BROADCASTS OF WRESTLING

Radio Record, 25 March 1938, Page 18

BROADCASTS OF WRESTLING

Re-opening Of The Season F rom 1Y.A- Radio Play On Napoleon — Katherine Mansfield Stories On Air From 4YA-Talks In Coming Weeks-News From All The CG ommercials

LISTENERS who enjoy the wrestling matches: broadcast by the stations of the NBS will be glad to know that the 1938 wrestling season opens on Monday, April 4. The coming season should be one of the most successful, for a fine team of grapplers is already on its way to do battle in the four main cities. . The names of the two matmen to meet in the Auckland Town Hall on April 4 are not yet available. As in the past, Gordon Hutter will be the commentator for 1YA at all the contests. This year the Auckland Boxing Association-is starting much earlier ‘than usual. Station 1YA will relay a description of the two main bouts to be fought in the Town Hall next Monday, when Vic. Caltaux and Don Johnston, both of Auckland, will stage a welter class, and Percy Kelly, of Auckland, and Ralph Aitken, of Wellington, will figure in a lightweight contest. Both bouts will be of eight three-minute rounds. EARLY last week, when it was announced that New Zealand’s wrestling idol, "Lofty" Blomfield, of Auckland, would meet Nagurski for the world’s’ championship title in Vancouver last Friday, the telephone wires leading to 1YA began to sigsle. "Wall you be broadcasting a description of the bout?" was the one question asked. And thousands of inquirers asked it. But unfortunately, owing to the low power of the Vancowver stations and for other technical reasons, IVA found it impossible to broadcast a commentary. However, the result was given as soon as it was received. THE colourful life of Napoleon Bona- " parte provides much good "copy" Tor radio adgption, particularly episodes dealing with the romance between Josephine de Beauharnais, widowed by the revolutionary guillotine, and the "Tittle Corporal." That this wonderful romance ended unhappily for them both ic one of history’s tragedies, but the , glamour of their early «associations more than discounts the sadness of the ending. "Fis Father’s Sword," an NBS production dealing with events

leading to the meeting and marriage of Josephine and Napoleon will be broadcast from 2YA on March 80, at 9.5 p.m

HE Hamilton Dickson String Orchestra has a large following among listeners. Their next appearance, with Mr. Dickson conducting as usual, is from 2YA on March 30, when they will bring to the microphone works by Adam, Popy and Nicode, "You have probably heard of Katherine Mansfield, who won the name of being the only New Zealander to write a classic short story. She was born in Wellington on October 14, 1888; at 18 was plunged into the midst of London life; after a college education returned to New Zealand where she found things too confined for her tastes, and so went back to London. She gave up her profession of music teacher to take on literary work-and became a success, though, as has happened so often, much of her success was achieved after death. She was not strong physically, and on January 9, 1928, she died at Fontainebleau, It may be remembered that her letters published a few years ago by her husband, Mr. Middleton Murray, caused 9 stir in literary circles. From 4YA next Monday night will be heard the play "Three Women." produced by Miss Anita Winkel. The play consists of portraits from three stories by Katherine Mansfield, "Ma Parker," "Qadies’ Maid," and "Miss

Moss." The adaption for radio pur‘poses is by M. H. Allen. It will be extremely interesting to see how Katherine Mansfield’s works stand up to the exacting demands of radio. ANOTHER of its popular programmes will be given by 2YA~ on Saturday, April 2. Beginning ! the evening session, the Masked .Masqueraders and their Jesters pre‘sent a brilliant half-hour of clever sketches, catchy songs and witty jokes. This group of artists, brought by the well-known revue producer, Humphrey Bishop, stars some pro‘minent Australian musical comedy actors and actresses who prefer to remain anonymous. © The Masked Masqueraders are a weekly feature from 2Y A.

Floor Trembles EOPLE either like organ music, or they do not, yet even the ‘‘do nots" have to admit there is something about Dr. V. EB. Galway’s recitals given in the Dunedin Town Hall on the _ second Sunday in every month, and many attend. he audiences that greet Dr. Galway’s recitals are purely a tribute to his masterly handling of one of the biggest and finest organs in New ZeajJand, There is a real thrill in listening to him send the tiniest treble whispering round the huge hall, and then to ee ee

