Our Mail Bag

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 47, 3 June 1932, Page 23

Our Mail Bag

An Alleged "War." Wwe have received from F. Cullen, Waimauku, a four-page letter charging us with "un-British," "unsporting" and "unfair" conduct in an alleged "war" that we are supposed to be conducting against B class stations. We are quite unable to follow Mr. Cullen’s line of argument, and would remind him that the first element of fairness is to state the position exactly. He states that we wish to close B stations down. ‘That is quite untrue. We appreciate definitely, and always have, the service that B class stations have given, although we have disagreed with the policy that has allowed so many of them to grow up indiscriminately in a way that may inflict ultimate loss upon some of them. We give space freely to the more important B class stations to publish the features of their programmes, and are- only too happy to have news of their doings. We recently conducted a competition in which we threw the field absolutely open to eveyyone to express their views on both sides of the question, and made our awards quite impartially on the merits of the letters. All of the letters published favoured the B class stations in the present circumstances, and yet Mr. Cullen says that is "conducting a war" against them. We are quite at a loss to follow his reasoning. Our attitude to the B class movement always has been fair: we do not mind how many B class stations there are so long as they, by application for subsidy and help from the funds of listeners, do not imperil the interests of the major service, If and when the board, from its survey of the financial field, can see its way, without imperilling the main stations, to assist those "B" class stations which can round out the major service to the best advantage, we shall be quite happy to see that ¢onsummation, but first things must come first. Private Stations Popular. SOME of your deductions from the response to the discussion re the B class stations seem to me somewhat erroneous. In the first place, the questionnaire does not give listeners’ views with regard to these stations any accurate expression. In answer to the query, "Which New Zealand station do you most frequently tune in?’ I was forced to reply 2YA. Had the question been framed as your article would imply, "Which (io you prefer?" I should unhesitatingly have answered 2ZO, but owing to the fact that this station is compelled to restriet its broadcasts, the YA station is left with one point of superiorityfrequency of availability. I am also of the upinion that it is only modesty regarding their literary talent that has caused a large number of listeners to refrain from expressing their views on this subject. Opinion in this district is at least 95 per cent. favourable to B class stations, in view of the fact that without their service we should be in ill case-‘Casey" (Waituna West). Competition Appreciated. F{AVING sent in a list of all four series of the Music Lovers’ Competition, I wish to express my appreciation of it. It was most entertaining, and I had quite a crowd round my set nearly every evening trying to pick the tunes, and though I do not expect to win anything, I really think I deserve a prize for my

perseverance, in spite of such dreadful static on some of the nights. In conclusion, may I suggest that the competition be continued one night a week from all Y.A. stations. No prizes, and the names of the pieces played to be published in the "Radio Record" the following week. The ten weeks is too long, and to save your space the long list of pieces need not be published

either.-

L. P.

McCarthy

(Wanganui).

Improvements and Otherwise. 1 WOULD like to join with "J.W.6." and others in commending the R.0.B. on the general improvement in the programmes of late. There are one or two points I consider could be bettered. Firstly, I notice the London market reports are again being dupli-

cated, which is not only wearying but unnecessary ; secondly, I think a little less town clock would be an improvement. It is not a very melodious sound broadeast. The other YA __ stations seem to have better-toned private clocks, but Welilngton, owing to its proximity to the G.P.O., I suppose, inflicts a conglomeration of clashes and janglings on us. I would suggest as an alternative to the purchase of a small office clock that say three or four, at most, chimes, from the G.P.O. be put over, say at 10 a.m.,.1 p.m., and 6 p.m., and possibly 8. These, together with the two time signals, are any amount. The 8 o’clock could be cut out, as we have the time signal at 7.80.. At the other hours the announcer could’ give the studio time as is done during the lunch hour. The first one to cut out is 12 noon. Great things seem to be expected of the questionnaire, but I was rather disappointed in it. The first question is very weak, as all are agreed that we have neither the quantity, nor what is

