Artistic Treats For Otago's Sets

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 36, 15 March 1935, Page 21

Artistic Treats For Otago's Sets

Wealth of Visiting Performers — Dunedin’s Taxis Well Provided With Music — Comic Opera Popular — Unusual Interest in Breach of Promise Case.

Station 4YA is enjoying visits from artists from other parts this week. Mv. Liouello Cecil, who recently compieted a contract with the Australian LDroadcasting Commission, and who is uoiw under engagement to the New Zealand Broadcasting Board, is billed to appear two or three times during the present ‘week, and Mr. Harry Thurston, whose character sketches at northern stations have been followed with interest by several Dunedin listeners, also comes before the local microphone. Another visitor to be heard at the end of the week is Mr. Vincent Aspey, a violinist from Auckland. As in the case of all other performers who have toured the main stations, more than ordinary interest is being taken in the appearances of the three mentioned, as well as those already advertised to follow. Wireless receivers on taxis in Dunedin are becoming increasingly popular. Not so very long ago an odd ear or two installed a set as an experiment, but on certain cars for hire in the city now radio is the recognised thing. Probably the first taxi with its own radio in chis city was one owned by a driver on the Water Street rank some eight or nine years ago. This man experimented with sets a good deal,.and while driving in the town was able to hear music from local stations, but he was not ‘successful in receiving programmes in any of the suburbs. However, be «vas more or less pioneering, and was quite pleased with results. Since the introduction of the new programme schedule, station 4YA has been having regular programme features. On a recent night the Gilbert and Sullivan curtain-raiser, "Trial by Jury," was a welcome item, as one is not often given the opportunity of hearing this exceedingly clever burlesque court trial. Classical; instrumental solo and concerted items are now having their regular place in co-ordinated programmes, and the arrangement is seemingly meeting with general approval. For instance, the "water programme," Which introduced such items as "By the Waters of Minnetonka," "Singing in the "Rain," "Old Father Thames." and snything else about water, was one of the smartest features heard for some time. A series of humorous sketches pertaining to broadcasting was well connected and most enjoyable, while those with a leaning to something of a higher order found much to their liking in the symphonic programme recently presented. Arrangements are already being made by the main station to provide the usual appropriate broadcasts on Anzae Day, which falls next month. It is anticipated that special services will again play a big part in the programmes. while the recorded master will no doubt be completely suitable to the oceasion,

The list of regular talks on ‘‘Worid Affairs,’ included in the 4YA_ pyrogrammes for the first time this year,. is of particular interest to those who are always ready to go deeper into important events and happenings in other countries. Myr. J. T. Paul has been commissioned to attend to these talks, and he has the knack of giving his information in a complete yet concise statement. » Next week.Otago listeners will again have the opportunity of listening to Mr. Denis Dowling, who is appearing’ at the four main stations in turn before leaving for England to further his musical studies. Dunedin practically claims Mr. Dowling as its own, as this is the nearest city to the vocalist’s home town in the country districts. The last "Verdict" broadcast heard from the local station proved to be one

of the most interesting and entertaining of the series so far performed this year, and was closely followed by a large radio audience. The amount of comment heard in the town the next day was sufficient proof that the breach of promise case was listened to by a larger number than usual. These same listeners will, no doubt, be waiting for the next to learn if their verdict is the right one or not.