Music, Dramatic and Children's Committees

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 7, 29 August 1930, Page 7

Music, Dramatic and Children's Committees

| Bodies in the Centres Meet ee ese

R. A. B. CHAPPELL, M.A. (representing the Dickens Fellowship Society), presided at the meeting of the 1YA Musical and Dramatic Committee on Friday, August 8, when there were also present: Mr. C. B. Plummer (Auckland Choral Society), Mr. L. 3B. Lambert (Bohemian Orchestra), Mr. J. ¥. Montague (Auckland Comedy Players), Mr. Karl Atkinson (Auckland Piano Students’ Association), Mr. F. M. Price (Aeolian Orchestra), Mr. B. Blair (W.H.A.), Mr. A. TLrenwith (Royal Auckland Choir), Mr. L. ©. Barnes (station director), and Mr. 0. M. Pritchard (programme organiser at 1Y¥A). It was announced that a new string ‘orchestra, under the direction of Mr. J. Whitford Waugh, would be commencing operations, in place of the «present Orchestral Octet, from Friday, August 22, The conditions of the proposed songwriting competition were submitted by the sub-committee set up to deal with this matter, and have been forwarded to the company’s head office for their approval. The first section of the competitions will be for a poem suitable for musical setting, for which a’ prize of two guineas will be offered. After the adjudication of this, there will be a competition for the best musical setting of the prize poem, for which a prize of three guineas will.be offered. Considerable discussion took place on the company’s subsidy to local musical, societies, and a satisfactory basis of allocation was agreed upon, subject to the approval of the societies concerned. If this subsidy is accepted by the societies, it will mean that the concerts of the Bohemian Orchestra, the Auckland Choral Society, the Royal Auckland Choir, and the Aeolian Orchestra will be broadcast. Various other suggestions were brought forward and discussed, one with respect to a Maori concert being performed at 1YA, and another to hold a three-act play competition. 2VA Musical and Dramatic Committee. ‘THE 2YA Musical and Dramatic Committtee held its monthly meeting on Monday, August 11. There were present Mr. H. Palliser (chairman), Mr. Harison Cook, Mr. W. P. McLachlan (Wellington Competitions Society), Mr.

R. Lyon (Savage Club), Mr. H. Dawson (Wellington Symphony Orchestra), Mr. J. M. MctIlroy (Orphans’ Club), Mr. W. A. Jamieson (Theatrical and Operatic Society), Mr. V. R. Bennett (Harmonic Society), Mr. I. M. Levy ("Radio Reeord’), Mr. J. Carr (Charley’s Aunt Club), Mr. J. Ball (editor-announcer), Mr. J. Davies (station director). Some discussion regarding Music Week and the criticism on the nature of the programmes submitted took place. It was contended that broadcasting did not in any way affect the success of the enterprise. The influences affecting Musie Week, which showed a small debit balance, were the very adverse weather conditions and the popular wish for more diversity in the programmes. a It was reported to the committee that 2YA would be relaying three of the evening concerts during the competitions. These concerts have been specially arranged, and the introduction of the competitive, element between the performers would be a novelty calculated to prove acceptable to radio listeners,

The suggestion was made that an invitation be extended to children and visitors participating in the competitions, and who desired to visit 2YA studios. 4VA Commitiee. T the monthly meeting of the 4YA Musical and Dramatic Committee there were present: Mr. H. P. Desmoulins (Choral Society), Mr. H. MeFarlane (Orchestral Society), Mr. Himburg (Philharmonic Society), Mr. Anderson (Returned Soldiers’ Association), Dr. Fisher (W.B.A.), Mr. J. But-

ler (Royal Male-Choir), Mr. G. Angus (Anderson’s Bay Glee Club), Mr. Max Scherek (Dunedin Society of Professional Musicians), Mr. J. Mackenzie (station director). The question of how the amount offered by the Broadcasting Company should be apportioned in subsidies to the various musical organisations was discussed at length, and a recommenda. tion, to be referred to the Broadcast: ing Company for endorsement, was come to. The chairman, Mr. Desmoulins, in the course of the debate remarked that as far as the Choral Society was concerned it had gained more than it had lost by broadcasting. Reference was made to the very sue cessful debate carried out on relay between the Universities of Otago and Canterbury, and a resolution was passed recommending that an endeavour be made to arrange for more. A number of very useful suggestions were advanced regarding talks and other attractions for 4YA were discussed,

IVA Children’s Session Committee. T a meeting of the 1YA Children’s Session Committee held on August 12, the Rey. L. B. Busfield (representing the Sunday School Union) presided over the following :-Mr. D. W. Faigan ("Uncle Dave"), Mrs. J. F. Montague (Girl Guides’ Association), Miss R. Palmer (children’s organiser), Mr. L. C. Barnes (station director). It was announced that the Rev. Albert B. Whiting had succeeded "Uncle Leo" (Rey. Lionel B. Fletcher, who has left on a visit to Wngland), and that he has taken the name of Uncle Bert. The question of talks on vocational guidance which were given last year was discussed, and efforts are to be made to arrange another series through the Education Department. Among the special programmes to be given is a "Girl Guides’ Camp Fire." 4VA Children’s Commiitee. THH 4YA Children’s Committee met on Thursday, August 7. There were present: Captain Chandler (Salvation Army, inthe chair), Miss Feichley (Girl Guides’ Association), Miss Sheila Neilson (Children’s "Aunt Sheila"), Rev. J. Cooper (Anglican Boys’ Home), Mr..A. H. Williamson (Headmasters’ Association), Pastor W. D. More (children‘s organiser) and Mr, J. Mackenzie (Station Director). Pastor More reported on the programmes of the previous month, referring to special events such as "Chinese Night." He reported that Captain Chandler had taken Uncle George’s place on Tuesday evenings as "Uncle Bert," and that "Uncle Wally" had taken the place of Uncle Allan (Mr. Allan Young, now of Oamaru). , On the subject of members of the committee attending the sessions, a practice decided upon at the last meeting of the committee, Captain Chandler gave his impressions. He remarked: "It was quite interesting and I must say the whole hour was a thing one would not forget for a long while. I think if each of the members of the committee would make a point of visiting the studio at least one night they would benefit by it and would enjoy the experience. We are a committee to offer constructive. criticism toward the success of the session, and that is

by far the best way one can learn to make suggestions. as Others spoke in a similar strain, Visitors for the ensting month were |. arranged as follow:-Rev. J. Cooper, Miss Feichley of the Girl Guides, Bros. ther O’Sullivan, and Miss Hare, of the. Y W.C.A.