Wellington 1930 Radio Exhibition

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 54, 25 July 1930, Page 3

Wellington 1930 Radio Exhibition

Attractive Display Inspected by. Thousands

HE 1980 Radio Exhibition held iast week was of an outstandingly successful characAN3| ter. The preceding year’s Yi. function . instituted .by the eke "Radio Record," and carried to a successful conclusion with the .co-operation of the radio trade, ‘showed that the public as interested in a combined dislay of radio apparatus and radio performances. With the proof’ of that fact the radio trade this year undertook full responsibility themselves for organisation of the 1930 Exhibition, and congratulations may be extended to them upon ‘the success attained. ‘The closed type of stall which char: acterised the first exhibition was abandoned in favour of a uniform open type.

This certainly had the advantage of enabling the public to more effectively inspect the goods on display and ascertain the various points of difference. The background and general decoration of the stalls’ (by Hanna ,and King) highly artistic and most effective. Unfortunately the weather conditions for the opening night were atrocious, and this naturally reduced the attendance of the general public to those of the: most enthusiastic character. These, however, enjoyed to the full-the splendid opening concert given’ by the Maori performers, and were able to inspect at leisure the fine collection’ of radio apparatus. a Opened by Hon. A. J. Stallworthy. THD exhibition was finally declared open by the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy,

in lieu of the Postmaster-General, . the Hon. J. B. Donald, who was unavoidably prevented from attending. In his remarks Mr. Stallworthy paid tribute to the service rendered by radio, making altogether a very‘fine speech. Mr. Stallworthy said :- "An increase of 8500 listeners in the past year, and the evidence of the present year showing a further. increase, is eloquent proof not only of 9 satisfa,tory broadcasting service but also of the fact that excellent sets and material are obtainable in the Dominion. The ‘promoters of the exhibition are to be congratulated on the excellence of the exhibits, and the’ evident high standard of New Zealand craftsmanship is a matter for general satisfaction. "We have in this exhibition some in-

dication of the terrific strides’ broad~' casting has made in the course of a" few years, not only bringing ‘to’ the major activities of men and. women new impulses, but to the boys and girls of the world all the exquisite sensations of Alice in Wonderland. The primary appeal of broadcasting, and that to which it owes ‘its populavity, is the fact that it makes avail- . able to both city and country homes, — to castle and cottage, to rich and poor, the best music, oratory, literature, and eurr ent news and gossip of the world." It annihilates: distance and preaks down the isolation of the back-block settler. .

Recent Improvements. "PERHAPS the feature which distin- -. guishes radio receivers of 1930 from those of previous yearsis the predéminance of the all-electric set. These. sets have now all the advantages of the older models, but with an added simplicity of operation and maintenance due to the elimination of battery-charg-ing and replacements. They should be particularly popular with the rural listener now that hydro-electric power has become so generally available. "TI must also remark on the relations which exist to-day between radio and gramophone reproduction. That these educative agencies have come to perform closely allied function in the home is, of course, obvious.

ft is pleasing to note that instead of ‘being in opposition one to. the other, the radio and gramophone interests, both in Great Britain and America, have combined. to give the maximum of service to the public. .

"The improvement in the design and technique in the amplifiers and reproducers usually associated with radio receivers has recently been made available for the gramophone by means of the -electrical pick-up. Just what is possible in the way of uniting the broadeast receiver and the family gramophone in one cabinet with simple switching arrangements from radio station to record, is admirably illustrated in the very handsome cabinet combination models on exhibition here. Listeners who were fortunate enough to listen to the recent rebroadcasis, notably, the opening speech at the Naval Conference by His Majesty the King, the two-way. conversations between Rear-Admiral Byrd and _ his American friends, and the conversation

of Wing-Commander Kingsford Smith from America to Australia, will not need to be convinced that radio is now established as a means of world-wide ‘eommunication and a most desirable adjunct in every household. To the maimed, the blind, the sick, the aged and infirm,.it is a modern miracle of

pleasure and of healing. In our hospitals and infirmaries it is proving a wonderful blessing. The home is the greatest institution on earth. The finest partnership on earth is that ‘of man and wife; the best institution known to human society is a happy home; and the noblest and most essential enterprise is the healthy, useful family. Insofar as radio contributes to these institutions it is a ‘great social service promoting the life, liberty, and happiness of the people. My. J.-Ball, editor-announcer of the Radio Broadcasting Company, said he

had been asked to say a few words relative to the Cdmpany’s association with the exhibition. While he was unversed in the technicalities of wireless, he was alive to the wonder of its-effects. ‘The stalls of that exhibition present to them, in representative family groups, what perhaps might not be inaptly de-

scribed .as the cultural aristocracy of radio. There was not a unit in this unique and:tastefully-arranged display which could not fill their home with the world’s best music played and sung by the world’s greatest artists, or bring them into close and.-almost living personal touch with the talented musicians and songsters of your own land. This was the otitstanding wonder of this modern marvel. Some, perhaps, had yet fo learn just what a radio set brought into a New Zealand home. The four big stations of the Radio Broadcasting Company were in daily operation from 3 o’clock in the afternoon

until 10 and. 11 o'clock at night, with a rota so arranged that’ there was never a day when at least three of the four stations were not on the air. Mr. Ball outlined the service given, and continued: "And this was by no means all that the New Zealand listener receives over: the air in return for an annual license fee: which works out at a cost of a fraction over one penny per day. In additién;:there are innumerable relays and rebroadcasts of ime portant public functions and happenings, ‘thrilling descriptions of exciting sporting events, instructive lecturettes and talks by experts and notabilities, and regular Sunday evening services for children and adults." With these facts they would agree that he had not exaggerated in describing New Zea‘ land’s broadcast service as being bot generous and democratic. On Behalf of the Trade.

