Australian Heard The Last "Sing"

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 19, 16 November 1934, Page 22

Australian Heard The Last "Sing"

Allan Brown, in Hospital, Hears From Australian Who Listened In To Christchurch’s Last Community Sing — Governor Has Good. Broadcasting Voice-Radio Enthusiast Dies,

HB popular Christchurch community singing leader, Mr.. Alan Brown, entered Lewisham Hospital two days after the last sing in Christchurch, for un operation. Although troubled with «i bad leg during the term of the sings, he put off entering hospital, but listeu*rs will be glad to hear that the operation was quite successful, and he is now eonvalescing at his home. While he was in hospital, Mr. Brown received 2 ‘etter from a resident at Central Lansdowne, Manning River, New South Wales, saying how much they had erjoyed the community sing from Christehurch on Monday evening, October 29. The writer listened-in until the statioa elosed down at 9 p.m. Australian. time, everything coming through with the utmost clearness. In the course of his Jetter the writer said that he. had enjoyed the sing better than any he had heard from. Australian stations. (SHRISTCHURCH was honoured last week by speeches from both Lord and Lady Bledisloe. The GovernorGeneral’s voice is suited to the micro-° phone, and his speech from the luncheon at the Canterbury A. and P. Show at noon on Friday last, was very clear. Lady Bledisloe’s speech from the Winter Garden at the farewell arranged by the National Council of Women, was unfortunately not broadcast. Al- ° though her. Wxeellency’s consent was given, 3YA received too short notice, as the Winter Garden is one of the few olaces of entertainment in Christchurch not permanently connected with -the studio. As the different organisations were advised that Lady Bledisloe’s speech was to be broadcast, a deseription of the afternoon is given in to-day’s "Radio Record." HRISTCHURCH radio circles lost a valued and enthusiastic member in he leath at the early age of 27 of

Mr. Ronald K. Venables. Mr. Venables Was a foundation member of the Radiv Society of Christchurch, and was als# a member of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters, becoming a member on the executive »f tha: association in 1932. Mr. Venables was a pillar of strength in the radio in. stitutions in which he-was interested, and obtained his transmitting licens: seven years ago. He had a fine record of radio.communication with ama teurs in most countries of the world. "THE Christchurch Harmony Four is made up of two tenor and tw» bass voices, belonging to Messrs. J. Shaw, H. J. Francis, P. A. Caithness, and J. L,. Tennent, four well-known Christchurch singers. It was af the request of the broadcasting authorities that these four were merged into a quartette for. radio work, and sinee its formation two years ago, the Christ church Harmony Four has made many microphone appearances, delighting listeners throughout..New Zealand wit’ songs from a large repertoire HIS talented auartette was chosen to assist at Senia Chostiakoff's recent concert in Christchurch, the famous Russian declaring it to be the fin est combination in Australia and New Zealand, and newspaper-comment de. claring it equal to the best recorded. guartettes.. Hach member is a soloist of high merit, and has made many appearances with well-known musical societies in Christchurch. Mr. J. Shaw. second tenor and leader, before coming to New Zealand some six years, ago; did broadcasting work for the, B.B.C.’s Manchester studio in numer ous operas, and was conductor ct the Nelson Conservative Male Choir when they won an Albert Hall Festiva},

Me. H. J. FRANCIS, who has taken many solo parts for the Christchuren Musical Society, is the first-tenor of the quartette. Mr. Francis is a prize and scholarship winner at the Shrist-

church competitions, and--has a ver7 fine tenor voice. Mr, P, A, Caithness, whose powerful bass voice is a pillar of strength in the Christchureh Leidertaffel, is also a competition gola medallist. Mr. J. I. Tennent is second bass and well known to listenere and audiences in New Zealand. We has taken many solo parts for different societies, and his singing in "The Messiah," which was _ broadcast by 8YA last Christmas, was of exceptional merit, and warranted the special mention received, : ‘ .