feel the very floor tremble beneath one’s feet as a roaring, but perfectly coutrolledi, volume of sound emerges from the pipes. These recitals are regularly broadeast by either 4YA or 4YO, the latter station giving the last transmission on March 18. Interspersed, are usually several vocal items by leading Dunedin artists, For The Screen LL good Irishmen. of Christchurch made demands on the green stocks of ties, yes and even shirts, from drapers last Thursday. Station 3YA was in the running and arranged for the Givie Players to produce "Hileen Aroon." In the play itself there were tenor songs with harp accompaniment. Some of the best known of Moore’s Irish melodies yere excellently featured. Aunt Pat, ‘at her sessions, found the requests liberally sprinkled with the Irish flavour. Skipper and his mouthorgan band had the "green fever" too. . Perfect Piano REAT oaks from little acorns grow, so the proverbs have it, and so from such beginnings as _five-finger exercises great pianists have arisen. It is largely a matter of practice-plus a very keen appreciation of music, but certainly the finest piano player alive to-day had to practice at some stage or other. An'd who is that greatest player? Well, that may be open to argument, but however one looks at it one must admit Serge Rachmaninoff, Russian composer and pianist, is in the topmost branches of the tree. On Sunday

afternoon from 4YA at 2.80 a highlight will be rendered when Schumann's Carnival Suite will be played by Rachmaninoff. This will mean just 25 minutes of perfect piano playing. Of The Inland "FALKS by the Rev. John Flynn and Mrs. Flynn for the NBS are listed as follows:-Mr. Flynn speaks from 4YA. on April 6 on ‘‘The Mantle of Safety-the Story of the Flying Doctors in Australia," and from 1YA on April 26 on "Australia and New Zealand, Resemblances and Contrasts." The NBS hope’ to record his first talk for presentation from other national stations. The talk by Mrs. Plynn from 3YA on March 28 will be called "The Women of the West, Life in the Australian Backblocks." G. E. Evans, Australian post, wrote of these women in his lines: In the slab-built, zinc-roofed homestead of some lately taken run, In the tent beside the bankment of @ railway just begun, In the huts and new selection, in the camps of man’s unrest, On the frontiers of the nation live the women of. the west. The red sun robs thew beauty and, in wilderness and pain, The slow years steal the nameless grace that never comes again... Many New Zealand outback women will be able to appreciate to the full

both the lines of Evans and this talk by Mrs, Flynn. Frontier Tales F{NGLISH journalist now in New Zealand, Mr. C. Harcourt Robertson, who recently gave a very lively account of his adventures ‘in Shiraz,

Persia, during one of the minor wars that arose out of the Great War, is to give a talk on a similar subject in the Eye-witness series called "Sideshow in Persia," in which he tells of interesting facts about things that happened on the frontiers and went unnoticed in the clash of great events.. .. . Sweet Home OUSING is very much both in the air and jn the wood at the moment, and to-day is a subject of much practical interest. It is instructive to note what has been done in Hngland and compare it with what has been done in. New Zealand. Mr. J. W. Brimbleecombe, an official of the Housing Department in New Zealand, is. to give a talk on housing in England. and New Zealand. Mr, Brimblecombe: ha'd ex:

perience ot the manner in the proyision of municipal housing in Englund, and will talk from 2¥A on Monday, Mareh 28, on how accommodation Was provided there after the war. The Ordeal "THE Very Rey. Father Owen Dudley, Superior, of the Catholic Missionary Society in England, is to speak at 2XYA on March 29 on "The Ordeal of This Generation." Father Dalton was one of the overseas representatives at the recent Roman Catholic centennish celebrations at Auckland, and has 2 high reputation as a preacher. He is making a tour of New Zealand before he returns to England, Life’s Handicap TWO notable talks on how men have triumphed over the great afflictions of deafness and blindness and other physical ills are to be given by Mr. Malton Murray from 2Y A on March 31 and April 7. He calls his talks "Life’s Handicap." They make an inspiring story. Brass NOVEL feature from 2YA’s April 1 programme is Frank Biffo and His Brass Quintet. ‘This group, with its array of trumpets and trombones, has won much favourable comment since its inception over the BBC network. The recordings to be heard from 2YA are "Valse Triste" by Sibelius and the inevitable "curtain-raiser,’". well loved by variety artists, Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in C Sharp Minor." "Four Kings" WELL-LIKED session on the air at the present tims is the combination performing under the catchy title "Phe Four Kings of Rhythm." These clever musicians put over their "act" on. two pianos, drums and a_ string bass, specialising in ail kinds of rhythmical popular tunes, All the latest

