The HOME forum POINTS FROM LETTERS

Radio Record, Volume X, Issue 9, 11 September 1936, Page 49

The HOME forum POINTS FROM LETTERS

Correction S.F.H. I must ask that a contradiction in the "Radio Record" be given to the announcement that I was the conductor of a broadcast from St, Mary of the Angels, Wellington, this morning. [ knew nothing whatever of the affair-have been making Auckland appearances as pianist and lecturer for the last six weeks. The National Broadcasting Service: inform us that the announcement as published in the official programme was provided by the church authorities, and an amendment thereto regarding the choirmaster .was not received in time for publi-cation-Ed.] -~ Parliament H.G.3. (Manunui) writes: Permit mie through your columns to endorse the remarks by M.C. (Dannevirke) about Pa-z-liamentary broadcasts. We find it very disheartening to await a good programme by overseas: artists-Senia Chostiakoff, Dora Lindsay-and then discover one has to switch over to a station generally poorly received. : The old folks no doubt find Parliamentary broadcasts interesting, but I think more than 75 per cent. of the younger generation do not hesitate in turning to a station such as 8ZR, Greymouth, where one is~assured of a good evening's entertainment. Reputations "Rehabilitation" (Timaru), writes: Those correspondents who express dissatisfaction with Parliamentary broadcasts are very widely and strongly supported. It is wrong to suggest. as ‘a Greytown correspondent does. that listeners who object do not care for the welfare of the country. They are very much concerned. both financially and otherwise, but they get all the information they require from the newspapers and from the Statutes themselves. And let me add that the newspaper reports of speeches read much better than the speeches which are broadcast. The reputations of politicians are not being enhanced by broadcasting, and from a Sense of political self-preservation they f should join forces with and assist those ‘listeners who desire to stop the practice. Disappointment and dissatisfaction are eaused each time the YA programmes are cancelled and political broadcasts substituted. One must concede that all tastes shoutd be catered for, and if a referendum disclosed that a reasonable section of listeners desired debates broadcast, I think: the problem could be overcome by provid: ing a separate station in Wellington for broadcasting political speeches and _ official functions. This might be expensive, but I think listeners would willingty agree to the payment of a levy for the purpose, rather than endure the existing state of affairs. To add interest to the new station, might one express the hope that boxing

and wrestling events might be relegated to the suggested new station. Wurlitzer organ, concertina aiid ukelele items could be used to add variety. That’s Different ‘Film and Fashion" (Wellington) writes: Our attention has. been drawn to an article in the Dunedin "Star" entitled "Thoughts About Music," and signed L.D.A. It is, of course, well known in Wellington that these initials are the cloak that covers, but isin no wise intended to conceal, the identity of Mr. L. D. Austin, concerning whose prowess as 4 conductor the local Press is accustomed to publish letters remarkable for similarity of style. After somewhat heated comment on what would appear’ to be. the "Radio Record’s’" method of setting out the daily progremmes, Mr. Austin says, in

effect, that "Film and Fashion’s" critique of the Vinogradoff concert which appeared in last month’ s number, is unfair and misleading. We do not feel concerned to justify any criticism of ours to Mr. Austin. What we say about a given performance is no mora, and no less, than our honest opinion. If it is right, well and good, If it is wrong. well, of course, it is wrong; but we don't think so. We should, therefore, take no notice of Mr. Austin, were it not for the fact to be now mentioned. Readers will perhaps be amused 19 learn that. the performance at which M. Vinogradoff appeared.was punctuated at frequent intervals by disapproving noises on the part of Mr. Austiif; and that these, whether intentionally or not, were audib’s several feet away. Mr. Austin has therefore been prudent in going as far afield as Dunedin to say that the performance was worthy of con:mendation; and ‘we offer him our condolences upon the malignant coincidence that has brought to the knowledge of a single person his public statements at Dunedin, and his somewhat different utterances made while the performance was in. progress.