Nature Question-Time

New Zealand Listener, Volume 24, Issue 621, 25 May 1951, Page 19

Nature Question--Time

ANY’S the specimen-in-a-matchbox that Kauri, "the big old tree," and Weka, "the inquisitive bird," have identified for young Wellington listeners since Nature Question-time was heard for the first time on May 3 last year. Occupying the second half of the Children’s Session at 2YA (or 2YC when Parliament is sitting) on alternate Wednesday evenings, this fifteen-minute programme is arranged by the New Zealand Forest and Bird Protection Society, with the co-operation of the NZBS. The fortnightly broadcast takes the shape of a forum with two permanent members, and one or two visiting scientists each time. Kauri, knewn to grownups as A. P. Harper, veteran mountaineer and president of. the Society, chairs the session. Weka, who is R. H. Carter, the Society’s secretary, reads out the questions sent in. by children, which the visitors answer.

A considerable and increasing "fan mail" leaves no doubt about the popularity of the programme at home and abroad. Weka is never stumped for questions. Station 2YA’s Children’s Session sis re-broadcast on shortwave, and inquiries about New Zealand wild life, and the habits of bird and insect have come from as far away as the Chathams and Samoa. Questions, some of which come from adults, all show a widespread interest in nature and a high standard of observation. Listeners to these broadcasts have heard some of New Zealand’s foremost scientists as guest members of the forum. Botanists, zoologists, geologists, agricultural scientists; an astronomer and a "weather man" have given their time on various occasions throughout the year to the programmes, which owe much of their jnitial success ‘to the help and ‘encouragement of the late Mrs. Evans, "Aunt Molly" of 2YA.