Mr. Tennent and Farmer Brown

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 28, 23 January 1931, Page 6

Mr. Tennent and Farmer Brown

Popular Lecture Series eee

"THE January issue of the "New Zealand Farmer" has the appended reference to the broadcast dialogues by Mr. R. B. Tennent, Fields Superintendent, Department of Agriculture, Dunedin, and Mr. L. W. McCaskill, B.Agr. These talks on farming are, as the "New Zealand Farmer" says, novel, interesting, and profitable. They take place in 4YA Studio, and are relaye to 8YA.. Farmers and townspeopl} throughout New Zealand listen, for the two broadcasters have the knack of being able to grip and hold the attention of all who are tuned in to either station at the moment. Nothing more natural than these dialogues on farming can be imagined, and their effect is increased by the "setting" which is given by the introduction of noises typical of life down on the farm. The dialogues are of the series of weekly talks for-farmers arranged for by the 4YA Primary Productions Committee, of which Mr. Tennent is chairman. The next dialogue will be given on Wednesday, February 11, when pros and cons of Farmer Brown selling his farm will be discussed. The extract from the "New Zealand Farmer" referred to is as follows:"The use of the radio by the Depart- . ment of Agriculture in the diffusion, of knowledge and hints with respect to seasonal farming operation and problems is proving most successful in Dunedin, and farmers all over the province, and in Southland. as well, express the keenest appreciation of a service that is novel, interesting, and profitable. Mr. R. B. Tennent, of the Fields Division, has arranged to go on the air periodically, and in conversation with Mr. L. W. McCaskill, B.Agr., discuss matters of special interest at the time of the broadeast. Mr. Tennent takes the part of guide, philosopher, and friend, while Mr. McCaskill. assumes the diverting ‘role of Farmer Brown, who has all manner of questions and problems to put to his mentor. The whole discussion is carried out in the most casual conversational style, but the points raised are none the less forcefully made. Farmers in all parts of the province eagerly await the week; ly sessions of Farmer Brown and Mr, Tennent, and, moving around the coun. try, one hears all sorts of discussion" on the questions dealt with on the air. These broadcast talks may be regarded as among the most effective of the department’s efforts at the present. and, it may be conjectured, will accomplish a good deal more than stereotyped lectures and papers read on stock subjects. Farmers in Otago and Southland have reason to congratulate themselves on having the advantage of so wide-awake and progressive a State service 1s the local branch of the ‘Department of Agriculture operating in the district for their benefit." "4