BYRD’S ACCENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 925, 19 March 1930, Page 1

BYRD’S ACCENT

“Nasal Pronunciation” Or Static? MR. KING’S OBJECTIONS The Auckland reception of Admiral Byrd's address, broadcast from Dunedin yesterday afternoon, was not very clear, but sufficient was heard of the Antarctic explorer to produce a criticism at the Auckland Education Board this morning. “Americanisms . . . nasal pronunciation . . . unable to follow the American talk,” said Mr. H. S. W. King, in declaring that it would have been, an improvement on the idea of a broadcast to have had the address supplied in writing, and read to Auckland’s school children by a good English voice. Mr. King’s objection followed an appreciation expressed by the chairof the board, Mr. A. Burns, for the efforts, though the result was disappointing, of the Auckland Radio Dealers’ Association to broadcast the address to 20,000 school children. “I am informed by a man who heard the broadcast that he was not able to follow Rear-Admiral Byrd’s talk,’’ said Mr. King. Instead of having the school children listen to Byrd’s American accent, would it not have been better, asked Mr. King, to have the address supplied in writing, and read to the children in an English voice? The subjects discussed may have been excellent. Mr. Burns remarked that the address might be published in the “Educational Gazette.” The unique opportunity for the children in hearing the explorer’s voice had to be considered. No other member had anything to say concerning Byrd’s accent. Who can tell? His speech may have been affected by static, or the muttered approval of a Dunedin audience.