MR. OWEN PRITCHARD

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 90, 10 January 1935, Page 10

MR. OWEN PRITCHARD

Retirement From 2YA

Mr. Owen Pritchard, programme organiser at 2YA, has resigned that position. He will conclude his connection with the Broadcasting Board at the end of the month, and will shortly after leave Wellington to take up his residence at Gisborne. Mr. Pritchard has had a varied career. After serving with the New Zealand Forces iu the Great War, he organised the Te Koa Concert Party which loured New Zealand. Later he visited the United States, and after touring the Pacific Slope he served for six years with the Western Union Telegraph Company. During that time lie studied the violin, and, becoming proficient, lie left the company to take the position of leader of the orchestra on the Maison liners Ventura and Sonoma, trading to Sydney. He was three years on (lie Ventura. Mr. Pritchard later returned to his first love, tlie stage, joining up as comedian with the Phillip Lytton Company, touring Australia. Mr. Pritchard was in Auckland about to return to America when, five years ago, he was offered an appointment by the Radio Broadcasting Company, and remained in the same employ when the Government took over that company’s interests.

During his term in Wellington as programme organiser. Mr. Pritchard has arranged some sphmild entertainments for the board, and has also endeared himself to a wide public as a community song-leader.