NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 63, 6 September 1940, Page 39

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

TATION 1ZB is featuring a new programme, a Melvin Studios Production, which consists of a series of impressionist sketches of famous mysteries which to this day have remained unsolved. The titles themselves tell the story, and listeners may look forward to the following among the programmes to be delivered by Kenneth Melvin. * Did General Sir Hector McDonald really commit suicide?" * Sir John Franklin’s Arctic Expedition," "The Mystery of Hannah LightfootQueen of England." "Is Ivan Kreuger still alive?" * Where is Cromwell’s body?" * Was it really King Charles who was beheaded?" This is an imposing list of titles, and the programme should prove of great interest. Of course, no attempt will be made to prove anything, the odd facts being simply permitted to provide their own atmosphere of mystery. It should also be entertaining, even if only it caters for the basic human instinct of inquiry. The Americans would probably have titled the series "Whodunit?" and let t go at that. " History’s Unsolved Mysteries" are heard from Station 1ZB every Wednesday evening at 7.45 Announcers’ Party Station 2ZB’s Announcers’ Party, which is to be broadcast on Sunday, September 8, is something the station has not attempted before. It will be a very informal presentation and by its very friendly jovial atmosphere should appeal greatly to listeners, "Party" records have been popularised by Stanelli, Carroll Gibbons, Jack Hylton and others, but 2ZB’s Announcers’ Party will have an advantage by reason of the fact that those who take part will be old friends of the listeners, : Listen for it at 6.30 next Sunday, " Transatlantic Murder Mystery" A great ocean liner en route to New York barely clears Portsmouth Heads before terror breaks loose aboard and makes the stormy crossing one long, hideous nightmare. There are thrills and chills for all listeners to the "Transatlantic Murder Mystery," which is heard from 2ZA every Thursday night at 7 o'clock, "The Dream Man" Speaks Every Monday and Thursday afternoon at 3.15 2ZB presents the "Dream Man," who gives the history and interpretation of dreams

from a psychological standpoint. Many letters have been received from interested listeners who have also asked the "Dream Man" to give them the ancient and modern interpretation of Christian names, the meanings attached to precious stones, flowers and other superstitions and omens-together with their Origins. Of course we all know that many dreams and nightmares are simply the result of being too indulgent in the matter of supper, but some dreams are considered to be what is termed " visionary." When next you dream, ask the "Dream Man" of 2ZB to analyse it for you. Ask-It Basket Session Professor. Speedee’s "* Ask-it Basket ™ ‘reg istered an immediate hit with 4ZB’s listeners. The Professor (Michael Hutt) is an easy-

going Schoolmaster, and is therefore most popular with his pupils who, however, have no chance of profiting undeservedly because their teacher has a kind heart-he is too sharp-witted for that. In recent weeks, extra interest has beén added to the Professor’s classes by his introduction of a "battle of the sexes." So far, the men of the class have proved superior to the women by one round, but, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain their advantage. After all, you know what Kipling said about the female of the species, and there is nothing to indicate that his famous assertion excluded general knowledge, Anyway "the able Professor Speedee and his hardly-able assistant Bumble," as they style themselves, seem to enjoy the fun as much as their pupils. And that, by all indications, is quite a lot.