From Public Bar To Astronomer

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 14, 13 October 1933, Page 20

From Public Bar To Astronomer

Johann Kepler’s Lowly Beginnings -Excellent Choral Singing — The Invention of Steam for Ships Was Originally Turned Down by the British Admiralty.

R. L. F. DE BERRY, M.A., has a pleasant and pleasing radio voice, and one. would think that he had taken great pains to make it so. Clear and well modulated, keeping up a nice even tempo, his words are enunciated and pronounced distinctly, His manner added greatly to the enjoyment of an interesting lecture on "Personalities and Turning Points in History." Let us hope other lecturers listened-in and gained a few necessary points on the art of radio speaking. Mr. de Berry chose three great names in the scientific world-Kepler, Gallileo and Newton. He drew attention to the fact that when the magnetic compass was invented those mariners who used it were accused of practising black magic. Sailors even refused to accompany the captains on the ships. Johann Kepler, who had a bad beginning, being brought up in a fifth-rate public bar, became one of the greatest astronomers and mathematicians the world has seen. He was trained for the church. While he was a professor he had many ups and downs because he upset a lot of Aristotle’s discoveries. * * a (5ALLILEO’S father wanted his son to _ be a cloth merchant, His mind was bent on mathematics and mechanics. He discovered that the widest swing of the sacristant took as long as the shortest swing. To prove that a 100Ib weight did not fall any quicker than a ilb weight, he climbed to the top of the falling tower of Piza with the weights, and when they both landed on "terra firma" together his critics were dumbfounded, The church warned him not to preach his discoveries. He continued and got into trouble with his church. He discovered that the earth moved round the sun. When asked to recant, which he did, he said under his breath: "It moves round all the same." * = 2 NEWTON has been described as the greatest genius who ever existed. He was the man who discovered universal gravitation, the greatest scientific discovery. s * * Me. M, T. DIXON, the 8YA accompanist, took on a new role for the Station, that of solo pianist. He gave three descriptive numbers, and showed by his excellent touch, his refined technique and his delicate artistry that he is as good a soloist as he is an accompanist. It is not very often that one meets an artist who is so versatile. Because of the relay of boxing competitions, we missed one item from Mr. Dixon. Let us hope that Alan Young will put M.T.D. on again, s R. BRADSHAW’S Male Voice Choir still keeps up its high-class reputation as a purveyor ~ of glees, choruses and part songs. The relay from the Civic Theatre made an even-

ing pass quickly, so enjoyable was the singing. There was presented every form of choral expression that has made this body one of the foremost male choirs in the Dominion. The balance was excellent, and did not blur the microphone, while the attack and light and shade work were equal to anything yet done by the choristers.

And then there were the Cathedral boys, whose numbers always prove s0 popular, Their sweet soprano voices added to the success of the concert. Miss Cecily Audibert, always a popular soloist, sang in her usual refined manner, Of the programme items that stood out for excellent treatment were "Bobby Shaftoe," "Sailors’ Chorus," "The Silver Swan," and "Come Let Us Join the Roundelay." 2 * s R. E. WILTSHIRD gave another of his fantasy talks from 8YA on "The Mastery of the Sea," and thereby let loose a lot of interesting data regarding the invention of steam engines. The life of William Symington, who invented steam propulsion,

was certainly interesting. How he worked at his invention, and when it became an accomplished fact and was turned down, after he had given proof of his success, by the Admiralty, showed how slow and conservative our lead-. ing politicians were in those days. He built a steamer, linking the piston to a rod directly on te the paddle wheel. Even after this people thought he was fit for an asylum. Fulton and Bell were two others who went ahead with the fruits of Symington’s brains, and received rich rewards. (THE fact that the Government are going to stop sponsored programmes in connection with B stations during the early part of next year has been received with disfavour in the South Island. Dunedin has a big listeners’ league, and in Christchurch 3ZM has a large club membership, It is more than likely that some action will be taken to keep the stations from going out of existence. There can be no question about the popularity of the B stations; because of the general lightness of programmes they appeal to many listeners, and it will be necessary for the Government to see that the wants of this section are catered for. It was the B stations which commenced giving the early morning sessions, and which to a certain extent the YA stations are now doing. 2 * 2 A SPLENDID evening is scheduled at 3YA on Sunday, October 22. when Schubert’s "Trout Quintette" will be given by members of the 3YA orchestra. The work will take about thirty-five minutes, and it is pleasing to note that the continuity of it will not be broken. Professor Shelley will talk on Robert Browning’s dramatic lyrics, and, as chief vocal soloist, Mrs. W. Scott will feature "O Divine Redeemer," a song that should suit her admirably,