NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 49, 31 May 1940, Page 46

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

HE title of 2ZB’s Sunday Night Session, "* Tales from the Forest of Tane," conducted by Kingi Tahiwi, is derived from the name of one of the children of Rangi and Papa, the personification in Maori Mythology of Heaven and Earth. Tane-Mahuta was a God of the Forests, and he was the first of the children to rebel against the age-long imprisonment which had kept the world in gloom and darkness for many centuries. Tane it was who suggested to his brothers that they set their father Rangi on high as the Heaven. When the work had been completed Tane-Mahuta took upon himself the the children of Rangi and Papa, the personification in Maori Mythology of Heaven and Earth. Tane-Mahuta was a God of the Forests, and he was the first of the children to rebel against the age-long imprisonment which had kept the world in gloom and darkness for many centuries. Naturally, since Tane-Mahuta was the God of the Forests-forests whose growth provided the Maori people with food, clothing and shelter, with warmth and security-he was a most important deity. It is around the sovereignty of Tane-Mahuta that most of the stories heard in this Sunday Night Session are concerned. The aim has been to restrict the tales as far as possible to those which deal with the habits and customs of the older Maoris, and to keep the spirit of old Maoridom running through them. Even the dialogue, where such is necessary, is recounted in Maori, and many old chants and songs have been given by Hanuere Kingi, the young Apanui Maori whose voice is invariably heard introducing the session, and greeting Maori listeners. A large amount of research in Maori history and mythology is entailed in the preparation of the sessions, which are verified by Kingi’s father before being presented. Mr. Tahiwi is an authority on Maori lore, Rex Walden on the Air Rex Walden, 2ZB’s young announcer, possesses a rich vibrant baritone voice, somewhat reminiscent in timbre of Lawrence Tibbett’s. This was apparent in his session on Sunday from 2ZB, when he presented a group of songs from the main studio. Rex is a Hamilton boy; more will be heard of him. 4ZB’s Musical Army The. popular "Musical Army" movement was recently given its Dunedin inauguration in the 4ZB Children’s Session, with Jacko of 3ZB (one of the Army’s "Fathers-in-Chief") who travelled south for the occasion. The popularity of this session at the Dunedin station seems well assured, judging by the

enthusiasm of Dunedin’s young people, and the interest taken by their parents. 4ZB’s Peter has earned much of his great popularity among the children by appreciation of what appeals to them, and it is certain that under his guidance Dunedin’s regiment of musical soldiers will flourish in a very healthy way. Farewell! Members of the staff of 2ZB gathered recently to farewell a member of the staff, Jack Warnes of the Sales Staff, who has enlisted, Mr. Elliot, Station Director, on behalf of the staff, presented Mr. Warnes with a cigarette case and wished him all good luck. Write For It! Letters! Letters! Letters! Blue, yellow, green and white. Horrible laughing, grimacing, leering letters. Dancing over the bed,

coming through the keyhole and under the door, filling the air with shrieks of fiendish laughter as.they whirled and swayed in a maelstrom dance to the accompaniment of a maddening chant by the very Devil himself, crooning into the microphone," It’s free, it’s free-write in for it-it’s free." Ha! Ha! Ha! The paper knife is creating havoc

amongst the dancers, but still they come in their thousands. Will they never go? Will they never leave us? Where is the pledgeand I will sign it now. Ah-h-h-h! Shivering T return from the dream to blessed wakefulness before doing anything rash, and signing something I haven’t read properly. That might well be the nightmare experience of a member of 3ZB’s staff these days. Letters! To quote Norman Long, "t Thahsands of ’em." 3ZB has certainly had a busy time this last week or so, dealing with the correspondence in response to special sessions and competitions. Approximately three thousand letters were dealt with in three days. Ashburton Silver Junior Band It takes grit.and determination to achieve championship fame as a soloist in brass band competitive circles. But once at the top, the champion has achieved more than mere glory and trophies; he has behind him a wealth of valuable experience. The experience gained by "Geordie" Whiting, exchampion soprano cornet soloist of New Zealand, is invaluable in his present sphere of musical activity. He is conductor of the Ashburton Silver Junior Band, and at the same time he carries the responsibility of giving the boys a sound musical education which later will enable them to take their places amongst the senior bandsmen of the country. In the early stages of the band’s training, some eight players were transferred to the Ashburton senior band and have since given good account of themselves in contest work. Other members were soon enrolled to fill the vacancies, and in a surprisingly short space of time the band again had its full complement of playing members. The lads are keen and have already made a name for themselves at a recent district contest at Temuka, by winning the Hymn Test and being placed second in the Quickstep competition. Listeners will hear this talented combination under the baton of " Geordie" Whiting in the band session from 3ZB at 9.30 a.m..on Sunday morning, June 9. 4ZB’s Successful Concerts The 4ZB weekly Patriotic Sings are certainly "* going places." Regularly every week the St. James Theatre is filled to capacity. The Mother’s Day effort topped the total of all previous sings with the Patriotic Fund benefiting by a sum in excess of £200. "Treasure Island" The presentation of " Treasure Island" is eagerly awaited by 4ZB listeners. Owing to the great enthusiasm displayed in the Apple

Derby of late, it was decided to delay the opening date of "Treasure Island." A competent cast has been rehearsing, and a notable performance is assured. "Enchanted Orchard" Farewell Recently a delightfully informal little session was presented in 2ZB’s " Young New Zealand Radio Journal." Bryan introduced the characters of "The Enchanted Orchard" to listeners. However, the consequences of the session were hardly foreseen. By four o'clock the studio lounge was packed with a crowd of grown-ups and children. Some of the congestion was temporarily relieved by admitting as many children as possible into the main studio. By five o’clock the studio, lounge and the passage-way leading to the street was jammed with children. After the session was concluded the children of the radio fantasy were escorted by Bryan into the lounge and introduced to the children who could not gain access to the main studio. The little actresses were mobbed by the children and kept very busy signing countless autographs. During the broadcast the children spoke a few brief words to the listeners, Anecdotes of interesting occurrences during the recording of the fantasy were related, including some humorous episodes which were the cause of much merriment. The session was entirely informal, but nevertheless it was yoted one of the most enjoyable for some time. . Florence Nightingale’s Anniversary Sunday, May 12, was Florence Nightingale’s 120th Anniversary. She was born in Florence in 1820. To commemorate the occasion, the 1ZB Radio Players presented on the Sunday evening at 9.45 a dramatised version of this great heroine’s work at the Crimea in 1854, This was written and presented by members of the 1ZB staff. The principal parts were taken by " Marina," who played the heroine, and John Gordon was cast as the Rev. Mr. Bracebridge, an associate of "The Lady of the Lamp." A considerable amount of research was necessary before the play could be written, but the effort was well-worth while, the station receiving many reports and congratulations.

_ Lucky? We Hope So/ All ZB Stations will Broadcast the Drawing of the " Lucky Dog" Art Union at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 7.