MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE AND PROGRAMME FEATURES

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 9, 8 September 1933, Page 22

MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE AND PROGRAMME FEATURES

NCLUDED in the programme at 4YA on September 12 is a talk by Mr. G. M. Cameron on the inimitable Anglo-American field-naturalist and author, William Henry Hudson, who was born on August 4, 1841, in Rio de la Plata State, Buenos Aires, now absorbed in Argentina. He was the son of Daniel Hudson, a native of Massachusetts, and the grandson of Daniel Hudson, of DExeter, England. The early part of Hudson’s life was spent on an estancia on the pampas of Argentina, but he left South America in 1869 and thenceforth resided in HEngland. & i * SOME of Hudson’s most delightful works are excursions into the natural history of South America, and his first to attract attention was on Uruguay, to which he gave the title "The Purple Land which England Lost." He was an arduous worker and subscribed to many magazines and institutes. His wife Emily, a musician and much older than Hudson, was a faithful companion, who shared his joy of the outside world. Life for them was a struggle, and Mrs. Hudson for years kept a boardinghouse to eke out an existence. cd a * "HE Hudsons frequently made long gipsy -journeys into the country, and during a somewhat nomadic life suffered great want on occasions, Improved nature did not appeal much to Hudson, and he recoiled from the wellattended flower garden, and pitied those who took pride in a table-top lawn, Like his compatriot Thoreau the unadorned was his cathedral. He recognised the pig as the most intelligent of dumb animals, the democrat who never cringed to mankind. In 1901 he was granted a Civil List pension, which he relinquished when his cireumstances improved. He died in 192i-his wife predeceasing him a few months. As in the case of many others of genius appreciation of his worth was posthumous. A bird sanctuary with decoration by Bpstein was erected to his memory in Hyde Park in 1925; and the conception of "Rima,"

half human, half elfin heroine of "Green Mansions," has aroused the bitter criticism by a large section. Hudson was more widely loved than he thought! * " NCLUDED in the programme at 1YA on September 14 is a biographical sketch of one of the most popular authors of this century-Arnold. Bennett. In all Bennett wrote about 80 books, but he would himself qualify that by saying that in writing 80 he

also wrote four. Unquestionably, ‘fhe Old Wives’ Tale," "The Card," or as known in America, "Denry the Audacious," "Clayhanger," and "Riceyman Steps" were works of great merit. From boyhood Bennett had an ambition to write, and he first broke into print in Staffordshire as a newspaper reporter in bis own home town. SOPHISTS may aver that even scientific discoveries happen upon an ungrateful world just when their advent is opportune and necessary to sustain the increasing complications of life. The assertion is very far from the truth. A generation ago macadam and mud were triumphant and ‘"‘blacking’’ kept them company. In a highly disciplined service like the British Navy, no punishment generated so much rebellion as "spit and polish," and no household was ever perfectly happy when that penance was demanded daily. HERE was never any romance in "placking," not even in the wranping. of it when'it was soft and pliable. and we know how it embittered Davi Copperfield. When it assumed concrete form the most pious had difficulty in seeing any virtue in it. What heartbreaking drudgery boot-polishing was in the not far distant past! "Nugget" has revolutionised the boot cleaning world, and it is doubtful if the younger ones appreciate the amenities it has eonferred, ‘The older ones: will declare science. does not always lead the.

van, and "Nugget" affords one.example of discovery being at least one generation late. All should, however, be grateful that we have the boon to-day, and listeners to 83YA ‘on September 12 will hear Mr. 8S. H, Thomas recount sométhing about the industry that has helped greatly to abolish resentment against convention. . "HE JEW IN MUSIC" is the title of a gramophone lecture-recital to be given by Mr. Karl Atkinson at 1YA on September 11. Apart from a Certain topicality in view of the wholesale dismissal of musicians in Germany of Jewish origin, the ranks of composers and artists have always included a very high percentage of Jews, who are a most artistic people. If the proportion of talented Jewish musicians are taken on the actual Jewish population in the various countries where they flourish they will be found to be the highest in the whole world. One reason for this is thoroughness with which they attack virtually every task and another cause may be ascribed to a natural aptitude for every artistic outlet. The subject is one that possesses great possibilities for recital purposes, and Mr, Atkinson is sure to be welcomed by his old Auckland listeners again, Ld " a ALTHOUGH the modern composer, Roger Quilter, is best known to us by his melodious settings to many Shakespearian songs, he has’ more than once made it clear that he is no less a master of his craft when dealing with the orchestra. As an instance of his orchestration ability probably his. "Childrens’ Overture" is one of the most masterly and deservedly popular. In spite of its name, this is a fullsized orchestral overture and in every way dignified and important music, although its themes are all gathered from favourite nursery rhymes. Throughout, the musicisin the brightest and most joyous of spirits; The same quality of fresh natural melody pervades this light-hearted overture that characterises his songs, and it may be truly said that Quilter has greatly enriched English composition. Listeners to 2YA on September 14 will hear Miss Hilda Chudley, one of our most finished and artistic contraltos, sing Quilter’s "June," with organ accompaniment,