NEWS FROM THE STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 27, 29 December 1939, Page 46

NEWS FROM THE STATIONS

COTSMEN throughout the Manawatu had their own session from 2ZA recently when the Manawatu Scottish Society presented a 45minute programme in commemoration of St. Andrew’s Day. The Pipe Band, Ray Trewern, the brilliant New Zealand tenor who now resides in Palmerston North, and Mrs. Pearce, contralto, presented appropriate numbers, This was not an ordinary studio presentation. Oh no! The chief was piped in in the true Scottish fashion; was introduced, and from then on the show was his. A short address of welcome in Gaelic was given by Lauchie McDonald. The Manawatu Pipe Band, playing in conjunction with the Palmerston North Silver Band, gave a very fine rendering of "Abide With Me," and then "A Hundred Pipers and A’" was played by the two bands. The commemoration programme concluded with everyone singing "Auld Lang Syne." In spite of the weather, it was a great show, and maybe there will be a special Burns programme presented on the anmiversary of the great poet’s birthday, early in the New Year, by the Manawatu Scottish Society. Hints for Swimmers An unexpected visitor called at 3ZB on a recent Wednesday night just to have a chat with an old swimming friend, " Chiv." However, as he was a personality in the sports world he was not allowed to do his talking in the lounge but was persuaded to make his first appearance before a microphone. Once there he chatted away in natural manner of many things pertaining to swimming. The visitor was R. Hatchwell, who is sprint swimming champion of New Zealand. An old Christchurch boy, now resident in Wellington, he was paying a flying visit to Christchurch at the invitation of the Christchurch United Club to make an appearance in a special race over 100 yards. "Chiv" issued another invitation-to use 3ZB’s mike to convey to younger swimming listeners some hints on how to get on. This was just another instance of 3ZB taking every opportunity of introducing to listeners people who have something worth saying. Mock Court 4ZB co-operated with the Dunedin Commercial Travellers’ Association recently in raising the funds for the Otago Centennial Memorial. Over £500 was realised through a street collection and the holding of a mock court in one of the busiest sections of the town.

Proceedings of the mock court were relayed through 4ZB much to the enjoyment of the listeners, who heard leading citizens being fined for very humorous offences. Lionel Sceats, who conducted the relay, was fortunate to escape any penalty for breaking in upon the dignity of the Court. At 9.15 in the evening the President of the Commercial Travellers’ Association, P. G. Hewitt, thanked listeners and 4ZB for their cooperation. Surprise Packet 2ZB has a surprise programme in store for listeners, to be presented as the old year expires and the new year takes its place. At half past eleven on December 31, the programme will com-

mence, and will last for half an hour. It is something quite different, something quite appropriate to the particular season, and a presentation which is sure to meet with the listeners’ approval. At the present moment, it is not possible to tell you more. Sorry! Local Talent Over a period of months, 4ZB held auditions of hundreds of local artists with a view to presenting a concert consisting entirely of local talent. Much work was put into preparation by selected performers who broadcast in a Variety Concert on Sunday, December 17. Included among the performers were Brooks’ 4ZB Novelty

Orchestra, led by Ted Heaney, wellknown piano-accordionist; Hazel Connor (the girl who made such a hit as Dunedin’s " Betty Boop"); and a recent find, Albert Green, who impersonates "Popeye" to perfection. Listeners were very pleased to hear the 4ZB Quintette in action again. It consists of Mark Tozer, Kyra Jupp, Airini Grennell, Steve Parker and Bruce Macdonald. Snow White Session That delightful session which listeners heard some time ago from 2ZB, given by Eric Bell and Leslie Hall, of the songs from Walt Disney’s " Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," was recently repeated by those two artists. The presentation tells in narrative and song the story of the picture, from Snow White’s musings at the Wishing Well to her triumphant resurrection after the witch’s malicious attempt to dispose of her. Miss Hall narrated the story herself and, accompanied by the inimitable Eric Bell, sang four of the songs most delightfully.

Holiday Visit One of 3ZB’s most popular announcers, Jack Bremner, popped in to say "hello" to his friends at 4ZB the other day. He is spending his holidays in the south which is, incidentally, nothing new for him because hé was born at Green Island, a suburb just a few miles from Dunedin. 4ZB listeners had an opportunity of hearing his cheery voice one afternoon when he and Alec McDowell had a knock-out competition, the honours being very even, Repertory Concert Party During the extensive preparations which have been going on throughout New Zealand in connection with the war, many an occasion has arisen where the services of a large number of enthusiastic folk, both professional and amateur, have been voluntarily given for the entertainment of the many recruits in camp. The Wellington Repertory Society has a most capable body of folk who have formed themselves into a Concert Party and have been giving first class entertainment wherever their services have been required. On a recent Sunday evening the party broadcast a half-hour presentation from the studios of 2ZB; and the entertaining mélange of vocal solos, choruses by the entire company, and short sketches, made a very bright spot in the programme, The company numbered some 20 or 30 people.

Pipe Band Concert Yet another successful function was held in Dunedin on a recent Sunday when a great crowd gathered in the Botanic Gardens to hear a concert by the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band, assisted by 4ZB personalities — Peter, Airini, and Dennis Sheard, with Mark Tozer at the piano. Don Donaldson, the "Hospital Session" announcer was happy to be able to make public the fact that £26 came from the afternoon function. A relay of the pipe music was taken for 15 minutes and was the subject of much favourable comment from the Scots of Dunedin. The Hospital fund now stands at £1,200. Christmas " Present " ZB announcers often receive strange and bulky parcels through the post, but probably the most original present yet

forwarded to an announcer was received by one of the 2ZB staff recently. On looking through his mail he discovered a large, oblong, flat parcel on the contents of which he could not even specu. late. Several layers of paper enclosed the object, and between the outside layer and the next one was a note informing him that it had been sent by a well-wisher as a Christmas present. His natural delight at this kindly gesture was somewhat dampened when on opening the parcel he discovered the number-plate of his own motor car!