miss Dorothy Milne, soprano, and Mr. William Farrow, tenor, on May 18. HH) first meeting ofthe new radio year was held by the 1YA Musical and dramatie Advisory Cothmittee during the week. Numerous suggestions were put forward, these including a song writing contest, popular talks on

astronomy, and another "mystery" night. The constructive criticism of this committee is most helpful to the programme organisers, and has ° en responsible for a number of improvements in programmes. The 1YA Choir was formed upon their suggestion. fA VERY interesting talk on "Listening on Shortwaves" was given by Mr. Mark Churton at the last meeting of the Auckland Radio Society. Mr. Churton has done as much shortwave listening as any other man in New Zealand, being recognised in Auckland as Mr. Sellens is in Wellington, and his remarks were listened to with great attention. He explained the best types of shortwave receivers, the advantages of the screen grid over the ordinary valve, the best times for getting different stations, the theory of skip distance, why near stations are sometimes weaker than those further away, and also the effect of daylight and

dark on short waves. The next meeting will be held on May 5, when Mr. H. B. Arthur will talk to the society on "How to Become an Amateur Transmitter." RECEPTION conditions locally are very good just at present, and have been so for the last week or two. This is a great improvement as far as reception of overseas stations is concerned. The Australian stations have been coming in particularly well, a marked contrast to summer conditions. BY far the greater number of plays broadcast are comedies or light pieces, although dramatic plays are also often successful when put over the air. Station 1YA has always been the leading New Zealand station so far as the broadcasting of plays goes, and on May 16 is attempting a new venture in this respect. This is to be "Paola and Francesca," by ‘Stephen Philips, which is to be produced by Mr. J. M. Clarke. The play is a real tragedy, and it is a bold venture to present such material. However, under such a capable and experienced a producer as Mr. Clarke it is sure to be well done, and is likely to be very successful.