CHRISTCHURCH LIBRARIAN IS RADIO PIONEER

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 89, 7 March 1941, Page 9

CHRISTCHURCH LIBRARIAN IS RADIO PIONEER

RNEST J. BELL, whose B book-talks have been given from 3YA at regular periods throughout the past few years, is one of the pioneers in radio work in the Dominion. Long before 3YA came into existence Mr. Bell delivered book-talks and occasionally conducted a story hour for the children, this work being carried out at station 3AC, situated in St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. He also broadcast occasionally from station 3AQ, owned and operated by J. I. Smail, which was at the premises of Robert Francis Ltd., High Street, Christchurch. In September, 1926, 3YA began operations in the building opposite the police station in Hereford Street, and Mr. Bell became a radio uncle (Uncle Jack) and -was assisted by Aunt Edna (Miss E. Pearce). Children’s sessions were broadcast twice weekly, and Uncle Jack’s songs, music and stories became very popular and thousands of appreciative letters were received from all parts of the Dominion. Aunt Edna, too, received much praise for her songs and stories. These two radio personalities continued to carry out the children’s ses-

sions when the new 3YA was established in Gloucester Street in 1927. It was here that Mr. Bell organised the programmes provided entirely by talented girls and

boys, many of whom are to-day famous in the musical world. For two years Mr. Bell continued to broadcast to the children and then found it necessary to resign. During the whole of this period he received more than 8,000 letters of appreciation from listeners. Many of the radio friendships made in those very early days have continued unbroken to the present day. Since 1929 Mr. Bell has broadcast various talks from station 3YA and has regularly provided the book-talks, except for brief intervals. Mr. Bell has occupied the position of Chief Librarian at the Canterbury Public Library, Christchurch, since 1913, having received his library training in public libraries in the London area. In 1933 he was awarded a Carnegie Corporation travelling grant for the purpose of visiting. the United States and Canada. In 1937 he was elected President of the New Zealand Library Association, having held the office of Hon. Secretary and also served as a councillor to the association for several years.