NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 62, 30 August 1940, Page 40

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

"JERRY" ON TOUR Trip Abandoned When He Loses His Voice

€¢. JERRY" began a tour of the main e cities of New Zealand when he flew direct to Dunedin on August 14. He took George and Dud along with him because, as he said, it was necessary to have someone to help with the luggage. When the trio arrived in Dunedin, they were, greeted by a large crowd of interested friends of "Jerry’s." At the hotel, people gathered round to say "Hello" to their favourite radio personality. That same afternoon and evening, and the evening following, Jerry, Dud and George took, part in the 4ZB Radio Revels Revue, which was an undeniable success. The next morning, Thursday, " Jerry" went to the Montecillo Red Cross: Home, and had a very enthusiastic reception. Then came a highlight of " Jerry’s" trip to Dunedin-his visit ‘to the home of the Johnson quadruplets. 4ZB went on the air from ‘there ‘to broadcast an entertaining programme when "Jerry"? and the quadruplets sang the popular hits of the day to listeners. The quadruplets were spellbound when they first. saw "Jerry"; they couldn’t say a word, but after a few moments they waxed most enthusiastic and excited.

" Jerry," of course, didn’t seem to be able to tell one from the other. It is not often that this little fellow gets confused. On leaving the quads’ home he was literally mobbed by children from the school opposite, who had just been released for lunch, and it was with difficulty that he made his way back to his car. In the afternoon he visited the hospital, and was greeted by every little patient with his usual " Hello, Hello." The kiddies. were obyiously delighted to meet him. ‘ Ominous Signs News of. his arrival in Christchurch was broadcast _ by: Station 4ZB, and. large crowds gathered at every train stop to speak to "Jerry." It was during this trip that "Jerry" began to suffer from a sore throat. They arrived in Christchurch the same night to be ‘met by ‘the largest crowd of the tour. The’ party had to fight its way to: the ‘car from, the train (in which a broadcast welcome to " Jerry" was extended). An open car. was placed at "Jerry’s" disposal for the stay in Christchurch. There were thousands of people, and a noticeable feature of the

tour was the cordial welcome extended to "Jerry" by adults as well as by children. Doctor’s Orders That night " Jerry " broadcast, what subsequently turned out to be his last network broadcast for some time. There was a very enthusiastic studio audience, and listeners will recall "Jerry’s" humorous description of his tour up to that date. Early next morning his throat. was so sore that it was decided to consult a specialist, who issued the following alarming statement:

"‘Jerry’ is suffering from acute inflams matory oedema of his vocal’ chords; this has been due to using his voice too much while suffering from acute catarrhal pharyngitis and laryngitis associated with influenza. He must not use his voice in any way for 48 hours." The specialist also said that if he did use his voice he might never be able to speak again. This was.a- shock for. all concerned, and the order could not be disobeyed.. "Jerry" was determined to keep faith with the public, however, and therefore he appeared (Continued on next page)

"JERRY" ON TOUR (Continued from previous page) without speaking at two matinees at the Majestic Theatre, at a special presentation which had been prepared in his honour. Most reluctantly Saturday night’s engagements, and the visits which " Jerry" was to make to the hospitals and orphanages were cancelled. Tour Abandoned At a late hour on Monday afternoon it was decided that in the interests of future sessions

the network broadcast at night would have to be cancelled, and a recorded programme took its place. "Jerry" and party travelled by ‘plane to Wellington, and made a brief appearance at the 2ZB Happiness Club Community Sing at the De Luxe Theatre on the Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. Here hundreds of people had gathered to see him, and were sympathetic because they had already been informed that he would not be able to talk. That afternoon it was. decided to abandon the tour. In an interview, George, on behalf of

"Jerry," expressed his profound regret at the unfortunate turn of events, and also.his. great pleasure at the kindly and sympathetic mantier in which the public had received the announcement. He also expressed the utmost pleasure of ‘the reception given him in Dunedin and Christchurch before his voice® gave out. Those who were travelling with the party can vouch for the amazing welcome given to "Jerry." It indicated just how much this little chap has won his way into the hearts of the ‘people. It. is announced, however, that at some ‘future date another tour will’ be arranged.