"DIARY FOR 1934"

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 1, 12 July 1935, Page 7

"DIARY FOR 1934"

Extended B.B.C. Record Of Events OMETHING new in the radio world is the radio dairy compiled by William Maclurg for the B.B.C., the recording of which is to be for the first time in New Zealand from 1YA on Thursday, July 18.. The recording is called "Diary for 1934," and, although its actual entertainment value is not great, it is a worthwhiie medium for a comprehensive review of conditions and events in the Empire and the world. As a record of the highlights of 1934 in practically every sphere of interest, it is valuable and interesting, and ‘the only drawback which occurred to a "Radio Record’ representative at an audition was that it made one seem to be reading last week’s newspaper, instead of to-day’s. But even so, reading a week-old newspaper always provides some interesting news which was overlooked at the first reading. So this diary record should not be lost particularly on the listening public of New Zealand, as it consists largely of extracts recorded at the time of speeches made by all sorts of peopie from Royalty to novelists who we seldom hear ordinarily. Frederick Grisewood provides the narration, which starts the listener off in January, and works right through the year, month by month, collating portions of recordings of speeches, notes and commentaries given through the B.B.C. transmissions during the year. Some of the more notable ‘people whose voices are: to be heard are: Grenfell (of Labrador), H. G. Wells, G. Bernard Shaw (painting a dismal picture of aerial warfare), the Rt. Hon. Ramsay Macdonald, Sir John Simon, Beverley Nicholls (an amusing extract from "Seven Days’ Hard"), Sir Oliver Lodge, the Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin, Lord Hailsham (on the team for the Australian test cricket), Woodfull (replying), Mr. Walter Eliott, and Mr. Neville Chamberlain (extract from budget speech). On several occasions the voices of members of the Royal. Family are heard. The King’s speech at the opeaing of the Mersey Tunnel in July is perfectly reproduced. An appeal by the Prince of Wales for mutual service for the community and the Empire through, friendship clubs: is another highlight of the diary. On his return from South Africa, Prince George is recorded as he speaks briefly of experiences and impressions "down under." and later there are some "snapshots" of the scenes on the occasion of his wedding to Princess Marina. Queen Mary’s ‘speech at the launching‘of the ereat’ Cunarder which bears her Majesty’s name, and the launching of the liner Orion. by the Duke of Gloucester from ‘Australia are also recorded. Sporting events with which the year was rich, are: all mentioned, and ‘n many cases: the exciting running commentaries on rowing, football, cricket and tennis are provided. Everything that was of any importance seems to have been given a share of the recording.