Our Mailbag

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 19, 20 November 1931, Page 6

Our Mailbag

Serviceman’s Examination. WH is the Blectrical Wederation? ‘ Do they control the radio industry of New Zealand, and where does the Government come in with these regulations that the federation is trying to impose on to the "radio" public? Admittedly, there should be some control of radio sales and service. Of what use is this examination to me, just to take as an example? I have been in the business for some five years, and during that time have learnt all I possibly could about radio. I ean build sets, eliminators, etc.,. understand the servicing of practically.

all of them, but I don’t know much about ohm’s law and a lot of other theoretical "stosh." In fact, about seven-eigths of the syllabus is gibberish to me (and I venture to say to the average electrical wireman also). Yet, though I can repair a set, or, if necessary, rebuild it, unless I possess & serviceman’s. ticket I will be barred from this. But the wireman who may have a wireman’s ticket may service a set in spite of the fact that he may not know the difference between a grid leak and a condenser. It is up to the radio dealers of New Zealand .0 object to the Electrical Federation having the power to dictate the law von this matter. If the laws of the country demand it, then let every serviceman undergo the same examination whether he holds a wireman’s ticket or not. It seems to me rather ridiculous that fhe serviceman without the necessary qualifications cannot service a set, yet any amateur can tinker round with it or build sets, ete., in fact do just as he pleases about it. I suppose it will be something like the dealers’ licenses! The dealer has 10 pay a pretty stiff fee for the right to sell radio goods. Yet "amateur" transmitters? ? ?, "amateur" builders, store: keepers, and so on, can deal in ratlio, and the Postal Department do not take any action in the matter, and do not afford the protection that the legitimate

| dealer should be entitled to

Dealer

(Marlborough).

Government Control. if READ in the papers that the Government has decided to take over | the responsibility of supplying New Zealand with news and bright music for 1932. What is wrong with our present service, or has our Government decided it can effect improvements? J doubt it. One has only to read in the papers of the wonderful idea of a certain member to supply all New Zealand with the one programme each night. How does this appeal to listeners? It also stated that our broadcasting equipment is obsolete. Perhaps he intends to supply us with television. He also states our fees would be reduced. Now IT appeal to any reader, how can this be done when already some of the members of our Government have queer ideas of what a wonderful scrap-heap our present transmitters will make, but at present we are quite satisfied with them and the service we receive. If the Government really wants to control our service let it prove its ability by first straightening out the tangle it is in, When this is done we will perhaps have a little more confidence and will trust them with such an item of importance as our radio broadcasting. -"One Thing at a time" (Wairoa). Quality of Transmission. NOTICE there is some controversy regarding 2YA’s transmission on the 13th. The night in question was a particularly good one here, and the community singing and Mr. Coates’s speech came through with the utmost clarity, there being neither fading nor distortion. Other set-owners with whom I am in touch say the same. 2YA is at all times by far the best YA station to be received here, and is listened to more than any other station on account of its reliability. We did not try

8YA on this occasion, as it is not rer’ ceived satisfactorily in this locality. Regarding community singing from 2YA I would like to say how much we have enjoyed the two evening performances, and hope that more community singing will be put on of an evening, as the daylight transmissions are not received as satisfactorily here. -"Listener" (Hokitika). Sunday Music. AY I express my hearty agreement with your’ correspondent in the issue of October 30, 1931, appearing under the heading of "Some Suggestions?" Could we not have at least onc of the YA stations broadcasting good music during the sessions usually devoted to religious services? I do not think it an unreasonable request, for, as your correspondent says, "somebody has ‘to go without his particular religion." ' The programmes could. include sacred and classical music. How about some other views?-"Ignaz" . (King Country).