HEROES AND PIONEERS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 921, 5 April 1957, Page 7

HEROES AND PIONEERS

"LET us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say: "This was their finest hour.’ " These famous words of Sir Winston Churchill supplied the title of a new programme which starts on Friday, April 12, at 7.30 p.m., from the ZBs, 4ZA, 2XP, 2XA, 2XN, 3XC; and at 8.0 p.m. from 2ZA and 1XH. Their Finest Hour is, however, not about wartime Britain, but about those men of the British Empire and Commonwealth, who faced the challenge of adversity and overcame it in a historic moment. Each added something enduring to the British heritage, and each has left ‘an example of courage and ability in a particular sphere. Scott of the Antarctic and Clive of India will not be forgotten while heroic example can inspire men. Scott’s gallant dash to the South Pole and the tragedy of the return journey enshrine a_ tradition of courage and endurance in the face of certain death. Robert Clive, in his taking and holding of Arcot with less than 500 men against over 10,000, established British ascendancy in India at a time when France was the great imperial rival. Other men dramatised in the first few programmes earned renown less _ for daring adventures than for dogged persistence in the pursuit of a vision. The Rev. John Flynn, head of the first inland Mission in Australia, began his work when the outback farms were isolated beyond reach of medical aid, and death was a commonplace. He dreamt of flying doctors called by wireless, and worked unceasingly for the realisation of his dream. Sir Christopher Wren had a different dream-of a London clean and beautiful and nobly

planned which should rise from the ashes of the Great Fire. His plans were largely ignored, but the many buildings and churches he did design are fitting companions to his masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral. Reginald Joseph Mitchel designed aircraft, — and; he became famous — for the designs of the | streamlined seaplanes | which finally won the — Schneider Trophy outright for Great Britain. — The German challenge — in the air inspired his |

nMai aesign for the »opitfire, but it cost him his life. John Logie Baird, the subject of another programme, spent his life in perfecting a system of television, only to have the BBC choose a rival system for its service in 1936. Refusing to be dis- * couraged, he immediately turned his attention to colour television. Many other meh who made history are to be featured in this series, which has, in a smail way, made a little history itself as the first Commercial Division programme series to be made in Australia to New Zealand specifications. Audition tapes were supplied for criticism and the alteration of parts to meet special requirements of the NZBS Commercial Division, who will use the series before it is heard in Australia. Several writers have worked on: this big assignment, which combines drama with history. One writer, Peter Yeldon, now lives in London, where he has been able to do most’of his research. There are other writers in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide who are pleased to be engaged on this important new series. SET TL