Our Mailbag

Radio Record, Volume VI, Issue 4, 5 August 1932, Page 6

Our Mailbag

eens RS. Exam ~ NOTE "Radio Serviceman" thinks my ideas of a "serviceman" amusing but no doubt we are looking at the matter from two different points of view. _ It seems to me there should be tyvo of "serviceman." First, there is the real expert, devoting his "whole time to the science, ‘and capable of performing any job that comes along. " No doubt this is the class of serviceman "RS." -had in mind. , I was, however, thinking of the vast army. of dealers, salesmen, etc, most of them engaged in other, employment as well as radio, who have no. facili‘ties, or time (and, in some cases, edueation), for acquiring technical knowledge, and yet are handy men, capable of. performing most of the everyday troubles that are apt to occur a day or two before a Test match, or 4@ wrestling contest, thus proving themselves a very present help in time of trouble. | For these latter, I cannot see that a technical examination should’ be compulsory. We take our cars to garages for re‘pairs, but though the danger to life is far greater in this case, motor mechan- ics are not required to pass a technical examination. By all means have examinations for the expert, entitling him

to various degrees, but it seems to me that it is unreasonable to expect the 2000 odd dealers and servicemen in New Zealand to have acquired, in the short space of time that a.c. sets have been in general use (about three years) any great amount of theory on the subject. They are, however, a practical lot and have been of immense service to ‘their customers, and unless I am mistaken have never been responsible for a single fatality, or, indeed, any serious mishap.-‘Aerial" (Hinuera). Olympic Games Results. OW that arrangements have been "concluded for Olympic Games results to be given from KFI, could not ‘4YA’s frequency be shifted slightly to avoid heterodyne interference between the two stations? I am sure many listeners would welcome this.-‘‘Sports-Iman" (Oamaru), _ As no doubt our correspondent has ‘now noticed 4YA’s frequency has been tamporarily shifted.-Ed. Improved Programmes.

Broadcasting Board does not appear to be doing anything as yet hoe the way of reorganising the proammes and hours of the YA stations, "put as a rather severe critic in the past I must say that there is an im‘provement in the quality of the programmes. Frank Crowther’s novelty ychestra is, in my opinion, the best combination heard from 2YA. ‘The class of music it plays may not

meet all tastes (no orchestra in the world could do that), but it is as finely balanced a combination of its kind as is possible to get, and I feel sure it will meet the requirements of listeners of other than "high brow" music. Another feature was the well thought out sporting playlet on ‘Tuesday, 12th. Admittedly it was centred on "that awful vice racing," but nobody could deny that it was other than a very

excellent feature. 2ZR, Nelson, ranks next to 2YA for reception here. and deserves the everlasting thanks of listeners for filling in the 7 to 8 hour with music. I notice in your yaluable "Mail Bag" columns a lot of criticisin ot such matters as the interruption of eemmunity singing to give race results and other similar happenings. In these matters let us be tolerant. The giving of race results is repugnant to some but most acceptable to others, so why grumble if the B.B. tries to’ cater for all? One other thing I must mention, and that is 2YA’s children’s hour. This is generally fairly well conducted, but may I appeal to those in charge not to use too many, shall we say "grownup". words. Try and talk-to the child#4a in children’s talk, and they will en

joy and understand it. And could not some of the Uncles who are guilty cut out their ridiculous and inane remarks to and poorly concealed flirtations with the Aunts? No doubt this little criticism will arouse a storm of. protest, but I reiterate that a lot of personal rubbish is broadcast, at any rate during children’s hour from 2YA, Many thanks to DX338T for his sup port of my previous letier.-DX 41,