"hits" are brought to the microphone, together with "novelty" piano selec , tions, old favourites of swing, and elassical music played im dance rhythm and tempo. Originally beginning their broadcasts from Wellington’s radio rendezvous, Station 2YD, the feature has proved se popular that the NBS decided upon a simultaneous broadcast from 2YA to

enable listeners all through New Zealand to enjoy the work. And so eacv Thursday at 8 p.m. finds the Four Kings of Rhythm on the air per medium of 2YA and 2Y)). The leader of this regal quartet, one of the staff of the NBS, selects and urranges the programmes, supervises rehearsals, writes the announcer’s script, fills the seat at one of the pianos and is responsible for the presentation of the material. Masterpieces ALWAYS the treat of the week from 4YA, next broadcast of "Masterpieces of Music" will be handied by Dr. vt. Vernon Griffiths. Dr. Griffiths wid include in his session Concerto in E Flat Major for two pianos by Mozart, and "Shepherd Fennel’s Dance." composed by Balfour Gardiner. New Serial HE serial, "The Wandering of the West Wind," of which 19 episodes have been presented from 3YA, is now concluded and, for the next five Tuesdays, listeners will hear "The Life of the Empress Josephine." Quintet LASst Wednesday night 4YA_ broadcast music by Ted Andrews’s Novelty Quintet. These small groups are generally to be classified under the usual three headings, good, bad, or indifferent, with the last winning eas: ily. However, Ted’s little band ig all that anyone could desire, and most people tune into their broadcasts. "Whistling Mose" and "Frog Puddles" were two interesting items contained in their last group of six numbers. Tie members of the quintet are well known in Dunedin, for apart from Ted, who handles the effects and plays the xyiophone, there are Muriel Caddie, piano

accordion; Sir George, saxophone and clarinet; Ivan Booth, trumpet; and Lew Andrews, piano. In the days when orchestras meant something to picture theatres, Ted’s work on effects and as u soloist on the xylophone earned him much applause in the best orchestras conducted by Mr. Arthur Neate and. Mr, De Rose. . Europe h R. L. K. MUNRO deserved a pat on the back for the way in which he conducted bis "World Affairs" session from 1YA last week. This lecturer gaye a masterly unravelling of the handles the effects and plays the xylosequent on the Nazi coup in Austria He marshalled hig facts, interpreted and presented them in @ way, alld so well, ¢hat even the plain man could understand gud appreciate the causes aud the repercussions of the latest, sensational event in world history. This "hot" news Mr. Munro condensed admirably and gave a lucid, graphie account of the new situation. Film Talk "PEEP INTO FILMLAND" session of 1ZM has been given new lease of life by the teaming of Billie and Rex. Billie was 2 member of the original trio, Positive and Negative, and Billie, who startéed*early last year, although she was even then no stranger to 172M listeners. Then Raldo replaced Positive and Negative, giving way to Rex this year. Billie and Rex, both of whom possess deep-pitched voices, find their listeners-can they be termed "fans’?-like an arrangement of approximately one-third dialogue to twothirds music. They play hits from latest or forthcoming films, and revivals of popular pictures of the past. Star stories, film plots and cross-ban-ter come in for their share on the ses--sion, which is from 8 o’clock to 9, Wednesday nights,

shock when the man produced the full setipt from his povtket. This was received. The text day a letter was sent (together with the seript) telling the poor chap that unfottunately sich a talk could not be ptesented. Apple Sauce! AFTER he had done some ennouneing about the virtues of apples and pears as part of a well-balanced diet the other day, Jack Maybury, of 3ZB. found himself the recipient of dozens of bags of fruit. Just by way of an exclamation of public thanks, he took a large bite from a luscious apple, in front of the microphone. That peculiar noise-reminiscent of the mastication of celery at a party-came through very clearly. 1ZM Service TATION 12M is still serving the public faithfully and well. Its musical programmes in particular are well chosen and presented and entertain a big audience of listeners. The several personality features continue to exert a strong pull for the station among its admirers. The director and programme-orgnniser, Mr. W. W. Rodgers, whose "Cavalcades" are an outstanding feature, is to present another on Stinday, March 27, at 8.45, preceded by a recorded version of "Merry England" at 8 p.m. If the letters received are any guide, Monday evening’s Hawaiian swing sessions are listened to all over the Dominion. The "Tummy Club" T_JSTENERS to 1ZB acclaimed Jack Davey for his bright sessions in the morning and evening last week. Tis "Pummy Club" from the station every morning between 6.30 and 7, was really a tiof-so successful in fact that he

