THE SERVICE OF 2YA.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 32, 20 February 1931, Page 4

THE SERVICE OF 2YA.

THE outstanding event in radio circles is unquestionably the service rendered -by 2YA itt connection with the earthquake . disaster. In this time of national emergency it proved itself a perfect clearinghouse for information and ah incomparable centre for the dissemination of instructions facilitating all phases of rescue work. As the need developed, all agencies that required this service turned naturally to 2YA, and speedily announcements from such diverse atithorities as the Post and Telegraph Department, the Railway Deparitment, the Transport Departtnent, the Salvation Army, the Y.M.CA,, the Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the Wellington Automobile Club, and many other organisations, were concentrated upon it. ‘Puttine over the air these atinouncements enabled remedial measures to be applied infinitely more effectively than could have been. secured by any other means. F\VEN more impressive service, however, was rendered the general public by the detailed help given in tracing missing friends and locating their whereabouts among the refugees from the affected area. Inevitably, in the first stages of the evacuation, records of the location -of each person were incompleted, with the result that extensive -inquities became necessary to locate individuals and restore the circles of families and friends. A special tribute to the whole of the staff of 2YA is due in this connection. The long hours imposed by unceasing inquiries were faced without hesitation. The telephones of the station for all practical purposes never ceased over the days ‘concerned in the rush period. Unfailing attention and courtesy wete given to all, and as the broadcast inquiries brought telephonic and telegraphic response, steps were taken, not only to broadcast the information received, but to directly inform the original inquirer. Z2YA thus became a centre of social work of the utmost importance. Many touching and direct messages of thanks have been received at the station, but apart from these, in-thousands of homes the will may be taken for the deed, Inevitably perhaps, there have been those who have thought the earthquake matter was being overdone, and messages indicating impatience and the desire for the restoration of the ordinary routine were not lacking. On one’ Saturday night, for

instance, some listeners voiced their impatience that the cause of suffering should have precedence over "their dance music." That such | . individuals suffered from lack of perspective and a proper appreciation of the-need of "first things first" is perhaps the kindest way of regarding their action., The extent of the disaster is only gradually becoming fully appreciated, and the need for sympathy, understanding and practical help is still imperative. As a means of showing their practical sympathy a number of leading radio performers are combining to give in the Wellington Town Hall, on Monday, February 23, a public concert under the auspices of the "Radio Record." This venture is commended to the. goodwill of the Wellington public and all listeners further afield. Listeners unable to attend are invited to forward contributions to the "Radio Record" for addition to the funds of the concert, .