more important, the quality to supply full programmes of local artists. There remained but to answer it as mixed (records and local). Questions 2 and 3 are of statistical value, while 4 is a eatch. If one asked for one’s pet session to be increased one or more of the others has to be curtailed. To treat it in an unselfish way I consider it should be left as it is. The last question should prove of some value to the board. The next interesting development will be the coverage report. With regard to your Wairoa correspondent’s submissions, I agree with him ou the whole, but I think that a combination of increase in power and relay lines better than either alternative alone. I have decided that heterodyne and local noises can be eliminated to a big extent if the set is not pushed to its utmost. The more power the more noise, and this is what a large section of listeners fail to see. However, we can but wait and see, and it is to be hoped that something useful will eventuate. A certain number of B’s are essential. — ‘Moi Whare" (Feilding). 2VYA Orchestrina. BREFoRD setting out in continuation of my travels I would like to ask per medium of your publication, why there ig not a good light orchestrina at 2YA? Recently an orchestrina, under Mr Mr. 'L. Dixon, gave a rendering of dance musit, which was awful. Such an orchestra would not get an engagement for a barn dance in the back country. It geemed to be composed of a bunch of squeaky and more squeaky violins. Professor Tiller, of England, considers the violin is not a good microphone instrument. A bunch is worse. Many are, I find, dismayed that Mr. de Mauny has at last become an acquisition of 2YA. His classical and non-classical are all alike. Be is not capable, it is considered, of playing modern music. He is the bugbear of thousands of listeners, and is known as a leading naryaw hrow. Fe is too classical. and 2

weak performer, for finance.

M. K.

Johns

A Review of the Programmes. FER reading through "Our Mail Bag,’ may I be permitted to express through your columns a few views with reference to some of the items mentioned therein :- (1) Re YA Programmes. If anything, there has been in some respects an improvement. in this direction. This is a difficult subject to discuss, because of the many different tastes to he catered for, and no matter what is done, everyone will not be pleased. The results of the "questionnaire" should be interesting, and the number of "sotisfieds’ marked thereon will no doubt give some indication as to listeners’ opinions. Personally, I think that programmes such as those transmitted by 2ZW could be taken as a model, (2) Re Sunday Concerts. 'These are much looked forward to. While no doubt the broadcast of religious services are appreciated by many, and are fitting on such day of the week, could we not however have the switch thrown when band concerts or other such re-

lays are ready to commence? What with lengthy sermons, and time wasted by listening to the organ playing people out of church, the concert is usually well on ‘its programme when the change-over is made. If the switch was thrown when the time has expired, as is done for the children’s and other sessions, such course I am sure would meet with the approbation of many of listeners who are as it were "standing by" to tune in after the church service is concluded. (3) Re "B Class" Stations. I am in favour of the services of these stations. Not only are they a boon to the inland districts, but they render an equally good service in the city. They give an alternative programme to local and crystal set listeners to whom, outside stations are not audible, and even to those who have sets for distant reception, it gives to them the same privilege of hearing an alternative programme without static or other interference. Many of the YA programmes do not meet with the approval of listeners, but the B class may have a programme of a more pleasing nature. If other countries and cities can have several stations to choose from, why not New Zealand? I do not mean to crowd the air with them, but limit the number according to locality and population. We must all recognise the splendid service given by many of these B class stations. Let radio advance: is not our motto, "Onward New Zealand’? (4) Re License Fees. { think we should be able to have quarterly issues to help meet the working man, when such fees will not be a drain on his pocket. In fact, now we have all had a 10 or 20 per cent.. cut, plus taxes, ete, I think it is time the license fee had a cut, too. I would suggest 25/~ for an annual and 6/6 for a quarterly license. (5) Re Heterodyne Interference. According to many reports, the YA’s are badly heterodyned. However, with the many stations on the air this is going to be a difficult problem to solve for all. Personally I am not greatly troubled with the YA’s being heterodyned. Much, I think, depends upon the set used. I can separate 4YA and KF1, but I find 4YA wanders a little off its frequency now and again. KI1 I usually have nightly at R9. I understand 1YA was shifted to clear 4RK, so why it has been returned to its former frequency I don’t know. _ (6) Re Grand Organ. While I endorse the remarks of A,A.H. and N.I.L.. re this class of recital, I cannot how~ ever agree with A.A.H. re the Wurt~litzer, for recitals from this instrument can be made very attractive, and every bit as pleasing, if not more so, than the

erand organ.-

All Wave

Welling-

ton)

A Dubious Appreciation. NV IGHT I venture to express my appreciation of the expedition with which the Electrical Federation of N.Z. issued certificates to those who passed the radio servicemen’s exam. held in December last? Also to the Dlectrical Wiremen’s Registration Board for their promptness in granting tha limited wirampn’.c liranwas try thoca

certified examinees_

Radio Service

man

(New Plymouth),