CHILDREN'S SESSIONS AT 37B

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 64, 13 September 1940, Page 40

CHILDREN'S SESSIONS AT 37B

o’clock, and we bring you the Children’s Session," is an announcement that is looked forward to by thousands of kiddies and grownups too, because it means the time which Longfellow so aptly described: * Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day’s occupations, That is known as the Children’s Hour." 3ZB, the time ‘is

To the young listeners of to-day, the Children’s Houf is the time of enchantment, when. the magic of radio can whisk them -away into fairyland, or the land of adven-ture-the time when young folk can meet at the "mike" and exchange sheir views with other youngsters on subjects that appeal to them. When the curtain goes up on the Children’s Session at 3ZB each Monday, the babble of young voices tells a tale of studio activity. It’s "Garden Circle" night when all the members forgather in the main studio to discuss their gardening problems and seek assistance from Mr. Garden Man, who knows all the answers. Even Miss Six-Year-Old is there with her little questions-all very im-’ portant too. Problems and Questions When the "Garden Circle" finish their business, the very young folk must have their musical interlude, and then of course problems are discussed by members of the " Young Folks’ Forum," which has proved very popular since its inception. Uncle Tom and his Choir then take the air with happy goodnight greetings. Tuesday evening’s session gives young folk an opportunity of gaining the information they seek, because that is the night when Gracie and Jacko, by means of their ‘t Magic Bell," are transported to’ the Enchanted Forest to meet Wise Owl, who as his name implies, is the wisest of all. the forest birds, and can answer any questions asked of him. At 5.15 the Junior Players take the stage to recall those favourites of the nurseryGrimm’s fairy tales, Five thirty is the signal for the entry of members of the *" Musical Army" who show how they have progressed on harmonica, steel guitar, mandolin, piano-

accordion and any of the other instruments which these hundreds of young folk have found pleasure in learning. Chance for Young Talent Wednesday has its section reserved for those youngsters who would like to sing or play over the air, and many talented young folks present themselves for audition. Again the Junior Players make their appearance, as chapter after chapter of the "Sandman" is unfolded for the entertainment of listeners. Uncle Tom’s lullaby is a fitting conclusion to all Children’s Sessions. And so we come to 5 p.m. Thursday, and perhaps a trip with Gracie and Jacko on the "Magic Carpet" with the genie as guide. What fun these journey are, as the Magic Carpet flies through the air to lands far away, where the travellers meet strange people and strange adventures. It seems almost a shame to come back to the studio, but there are sure to be some young stars of the future awaiting to be heard; and then, too, pupils of the Group Teaching Association must ree port progress. Busy on Fridays Friday is a very busy night at 3ZB, when Wise Owl answers more questions and. then taxes his brain to find a correct solution to all the riddles that are pressed upon him. As soon as Wise Owl flies away, the young folk must have their bedtime musical story, so that they may be content to allow big brother and sister to listen to the " Children’s Radio Newsreel" with its abundance of ine teresting news items. Saturday is kiddies’ night-school -work forgotten, the children flock to the studio to see the Talent Circle perform. Children from six to fifteen make their appearance from time to time in song, music and dance, and provide a most interesting first act for the Children’s Session. Then it’s time for another chapter of the "Sandman," and before they say "good-night" a regiment of the Musical Army, as many as 100 in nume ber, provides an entertaining and attractive programme. Five-forty-five on Saturday-and it’s signs ing-off time for another week of Children’s Sessions.