Our Mail Bag

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 48, 12 June 1931, Page 19

Our Mail Bag

While we welcome the expressed views of listeners on topics pertaining to radio, we ask that these communications be kept to minimum length, as heavy demands are made upon space. Mere reiteration of arguments cannot be accepted for publication, and we cannot take responsibility for views expressed, Address communications te the Editor, and sign all correspondence, though a nom-de-plume may be used for publication.

Morse Interference. S it not about time that these two -perhaps more than two-Morse transmitting fiends in the vicinity of the Basin Reserve were warned to keep off the air during church service broad‘casting hours. Last Sunday the morning service over the air was completely spoilt by a selfish amateur who chipped in to great effect, and repeated his performance again to-day. This sort of thing is getting on the nerves of those living near the Basin Reserve, and will mean that manv licenses will soon he

Dropped for Ever

(Wellington) _

Broadcast Service. HERE are two subjects which are causing much controversy at pre-sent-B class stations and politicalisation of radio broadcasting. Having read and inwardly digested the various articles in our daily papers and the "Radio Record," and likewise discussed the matter with other radio enthusiasts in the district I have tried to come to some unbiased conclusions. ‘With regard to "B" stations, I think, in fairness to all, that quite a number of them are worthy of a place on the broadcast band, their programmes comparing very favourably with those of the YA stations. In fact, there are hundreds who depend solely on these free services, and yet the R.B.C. and Government profit by it through the license fees. Some system is required whereby the opinion of the listening public could be obtained, as their wishes in these matters are of first importance. On the question of Government control the least said the better; their policy is as usual to launch out in an orgy of spending with the result that listeners would have to foot the bill in increased Xicense fees. As it is, the existing service is all that is required of a country like New Zealand, and the R.B.C. are just getting into their stride, as evidenced by recent improvements, viz., lengthened hours and relaying of YA programmes to "B" stations. Further improvements will be forthcoming, I’m sure, as funds permit. I would like to suggest that a detachable coupon of some sort be inserted in the "Radio Record" which could be used by licensees to vote whether they are in favour of Government control or continued R.B.C. control. Hivery listener, of course, may not be & subscriber to this estimable paper, but might become one to obtain a vote in the destiny of broadcasting. Another progressive movement which would ‘cost less than the Governmen? intention of erecting new stations wogid be to give each licensee the right to hominate the "B" station he receives best, and the station in each district with the most votes could be given a small subsidy for the purpose of bettering its programmes. An annual vote of the kind, per medium of detachable

coupon on license certificate, would result in general improvement of "B" programmes, competing for the subsidy. Incidentally it would‘ bring to light new talent which is sadly needed at present. Instead of cluttering up the air with powerful new stations it would bemore sensible to separate the existing stations so that the New Zea-

land stations would not interfere with each other or with those in Australia.

As You Like It

| (Otira).

Morning Sessions. HEARTILY disagree with "Hlectrad’s" letter that the longer period of service from 2YA is a retrograde step. He does not know, surely, that "early to bed" is a good maxim, especially for farmers, and that extending the evening’s programmes means later hours for the YA staffs. His suggestion that 10/- increase should be made for licenses for higher powered stations is ridiculous, as stations of low power can be picked up in this locality, one Dunedin station of 7 watts giving perfect loudspeaker reception in the northern portion of King Country. Hig letter reminds me of the Scotsman who carried his wife’s false teeth about with him so that she could not have

"wee bites" between meals. A wireless set could not be so handy to prevent the wee wife listening in to 2YA’s morning sessions, especially the fashions lecture !-Farmers’ Wife (Waitomo).

Sweeping Statements. YoOuR correspondent "C Clef" makes some rather sweeping statements in his comments on the "orchestrina" at 2YA4. I am of the opinion that there are better radio combinations in New Zealand. Moreover, like many other listeners in this district, I am of the opinion that of the two combinations at 2YA, the Salon Orchestra is the better balanced, more efficient orchestra, In addition, the choice of music for this combination is better. To attempt the large symphonic works occasionally broadcast by the orchestrina is a mistake in many ways. In any case, your ecorrespondent’s criticism loses its effectiveness through appearing under

a nom de plume.-

J. F.

Knight

(Wel-

lington ).

1 WISH to express my appreciation of the extended hours of transmission of 2¥A. It is without doubt 2 forward step in broadcasting in New Zealand. I also wish to make a few

remarks on a letter written to thé "Radio Record" on May 29 by a person who is afraid the housewife gets too much of 2YA’s increased hours, and therefore thinks they are not appreciated because he does not hear them, Unlike this writer, I am more broadminded, and look at it in a different view. I think of the wonderful benefit it is to patients in hospitals, sick people at home, and old men and women, whe can take a change from books. I work all day and never hear the wireless until the dinner session at night, but I do not for one minute grudge those af home the use of the radio. This same correspondent also thinks the YA stae tions should keep on the air until 11 p.m. every night. If he works hard all day, whether in an office or not, he would not feel like sitting up until 11 pm. nightly. No, sir! I like a man who says what he thinks, but if the letter is what the Invercargill person says it would be better for him not to

think at all-

ACO

(Masterton).

DX-ers’ Meeting X-ERS are reminded that on Thursday, June 11, 2 meeting will be held in the offices of the "Radio Record," 8rd floor, "Dominion" Buildings, to discuss the constifution of the proposed "DX. u