ME. ©. W. RICKARD, representing the radio traders of Wellington, said: "Mr. Stallworthy, on behalf of the radio traders of Wellington I extend to you our sincére thanks for your very instructive address and declaring open this second radio show to be held in Wellington. To those present here this evening I extend, on behalf of the management, a very cordial welcome, and wish to say how gratified we are to see such a large assemblage, and more particularly under such adverse weather conditions. "Just a year ago the Wellington radio traders presented the first radio show to be held in the Dominion. That show — was such a pronounced success that we had no hesitation in deciding upon another display this year, and we hope that in presenting it as we have done on ' this occasion it will meet with universal approval.

"The purpose of this show must be quite obvious to all who have the opportunity of visiting it, for it is only on an occasion such as this that we can submit to the public of Wellington, as well as the visitors: to this city, the variety of models which are now available, and we offer ‘you these facilities in our endeavour to assist you in making a selection of the machine best suited to your requirements. "As you look around the various stalls this evening you cannot help but be impressed with the advance radio has made since this time last year, but these improvements are not nearly as revolutionary as the change that commenced about two years ago, with the advent of the House Current Receiving Set, and which had the effect of ve eonsiderably stabilising radio to the benefit of the purchasers and the radio trade alike. , A Necessity-not a Luxury. "JT am going to be bold enough, ladies and gentlemen, to say that today radio is being regarded more as 2@ necessity than a luxury. ‘

"Through the channels of broadcasting, the farmer, if he possesses a receiving set, is furnished daily with market and weather reports, and bright concérts are likewise available to him throughout the week, which must certdinly have the effect of making bright- . er conditions for those people outback ‘in particular, while I claim that radio brings pleasure and instruction to thousands of homes in the cities and provinces. "To the many thousands who have (Concluded on page. 27.)

| Here, is, Something Special ' MUSIC WEEK FROM IYA, Me AUCKLAN D. AUGUST 17 TO: 23 INCLUSIVE. Delightful songs, full orchestras,. swinging choruses, military bands and interesting chats on music and related topics. Full programmes later. Remember the Dates and STAY HOME AND LISTEN.

Radio Exhibition

(Continued from page 4.) sot founa it convenient to journey to the city to witness the British-New Zeaand Test matches, as well as the more portant provincial matches played by ur visitors, I have no hesitation in aying that radio has been a truly wonerful asset. "At this point I would also like to refer to a recent incident where radio rought two great flyers in contact with their parents on the other side of the world. I refer to Miss Amy Johnson and Wing-Commander Kingsford Smith, nd there was more to it from the liseners’ point of view, for here in New ealand the owner of an average radio set Copid reverently listen to their conversation. "This radio show will be continued throughout the week, from 10,30 a.m. till 10.30 p.m., and a specially prepared Jrogramme will be presented at each session. The Maori party will be present and an entirely different programme will be available each evening, On Friday afternoon there is to be a pecial children’s session, and, I am informed ‘we can expect ‘over 5000 children to be present, all of whom are assured of a good time, "Before concluding I must convey our sincere thanks to the management of the Broadcasting Company, firstly for the splendid arrangements made to have the Maori party in attendance each evening, and also for assisting the xhibitors by coming ‘on the air’ each morning at 10.30 a.m., thereby permitting demonstrations in this hall-as well s in their city showrooms. To you all T\express the hope that your evening will prove one of pleasure and benefit." Pr | Final Congratulations, [HE final night of the exhibition was a great success, for at an early hour the Town Hall was packed to the full. There was not a seat available in the gallery, and the downstairs wus crowded for more than half the space with people as closely packed as pos ible. The Maoris provided an excellent rogramme, and judging by the prolong: d applause and the encores, they were ppreciated by the thousands who were resent. It was found necessary to ex: tend the sessions from the hall to half. our periods. Just before the conclusion Mr. Rickard, chairman of the Hxhibition Com. ittee, spoke, He said that at the open. ing he had expressed the hone that this year’s gttendances would eclipse those f last year, and this had been the case more so than had been anticipated. No Houbt this was largely due to the efforts of the Maori party, but he would say no more about this splendid party till ater, He referred in appreciative terms to the eo-operation of the Broadcasting Jompany. Mr. Ball, the company’s reresentative, deserved special thanks or the services he had rendered at the ‘essions in connection with the exhibijon. Speaking of announcers brought he speaker to refer to Mr, Drummond, 'YA‘$ popular announcer, whose drawnut good-night was a feature with lisaners. (Applause and ealls for Mr rummond’s attendance at the show.) ..The organiser, Mr. Ritchie, and the aanager, Mr. Mete Kingi, were then in-

troduced and applauded. Them Mr. Rickard had to thank for the general excellence of the entertainment, which had contributed largely to the success of the exhibition. This was certainly the best week’s entertainment broadcast for from 2YA, During a supper that was to be provided for the Maoris some little token of the estimation in which their entertainment was held would be presented. The final item was then presented, "Home, Sweet Home," well rendered. After this Mr. Mete Kingi spoke briefly and appropriately then addressed the Maori audience in his native language. He ended with the request that "Auld Lang Syne" should be sung, It was an impressive moment when all on the stage gripped hands and sung the old parting song-a fitting ending to a wonderful week’s entertainment. It is estimated that about 12,000 people passed through the exhibition.