Australian and N.Z. Conditions Compared

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 21, 4 December 1931, Page 5

Australian and N.Z. Conditions Compared

Visiting Technician’s Impressions

Me. H. L, BARNARD, B.E. of the British General Electric Co., Ltd., is at present paying an extended visit to the company’s branch in Auckland, in connection with Osram valves. While in Wellington Mr. Barnard called to see us and made some very interesting comparisons between Australian conditions and our own. One thing in particular which oecurred to us as being of interest was that an entirely different class of set was sold in Australia from that sold in New Zealand. The midgets are selling well in this country at the present time, but in Australia only a very small percentage of the sets sold are midgets. .Mr. Barnard remarked that the proportion of consoles now sold in New Zealand would probably represent the proportion of midgets sold in Australia. The average small console selling for about £30 in Australia is a four-valve outfit, not including the rectifier. On the other hand, the set selling for approximately the same price in New Zealand is a midget of seven or eight valves, including the rectifier. A slight difference in terminology exists in the two countries, For instance, the New Zealanders style a set as eight valves, including rectifier, or, which is more usual, an eight-valve set (seven amplifying valves and rectifier), In Australia reference to a four-valve set implies a set of four amplifying valves and a rectifier. The only sets sold in Australia ara those made within the country. It is not that the law prevents the importation of sets, but the duties are prohibiive. Unless the set comes for experimental purposes, it is laden with a tariff which makes it, as a commercial proposition, impossible. Conditions of reception in Australia are not at all good, compared with

those in this country. Being a hotter climate, it is more subject to seasonal effects and long-distance results, such as are obtained here, are impossible.