Comment On A Commentator

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 69, 18 October 1940, Page 16

Comment On A Commentator

WHANG" McKENZIE OF DUNEDIN

HEN a radio personality has a nickname forced on him by his listeners, then he is a radio personality. Such a one is "Whang" or Robert McKenzie, sports commentator for 4YA. As the leading commentator on outdoor events in Otago, he is known throughout the Dominion for his work in sporting review talks, commentaries on sporting events, and as leader of the South Dunedin community sing. Mr. McKenzie is a Dunedin man, and was born in South Dunedin, a hotbed of footbali enthusiasm. He became contaminated, and for a few years was a prominent player for Alhambra. He played on the wing, and was a speedy full-back. ‘His football career ended early, however, when he received an injury to his shoulder. But he didn’t desert the football field. He soon earned a reputation as a fair referee, and not so many referees, in the public eye, earn that adjective. He refereed several representative fixtures in the South Island, and he controlled the game, South Africa v. Southland, at Invercargill, during the Springboks’ tour of 1921. He established a New Zealand record by acting as secretary to the Referees’ Association for 20 years. Nervous at First The first time he was called upon to broadcast a senior Rugby fixture for 4YA, nine years ago, he was not at all sure of himself before the "mike." His keen interest in the game, however, soon disposed of his nervousness, and almost before he knew it he was rattling off the action in that inimitable way of his which seems to take in every possible movement. His thorough knowledge of the game enables him to deliver a commentary as an authority, and his unfailing accuracy in naming players, no matter where they may be at the moment, remains a constant source of wonder to many people. Unless a race meeting has been staged, "Whang" has for nine years broadcast every Saturday there has been foctball played, frequently covering two matches in the one afternoon. His Nickname It was through his football broadcasts that the nickname "Whang" came into being. It seemed to him a most expressive word to indicate the contact of boot with ball, so whenever a place kick was about to be made he ejaculated "Whang" -as the kicker made contact. The word caught on, became a catchword. Became more, in fact; it became Mr. McKenzie’s second and more familiar name. He says himself: "I am so frequently called ‘Whang, sometimes I forget my real name." Thought He Was Chinese! When four years ago the South Dunedin Businessmen’s Association decided to run during the winter a weekly community sing in the Mayfair Theatre, on behalf of orphanages in the southern end of the city, or in the interests of

other deserving causes in the same locality, they asked Mr. McKenzie to be the leader. "Whang" decided to cash in on the popularity of the expression he had originated, and instead of cheerios sent out calls known as "whangs." In publicity matter for the sings he is invariably called "Whang" McKenzie. The frequent use of his name in this way over 4YA has led innumerable people to believe the sing has been conducted by a Chinaman! More than once donations were sent in for "The Chinaman’s Sing" in South Dunedin. Mr. McKenzie made a success as leader of the sing just as he made a success of all his broadcasting. His breezy personality is admirably suited to the work. Largely due to his unrelenting efforts the South Dunedin sing has raised considerable sums of money for charitable and patriotic purposes. His services are in great demand, He has visited many outside centres. On the last Thursday in August of this year, he went to Wyndham, a small town in Southland, to hold a sing to raise money for the Southland aeroplane fund. He hoped he might get £75 or £100. Instead the sing realised the staggering total of £775, a record for any similar Southland appeal, a record for "Whang," and a fine piece of work for Wyndham. After football and community singing his most frequent appearances before the microphone are at race meetings. Before meeti@gs in Otago he gives the "possibles," and he broadcasts all Forbury Park and Wingatui trots or gallops. In addition to Rugby and racing he has broadcast commentaries on Soccer matches, hockey, athletics, cycling,

cricket, hockey, bowls, and on one occasion did a quickstep contest. "The greatest thrill of my life, however," he says, "was being in front of the microphones and loud speakers at Wingatui on Children’s Day during the Dunedin Centennial celebrations in February. That was an experience I shall never forget.’ Everyone who saw the thousands of children having the day of their lives will know how he felt. "Whang" has a brother who was once prominent in New Zealand affairs. He is C. J. McKenzie, who was engineer-in-chief for the Public Works from 193236.