compelled three of 1ZB’s executives to rise from their beds and carry out the exercises which he directed in the studio. Nothing better has been put over from 1ZB. J.isteners were sorry when he had to say au revoir at the end of last week. Solomon I] HE wisdom of the ages and the brainwaves of the sages were the fruit of Jack Davey’s nutty 8.30 p.m. sessions, "Solomon the Second," from 1ZB last week. Solomon, the all-wise, has an illustrious "successor." For nearly three years the second Solomon has reigned over a quarter of a million breakfast tables in Sydney, giving unwanted advice to thousands, A front-ranker in repartee and known as the "biggest nit-wit in Australia," Solomon II is the undisputed ruler of tadio-comedy. No session that Jack Pavey could bring to New Zealand listenets would have a greater appeal than this, the masterpiece of a master of comedy. Jack, who wits on exchange for Otene Paora, of 1ZB, arrived at Wellington last Sunday by air, and after three days at 2ZB he flew north

again on Wednesday (March 23) to join the Awatea, of which his father is the master, on the return to Sydney. The Big Tent LWAYS awake for some novelty to please and entertain children, Neddo and Thea, of 1ZB, conducted Monday’s children’s session from beneath the big tent of Wirth’s Circus, on the Old Dock Site. The microphone was taken round to each of the numerous cages in the menagerie, Neddo and Thea and the menagerie man explain-, ing about the animals to the juvenile listeners, ‘ Healthy "| IMAGINE that there are very few societies in New Zealand and even in England which are in such a healthy position," remarked Dr. J, C. Bradshaw, president, at the annual meeting of the Laurian Club, Christchurch, the other night. A credit balance of £22 was disclosed-not bad for an amateur musical combination in the Dominion. This club was founded by Mr. Harold Beck, formerly conductor of 8YA Orchestra, and now doing well in Australia. ‘Mr. Victor C, Peters took over the conductorship from Mr. Beck and will conduct again when he returns from London, The fitst con-

cert of the new season will be on April 30, Whirligig "TIME flies you cannot they fly too quickly’-punctuate that if you can, but then listen in, if time permits, to the "Whirligig of Time" series of talks which has been launched by 8YA. Speakers in this vast field, Which includes subjects from botany to music, have been chosen for théir ingenuity in condensation. And that the selections have been wisely madé was shown by at least the first talk by Mx. G. T. J. Wilson, who chatted about "The Placé of Personality in History." If succeeding talks are as good as the first, this should be one of the station’s best features. Midday Musie RITICS have said that all musie is good if played sincerely, and ther are right. But Dr. J. 6, Bradshaw, of Christchurch, a master of the ald and best school, adheres strictly to fhe classics, eschewing anything that deéviates in the least from the defined paths, His midday recitals, free fo the public, at Canterbtiry University College, oh Wednesdays, have proved themselves an inspiration to these whe loye the best in instrumental expres:

sion, It is surprising how many people would rather miss their lunch than a few bars of fine music from the doctor. He is generally supported by another artist-on ’cello, violin or flute, ° Seasonable WAKE to the demands of the season, 4ZB is providing a topical attraction in its new Saturday evening Easter Brides session. This bright programme was introduced , by 3ernic M’Connell q fortnight ago and will be continued by 4ZB until Easter. Band Music Don DONALDSON, announcer at 4ZB, is following in his father's footsteps as regards musical tastes. Mr. Donaldson, senior, has been asociated with the St. Kilda Municipa! Band for the past 10 years, ang now Don has started a quarter-hour session of band music which goes on the air during Sunday morning. Essentially a city of band lovers, Dunedin is sure to welcome the session, ‘Around the Rotunda." The first performance certainly went with a swing. Meandering "EANDERING MIKE" is an interesting radio character who suddenly made an appearance at 4ZB on Sunday afternoon three weeks ago. He is a restless gentleman with the advantages of "magic carpet" transportation and a flair for striking and colourfu’ description. ‘Mike’ has become a highlight of 4ZB’s Sunday afternoon transmissions. . Six Ladies. THE Orpheus Sextette are heard in traditional numbers on Wednesday, March 23, from 2Y A. These six talented ladies, all residents of Wellington, blend their voices in pleasing fashion, and listeners, no doubt, will enjoy their tnterpretations of "Early One Morning" and "Begone, Dull Care." "Aunt Daisy." A PUBLIC farewell will be given to 2Z2B’s Aunt Daisy at Wellington Town Hall on Friday next at 12 noon. A novel feature programme hag been arranged, with one or two humorous interludes, in which the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop will play } prominent part. 2ZB Cricket. SSISTED by one or two national executives of the CBS, 2ZB won its second cricket match of the season last week against an eleven from the training-ship Durham, by 107 runs on the first innings, Best performances for the winners were Whitchurch 62, Lloyd 40, Serimgeour 27 (not ont) Tahiwi and Shore each 17, in an innings of 211. The Durham replied with 104, (Herring 41, Sharp 21) Hawken (5 for 38) and Whitchurch (4 for 47) sharing the bowling honours. