Thomas A. Edison to Speak to New Zealand Listeners

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 27, 20 January 1928, Page 4

Thomas A. Edison to Speak to New Zealand Listeners

SPECIAL GRAMOPHONE RECORD COMING TO 2YA

Mr. Thomas A, Edison, the world’s greatest inventor and the real father of modern wireless through his incan--descent Jamp, will be 81 years old on Saturday, February 11, and he will have a special message to deliver to New Zealand people by radio on that date. It came about in this way: Mr, A. R. Harris, General Manager of the Broadcasting Company, was for several years in Mr. Edison’s laboratory, and the great American took a special interest in the young New Zealander, who has since kept in touch with his old chief. Recently when he wrote to Mr. Edison he suggested that a personal message to the New Zealand public by means of a gramophone record would be appreciated. In a typical Edison way the reply has been cabled back "Message shipped." This message will be the great feature of an "Edison Feature Evening," which is now being organised. In an especial sense the means by which Mr. Edison will personally address New Zealanders represent the adaptation of science to modern life. First Mr. Edison’s voice dictates his message to the gramophone record. This is then rushed across the world to us by fast trains and fast oil-burning steamers, and here in New Zealand the record will be put ‘fon the air" by the greatest wonder of all and carry the master magician’s voice direct to our listening multitudes. Some additional interesting features will be incorporated in the evening, which will be quite an outstanding one.