Children Farewell Their "Uncle Jack”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 99, 18 July 1927, Page 12

Children Farewell Their "Uncle Jack”

JUVENILES’ TRIBUTE RADIO FAMILY GREETED If anything were needed to prove the popularity of “Uncle Jack” (Mr.. J. M. Prentice), the crowded audience at the farewell function arranged by the Auckland Listeners’ League at the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon afforded ample evidence. The seats in the hall itself proved entirely inadequate and the galleries had to be thrown open. Between 1,500 and 1,800 children were present, also a good number of adults. The proceedings were opened by the National Anthem, after which Mr. Prentice, who was greeted by a perfect hurricane of applause, led community singing. His old favourite, “London Bridge Is Falling Down” was the first number. Miss Sybil Phillips gave an excellent rendering of “Spring is Coming,” after which Uncles “Sam” and “Peter” of IZB, introduced in the flesh by Mr. Trevor Stringer, secretary of the league, indulged in some amusing back chat, culminating in a discharge of balloons from the galleries and the distribution of sweets and favours by the Radio Postmen, who were suitably uniformed.

The pupils of Miss Daphne Knight gave an excellent display of dancing. After a further burst of community siging, Mr. Prentice bade a touching farewell to his “radio family.” He promised to keep in touch with them if possible from Australia. Several telegrams were received from other listeners’ associations expressing sorrow at “Uncle Jack’s” departure.

The crowded audience gave full expression to their feelings in the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and “Auld Lang Syne,” and dispersed amid a barrage of coloured streamers. A cinematograph film of the scene was taken.

Credit is due to the executive of the Auckland League for the success of the gathering, the arrangements for which were made at the shortest notice.

“Uncle Jack” will take away with him a fair idea of the place he holds in the hearts of the Dominion’s younger generation.