Fatuous Complaints from Listeners

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 22, 7 December 1934, Page 23

Fatuous Complaints from Listeners

"Classics of Comic Literature’ in Dunedin Papers Recently-Inter-Station Debate Proves Very -Suecessful — Alpine Drama From 4YA This Week.

HILE it would be fatuous to suggest «that either side actually proved which is the mightier, the :pen or the sword, the teams which competed jin the recent inter-station debate certainly ‘introduced :points strongly in favour of their arguments, and beside providing entertainment for their listeners, they instructed them along one or two new ‘ines of thought. Both Otago and Canterbury listeners were

interested in the debate, as the teams. were representative of the Otago Law Students’ Debating Society and the Canterbury College Debating Union. Probably the majority will agree with the judge (Mr. BEB. J. Anderson), who, in awarding 129 marks out of a possible 150 to the Otago team, said that they succeeded in making better use of their arguments than their opponents in ;Christchurch, who gained 111 marks The debate, of course, was broadcast by both 4YA and 8YA, and as a result of its success, the authorities will probably be encouraged to arrange for further debates at-suitable intervals, "THD auxiliary station came dn useful the other night, when if was able to broadcast descriptions of aquatic events while the ‘main station was engaged in broadcasting a -scheduled programme, The occasion was the night on which the Australian ‘and New Zealand touring swimmers appeared at

the Municipal Baths, and the broadfasts took place during the ‘two major events on the programme. ‘The service was greatly appreciated, especially by those residing in :the country. SOME of the complaints rushed into print by listeners, who imagine they have a grievance against the beard’s stations, are classics of :comic literature. Many are written without any knowledge of why certain things are broadcast, or are not -broadcast, as the case may be, and very often expose the writer as a lone hand player. One has a shrewd suspicion that ninety per cent. of the letters are almost ‘wholly re-written by members of the editoria! staffs of the papers before they can be’ reasonably; thrown at a suffering public. Instances of such cases have helped to fill the Dunedin Press columns lately. Not only Otago listeners, but many of those throughout the country will be disappointed in the announcement that the Broadcasting Board has found that technical and other difficulties will preclude broadcasts by the main stations of the Sanders Cup races at Stewart Island in January. It is, however, recognised that Stewart Island is outside the board’s area, but in view of the fact that the races will he of widespread interest the board will probably arrange for short telegraphed © reports from the island, and for all stations to broadcast the results, Detailed matter will then be left to be spread in the regular channels. wat is reported to be one of the best recorded programmes from the B.B.C. to date. "Flags on the Matterhorn," is due for local presenta--tion on December 7. Its merit has preceded it, and many are keenly awaiting the broadcast from. 4¥A. Recorded work from Pngland is definitely. popular, not only in this area, but, as Mr. BE. C. Hands, general manager of the Broadcasting Board, remarked recently, in practically all parts of the country. be ta? HE rebroadcast of the Royal wedding ceremony by 4YA was excellent. Reception conditions on shortwave were as near perfect as thay have ever been, and every word spoken in the Abbey rang out as clear as a bell The outside commentary before and after the ceremony was not so clearly received, due partly to the noise creat-

ed by the crowding mass oi. people, who were obviously excited and very enthusiastic. A FEW days after they reached New Zealand, Whitehead and Nicholl, the aviators who last month hopped across the Tasman, gave a surprise broadeast from 1YA4, their remarks being relayed to.2YA and 8YA, The reason for 4YA’s éxclusion from the national. chain has not so far been given. ;