Uncle Ernest Farewelled by Radio Family

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 22, 14 December 1928, Page 7

Uncle Ernest Farewelled by Radio

Family

ing was the farewell tendered to Uncle Ernest by 2YA and its wide circle / of radio friends on the oo evening of Friday, December 7. There gathered in the studio some 50 or 60 friends and associates who had admired the work of Uncle Ernest and appreciated his enthusiasm, affection and quality. The studio was decorated with flowers for the occasion. recalling the many happy evenings enjoyed under Uncle Ernest’s kindly regime. ; The organisation of the farewell had been carefully arranged by Aunt Gwen, and it is a tribute to her that the proceedings went off so smoothly. From the very nature of the occasion and the desire of those intimately associated with Uncle Ernest to express their feelings on his departure, speeches necessarily played a large part. Neverthe less the ordinary routine of birthday greetings and musical items and, finally, even the regular story from Uncle Ernest, was adhered to.

{[t is certain that an unusually large radio family listened-in to the "farewell," so that an extensive report of its nature is unnecessary. It is fitting, however, that record should be made of the occasion. The outstanding feature was the presentation by Cousin George of the massive autograph book of members of the radio circle. This was a handsome volume, bound in green leather, of some 15in. by llin., and 3in. in thickness. This volume contained over 200 pages, on which were recorded the names of thousands of listeners, young and old. Many letters of marked appreciation were received with these autographs, and a selection of these was read by Cousin George in his speech. Inscribed in the book was the following address from the children of Radio . Land :- *" Dear Uncle Ernest,-We, the children of Radio Land, New Zealand, are asking you to accept this book, which contains all our names and addresses, so that when you are far away from us you may not forget us. We shall not forget you, nor all the beautiful stories you have told us through the microphone from Station ZYA, Wellinston. Often on Friday and Sunday evenings we shall be thinking of you and wishing that we could hear your kind voice speaking to us; and we shall be wondering if, far away on the other side of the world, you are speaking to other girls and boys, giving them lovely thoughts and help such as you have given to us. « We hope that wherever you go you will be happy, and that you will always have: the fairies near you to work with you for the boys and girls around you. . : And so we say "Good-bye, dear Unele Ernest, and God bless you," Your loving and grateful N.Z. NEPHEWS AND NIECKS. In addition to Cousin George, Uncle Toby spoke, and ‘sveetings were received from Uncle Jeff ind Big Brother Jack, who were both unable to be present. On behalf of the children of the radio family, little Miss Ailsa Wood-

ward also spoke a message of farewell. Address from the Company. R. ANNOUNCER also _ presented Unele Ernest with an illuminated address from the directorate of the New Zealand Radio Broadcasting Company. This presentation took Uncle Ernest completely by surprise. Its text was as follows :- a Ae the Rev. Ernest R. Weeks,z "On the eve of your relinquishing your position as Uncle Ernest of 2YA, Wellington, prior to departing on a trip to the Old Land, we wish to express to you our feelings, feelings which are a mixture of great appreciation and deep regret--appreciation for what you have done for broadcasting in New Zealand and deep regret that your departure from these shores means the ce..sation of your splendi* work. In

that expression of regret we are sure we are joined by the vast Radio Family _to whom you as the senior broadcasting Radio Uncle in New Zealand, have been accustomed to speak. That many thousands of young New Zealanders whom you have never seen have grown to love you as you love them, we have on our files an overwhelming wealth of testimony. That you also | uve received abundant evidence of their love and appreciation we know. "You are going to a far countryto the land which by right of our common heritage we call Home. "But though the voice of Uncle Hrivst must for New Zealand children cease to exist as a material reality, neither time nor distance nor any other thing shall rob it of its ‘:fiuence and rower in the grateful hearts. of the generation it has served so well. What self-sacrifice that service has involved we ‘lise perhaps better than do those who have profited by your labour of Be, We kne -» .ething of what it has meant in Il* ¢ hours of studious thought and patient preparation, in willing forfeiture of personal conyenience, in the cheerful renunciation of well-earned leisure-in the practical ..zmonstration in the fullest measure of service before self. This is the service gladly rendered by all men and women who during the Children’s Hour help to people the air with the gos-samer-winged fairies of loving thoughts, kindly wishes and words of wisdom, the while with the merry quip an wholesome story they hold entranced their great unseen, unnumbered audience. In a very real sense you have pioneered this splendid work in Wellington. From the microphone at 2YA you have broadcast through all New Zealand and the isles beyond an example and an inspiration. To an extent which we find it difficult to express in words you have helped us to m- radio broadcasting a service of inestimable value to the fathers and mothers and boys and girls of New Zealand. You have done something worth while for the well-being of thie young nation.

"We thank you sincerely. "For and on behalf of the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand, Limited. "WM. GOODFELLOW, Chairman of Directors. "A. R. HARRIS, General Manager. "ARNAUD McKELLAR, Directoor. A Song of Farewell. VERY touching was the song of farewell sung by a little group of nieces and a group of uncles, aunts and others. The words were specially composed and were :- Tho’ we seem to sing with gladness; Our young hearts are tinged with sadNCSS. We're losing one who loves and is beloved, Tis, indeed, a night of sorrow, Bui there'll come a bright to-morrow, For our friend who loves us all as he is loved.

In days to come when far away, . Far, far from dear old 2VA, In memory sweet youll lwe for ev near, As you loved us so; you we lowe. And loving both as ‘God above, Tho’ oceans sunder still youll be ev dear. Chorus : Oh, good-bye Unele Ernest, good by cheerio, Vou’ we been to us a friend of friends; You've filled our lives with joy | Now we know that you are. going Every radio girl and boy Sings good-bye Uncle Ernest, gaod-by and cheerio. Unele Ernest’s Farewell. . URING the prceedings a bouque was presented to Mrs. Weeks "Auntie Ernest," or, as Uncle Ernes himself revealed, "Aunt Mary" of for mer times. Speaking under definite emoti Uncle Ernest finally in a few word that will be long remembered by all who heard them, expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation of all the tokens. of love and esteem that had been showered upon him.