Christmas Over the Radio

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 25, 2 January 1931, Page 6

Christmas Over the Radio

Midnight Broadcasts HE Y.A. stations gave excellent service over the Christmas period. Their long hours and the high standard of fare can call for nothing less than heartiest congratulations. On Christmas Eve all were on the air until after midnight with appropriate programmes, and as soon as the clocks chimed twelve at each centre the cheery voices of the announcers were heard in Christmas greetings. Most of them continued well after the midnight hour, and 2YA, which was relaying the beautiful service from Saint Gerard's Church, was on the air till after 12.30 p.m. The Australian stations, with the exception of the two Melbourne stations, 3LO and 3AR, and 4QG, Brisbane, went off the air at 10.30 p.m. The three mentioned above kept on the air with dance music and, like the New Zealand stations, broadcast the chiming of the clock at midnight. Following that, 3LO at least kept on the air for some time with well selected Christmas carols. On Christmas Day all New Zealand stations were on the air before midday. 2YA had a Children’s Service at 11 a.m., and this, children all over New Zealand must have enjoyed considerably, for it was really delightful. At 3 p.m. the Minister for Health, the Hon. Stallworthy, in a neat speech, declared the radio installation at Porirua open. He paid tribute to the work of the organiser of the campaign, Mr. Hooker, and said that before long the remaining portions of the installation would be ready for use. He passed glowing comment on the benefit of radio in institutions such as these, where people are confined for the illness that most needs the happy atmosphere created by bright entertainment. The 2YA announcer conveyed greetings to the inmates, and expressed the hope that they would derive great benefit through their contact with, not only the New Zealand centres, but the great outside world.