Paul Cullen Sends Greetings to N.Z. from Australia

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 40, 12 April 1935, Page 57

Paul Cullen Sends Greetings to N.Z. from Australia

_ Playing at Present on N.S.W. Circuit EW ZEALAND’S singing organist, Paul Cullen, who has provided entertainment in the main centres in this Dominion .until recently, is now fulfilling theatre engagements in Australia.- In this chatty letter he tells of his impressions in the Commonwealth, where his reception has been enthusiagtie,

J REALLY do love Australia. The ‘people are wonderfully hospitable, and, I have not had one moment to become homesick, I would like more . New Zealanders to come across and. sample the warmheartedness of these fine folks over here. I am afraid it will take a very lucrative offer to ever tempt me back to New Zealand-al-though, please do not think for one minute that I have forgotten, or ever will forget, the generosity of New Zealanders towards me. I am never finished boasting of New Zealand over here, and it is surprising just how interested the people are regarding New Zealand, They hold a very warm spot in their hearts for New Zealanders and the "Shivering, Shaky Isles." Maori songs receive a magnificent hearing always, and I am frequently ked to repeat and repeat them, I rived in Sydney in the midst of a trying heatwave. I never knew t#t it was possible to experience such erpowering heat, but just at present we are enjoying delightful weather. As you already know, I was brought over to Australia by a_ circuit of theatres known the "The Western Suburbs Cinemas." It is a flourishing circuit, with exceptionally beautiful theatres. The organs in these theatres are very modern, and marvellous instruments to handle. The present suburb where I am sta-' tioned is called Auburn, and is famous for quite a number of reasons. It has ‘two very prominent; residents, namely, a Mrs, Musgrave, who is 106 years of age, and is Australia’s oldest living woman.,, and the world-famous Mr. J. 1. hang, the celebrated politician. I see him nearly every day, and at present he looks rather thoughtfulmaybe’ the approaching elections might be responsible for the "far away" look in his eye. ‘The general opinion is that the famous man will return to power. I have signed up a long-term contract with the present firm, and therefore expect ta be over here quite a long time. The broadcasting facilities over re here are vastly different to those of. New Zealand, It is most difficult to negotiate with the stations, as the majority of stations are involved in advertising, and hence, before one is able to broadcast, it is necessary to obtain | & Sponsor, The national stations definitely refuse to place lines to any theatres for purposes of relaying. So the task is ‘really a: hopeless one. However, I am ‘ shortly being transferred to another theatre-in .our cireuit, at Burwood, and I have every reason to believe that I shall obtain a sponsor there, which

means that. I should be broadcasting over Station 2UBD early in May, However, I shall notify you definitely when I am relaying. New Zealand

programmes, I think, are vastly superior to the programmes given over the air here. Some programmes are truly awful. The most outstanding part of their programmes is their dinner music. This, as a rule, is rather fine. But move than this, the less said the better. It is absolutely esesntial to have a car over here, especially for week-end trips, so I purchased a Ford the other day, and feel very pleased with my venture. The drives are staggeringly beautiful over here, especially the scenic drives to the Blue Mountains, and around the famous. Hawkesbury River. I think, in many respects, the scenery over here eclipses many of New Zealand’s scenic resorts.