The Price of Fame—And Photos

Radio Record, 26 June 1936, Page 21

The Price of Fame—And Photos

Talks Through 4ZO Popularise Visiting Wrestlers to the Extent of Autographed Prints-Controversies Each Fortnight from 1ZM-22R Makes a Reappearance for Nelson.

~~ A; "TESTIFYING to the interest taken in the broadeast talks by the visiting professional wrestlers through 4Z0, hundreds of inquiries for photographs of the matmen have reached the station in the last few. weeks. How to comply with the requests was the problem that confronted the station officials, who decided to appeal to Earl McCready to help'them out. The -result. is eminently satisfactory. The Canadian .visited Dunedin this week, and called at the studio with a bundle of several thousand photographs of himself to be sent to any listeners asking for them. Moreover, he personally autographed the photographs, which measure Vin, x 9in. Anyone wishing a photograph of the British Empire champion merely needs to write to 4Z0, Octagon, Dunedin, enclosing a 2d. stamp for return postage, ATER an absence of some months 2ZR, Nelson, has made a welcome reappearance on the air. Judging by the mail received by the station the applelanders are appreciating the theme programmes which are at present being presented. As 2ZR probably possesses a record library in excess of that usuy ally possessed by a B station, it is expected that the high standard will be maintained. At present complaints fare being received that Suva and 2ZR are too close on the dial, and the matter is at present receiving the attention of the proper authorities. Just yet 2ZR is running on a restricted schedule, but it is hoped to run on full schedule which will include the Rugby relays which proved so popular last winter. The commentator will again be the capable Mr. W. A. Reed, himself a footballer of no mean ability, having captained the South Island teams on a number of occasions. Mr. Reed, as station manager, is at present putting in a lot of time on the station as of course the work in connection with the transmissions is being done voluntarily. LWAYS agreeing with the principle, as stated by the recent report on the B.B.O. by the: Ullswater Conunittee that "Controverisal topics should continue to be discussed. over the air," Station 1ZM has initiated a new service to listeners along this line. Once every fortnight the Manurewa station will devote an hour to a debate on relevant controversial subjects. Listeners to the station are to be the judges, and will be invited to forqward their personal criticisms, judgments and individual opinions to the station director. Bach discussion will be in the hands of wellknown citizens and public speakers and members of the 1ZM Debating Club. Two have already been heard and have proved both interesting, _ informative and highly entertain ing. -, .

Film Talk . Me. J. W. LEAH, of London, gave:a most interesting talk from 3ZM last Tuesday evening. He is connected with a British Film Corporation, and naturally is observant as to the possibilities of film making here. With the importation of directors of technique, New Zealand should rank with any other country in film production. His talk on the different celebrities he has met was interspersed with their particular records, and Roy Fox, whose band in Hngland is described "as the dancers’ dream come true," and Harry Roy-whose marriage recently to a foreign Princess held up London traftic -were interesting topics for listeners. "The Music Goes Round and Around." "Life Begins When You’re in Love," and "Susannah," were among the records played. Gracie Fields he described as a charming and natural young lady who is idolised in: Lancashire, and Jessie Matthews as the hardest working littie star in England, and very much in love with her husband, Sonnie Hale. Grace Moore took London by storm when she arrived for-her appearance in "La Boheme." Henry Hall, of the B.B.C.,,is one of the most lovable and admired men in England,.and the British Broadcasting Corporation made a wise choice when they appointed him as leader of that famous band. * Police Dance _ N the occasion of the recent anna! Police Ball, held in the Dunedin _ Town Hall, station 4ZM made use of the relay line to broadcast a description of

the event and the music provided by the Reyeliers’ Dance Band. It seems that this was greatly enjoyed by many listeners who were interested in the general scene that was conveyed to them by the announcer. ‘Womenfolk sat up and took notice when many of. the dresses worn were described. This part of the relay was capably carried out by Miss Trixie Wood. Altogether the 4ZM staff is well satisfied with its night’s work, which represented. one of the most successful relays conducted by the station. Marking Time LTHOUGH the organisation of the several B stations in Auck- — land has been completed, with a view to their securing increased hours of transmission, the management of the stations indicate that few programme inmnbvations ean be introduced until the Government makes known its full intentions and policy concerning B stations. Listeners generally appear to have expected a cliange in programme and an increase in hours from the date of the passing of the recent Bill, but it is obvious that some time must elapse before any great changes can be made, even when the new regulations are released.