NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 24, 8 December 1939, Page 46

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

SILLY BILLIES IN ACTION IKE the face of a watch seen every day, broadcasting is now part of our everyday scheme of life. But just like those fascinating little wheels that make the hands of our watch go round, so do the "works," and the men behind the scenes of a broadcast-. ing station fascinate the most blasé listeners. The main studios of a broadcasting station are not all of the time scenes of activity, but unlike a theatre that empties as soon as the show is over, the lounge of 3ZB’s up-to-date studios is rarely deserted. Interested spectators are always much in evidence. Some have seen something happen, others wait for something to happen, and very few go away disappointed, for at least they have seen in the flesh some personality whose voice is as familiar as that of ‘their closest friend. Last Sunday Len Archer’s Silly Billies were the centre of attraction for a greater number of spectators than usual, the 3ZB Lounge being packed early in the evening in anticipation of the appearance in the studio of this novel combination, comprising piano accordion, harmonica, Jew’s harp, guitar, string bass, and the most intriguing rhythm _ contraption built round an ordinary Monday washboard. This combination is unique in that the artists have developed an individual presentation, which cannot be traced as copying any of the recording combinations. The Silly Billies have also been heard in _ broadcasts from the Welcome Club Dances relayed by 3ZB.

singer has come to a studio for an audition and, after being heard by those in charge, told to go home and learn "On the Good Ship, Lollipop" as sung by Betty Boop. This is exactly what happened, however, to Hazel Connor, a young lady of North East Valley, Dunedin. Miss Connor took the advice of the 4ZB Audition Officer literally and returned in a week’s time with four Betty Boop numbers, The result was that she was heard on a recent Sunday from 4ZB. Her characterisation was so good that many listeners thought they were hearing recordings by Betty Boop. However, they should be convinced when Miss Connor broadcasts again. Words and Music A broadcast of unusual interest from 2ZB is scheduled for Sunday, December 10, at 7.15 p.m. " Jill,’ of 5ZB, who is rapidly becoming most popular with listeners to the Exhibition Station, is giving a song recital with Wide Range accompaniment. This is done in a most interesting way. " Jill" listens with earphones to the Wide Range music, and sings into a microphone, the voice and the music being " mixed" in the control room. Thus, to listeners, it gives the effect of "Jill" being actually accompanied by an orchestra. Such an arrangement will certainly mean a_ splendid selection of songs-and listeners who appreciate a really artistic programme should make a point of tuning in to 2ZB on Sunday evening at 7.15 p.m, |: is not often that a "straight" Reg. Morgan Popular A delightful informal studio presentation was given by Reg Morgan one Sunday recently at 4ZB, when this gifted artist aroused much enthusiasm with listeners. Besides singing many popular numbers he played one or two of his own compositions on the piano, and by special request, "The March of the Men of New Zealand." There were many enquiries for his next broadcast, which was scheduled for the Sunday following. Friday Morning Attraction Friday morning at about 10.30 o’clock is always an occasion for an influx of people to the studio at 2ZB. At that time every week-day that excellent feature, "The House of Peter MacGregor," is broadcast; and it is a practice of many women-and a number of men -who have come into town to do their

shopping, to drop into the studio so that they will be able to hear this session, which otherwise they would miss. It is an interesting sight to see folks come trooping in, anxiously awaiting the start of the feature, and crowding the loud speaker in 2ZB’s lounge when the theme music is heard. As soon as the play begins all chatter ceases, and for a quarter of an hour during this broadcast not a sound is heard, and scarcely a move is made. Hospital Garden Party A Garden Party was held at Waikari Hospital on a recent Saturday afternoon when 4ZB collaborated with the Hospital Board in the raising of more money to

swell the 4ZB Hospital Radio Fund. Speeches were made by the Hon, F. Jones, Acting-Minister of Broadcasting, and J. W. Dove, Chairman of the Otago Hospital Board. Tribute was paid to the work of 4ZB, not only in the raising of funds for ear-phones, but also for the kindly thought of sending concert parties to the various institutions for the sick and afflicted throughout Otago. The Garden Party was a huge success with

the result that the Hospital Fund now stands at £900. In replying, the Station Director, M. S. Bullivant, stated that it was the original aim to raise £1,160, This amount should be reached in December. The cost, however, of the installation of the very modern plant is likely to be greater than was as first expected. The total cost is likely to be £1,400 and 4ZB hopes to reach this total in the New Year. Chinese Boy Singer On a recent Saturday evening the diminutive nine-year-old Chinese boy singer, Herbert Young, sang two or three popular ballads over 4ZB. Apart from the pleasing quality of his voice, this " Chinese Bobby Breen " is a very interesting youngster. When Lionel Sceats admired his double-breasted blue suit, and said he would not mind having one like it himself, before one could say "Jack Robinson," Herbert Young retorted, " Yes, you’d look pretty good in short pants." This was too much for Lionel, who immediately concluded the broadcast. The Real Thing 4ZB listeners had a very pleasant surprise on a recent Sunday evening at 9.45 when a real Scottish voice was heard conducting a Scottish session, The compére was William W. McArthur, well-known in Dunedin for his social work. In this broadcast he gave interesting sidelights on the life of Robert Burns and illustrated his talk with suitable reeordings. The Scottish folk of the Edinburgh of the South were pleased to hear one of their own kith and kin speaking in the tongue they know and love so well. By Request Significant of the difference which flesh and blood entertainment makes to any radio programme is the response being given by the public to the session conducted over 2ZB at 6 o'clock every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by Les. Henry’s Cabaret Orchestra. This is a combination of players comprising Les. Henry and his four lads, who play rhythmical music in the form of a request session. Les. Henry at the piano directs proceedings, and the orchestra provides a studio presentation which is satisfying to a degree. Recently the orchestra’s mail assumed remarkable proportions, and the number of requests which the leader has been asked to include in his quarter-hour programme is rapidly becoming too great to cope with.