GIVE US THE BEST

New Zealand Listener, Volume 9, Issue 218, 27 August 1943, Page 3

GIVE US THE BEST

Sir-It is clear from the letters appearing in your paper that a considerable section of radio listeners are seriously dissatisfied with the programmes presented to them. Why not the best in every class of entertainment? There is plenty of it. We want more light orchestras, military bands, Gilbert and Sullivan, good dance music and humour of the delightful "Knitting," "’Ole in the Road," and "Maud" type of thing. One recent correspondent was emphatic: "If programmes put over by some stations neglect public opinion, then God help us." I fully agree with him, ‘but believe that thére are thousands of people in New Zealand who share his disgust, and are hungry for what E, G. Wade describes as "the glorious, inspired music of the old masters." Possibly these people are in a minority, but E. de Lacey opportunely reminds us that "even a minority has a right to consideration." It is sad that the good music we have is often wasted because of some factor in its presentation: for instance, the midafternoon classical hour which so few people are free to hear, and the ruination of the Sunday night opera by the interpolation of a confidential voice describing the plot! G.C. says that he is "too irritated by the commentary ever to be able to hear one right through," and he would like to hear other listeners’ views. I can say that we have quite given up the unequal contest, although really enthusiastic lovers of opera music. It has been left to "Cornstalk" to make an excellent suggestion. "Surely there are enough music lovers in New Zealand to organise a campaign for better music and less rubbish from the main stations." Indeed there are, Cannot we take up this constructive sugges- |

tion and do something with it?-

N. M.

HUNTER-BROWN

(Nelson).