Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

December, 1930 RADIO DOINGS Page Forty-one Mr. Eby* Remarks: — I have been asked by our mutual friend, Cloyd Marshall, Jr., editor of this magazine, not only to give my impressions of the U.S.A. from the air, enroute here from Philadelphia, but to give my impression of your rapidly growing city, your industries and other subjects of interest. I first wish to discuss my airplane trip from the East. As this was the longest airplane trip I had ever taken and, particularly as it was the first time I had ever seen the Western states from the air, I can truthfully say the trip was the most thrilling and most picturesque, as well as educational, I had ever taken. Wm. Hitt Hugh H. Eby Having used three different makes of planes en route here, it is quite easy to understand why the western part of the U.S.A. and, particularly California, has become so "air-minded" in recent years. The planes used in the East or east of Kansas, known as the Tri-Motored Ford planes, can not compare with the Fokker F10 and the Fokker F32 planes used on the West Coast. However, I have been advised that the Western Air Service contemplates extending the service of their F32 plane, or 32-passenger type, and I, for one, will hail with keen delight the day that this service is extended to the Eastern Coast. I wish to take this opportunity to pay a deserved tribute to the officials of the Western Air Service for their fore-sightedness in not only providing unusual comforts for their passengers in the way of spacious cabins and comfortable seats, but for the added service in furnishing a courier for each plane. Not only docs the courier supply the passengers with meals or any other attention that may be needed, but it is extremely interesting to have the various points of interest called to one's attention when passing over a city or a historical spot and be given the history concerning it. This service, I understand, is not extended beyond Kansas City and, in my estimation, it is a sad mistake. I, therefore, can not too strongly compliment the Western Air Service on their policies, as well as their equipment, and the mere fact that I expect to return East over their routes is clear indication that I really mean what I have said about their service. * President H. H. Eby Mfg. Co. It is surely a real privilege to visit Los Angeles again. The hospitality and unusual courtesies that have been extended me have not only been sincerely appreciated, but I shall ever be mindful of them and will strive to earn and deserve their continuance in the future. It was later my privilege to attend a luncheon of the famout Pot and Kettle Club, an association comprised of hardware and household furnishing organizations. The aims and ideals of this club not only impressed me, but touched my heart, and I wish to personally thank my hard-hitting local representative, Bill Hitt, for the opportunity extended me to attend both the Breakfast and Pot and Kettle Clubs. As much as I dislike to talk shop, I feel I would not be playing square with my countless friends here if I failed to make some mention of my observations of your local situation. Due to the fact that your city has grown so rapidly in recent years and that transportation, no doubt, enters considerably into the cost of all radio sets sold here, it is easy to see and understand why the new Midget set has taken so well. From the numerous calls that I have made, I have estimated that approximately three thousand of these sets are being made in Los Angeles daily and, as many of the local manufacturers are far-sighted and are extending their markets, I predict that this production will continue in favor for some time. I wish to confirm the statements I have made to numerous manufacturers — I expect the Midget set to be greatly improved during the next three months. I predict the Super-Heterodyne Midget will soon be produced by all of the local leaders and that new designs of cabinets will also follow. * * * Collins-Lane Appointed Leonard Distributors Announcement of the new Leonard Electric refrigerator to sell at $189.50 was the outstanding news of the month to the radio trade. George Lane, of Collins-Lane Company, Bosch Radio distributors, announced that his company has been named Southern California representatives for the new refrigerator. "The entrance of Leonard into the electrical refrigeration field here is of tremendous interest to the radio trade," said Lane. "It means that an established, successful, and experienced manufacturer is offering electrical refrigeration at a competitive price to supplement the radio business at just the time of year when radio dealers most need added volume." The Leonard Electric line will consist of two models, one a five and the other a seven foot box. In actuality, these boxes are larger than the designation here, Lane said. They feature more shelf area, Leonard approved insullation, visible chillometer for certified refrigeration, visible defroster, broom room underneath for easy sweeping, satin chrome hardware, rubber ice cube trays, all steel box with porcelain linings. Financing will be handled by a Los Angeles office of the factory finance company, making budget plan selling both easy and economical. "The new Leonard brings vibrationless quiet to moderate priced refrigeration," said Lane. "It has everything that the public wants in electrical refrigeration, including a sensible price. Although we have barely had time to make our opening announcement we are already flooded with requests from radio dealers for the details of our set-up. We have already sold several carloads, and it looks as though the radio trade had just been waiting for electrical refrigeration at a moderate price and with the name of a proven and seasoned manufacturer upon it."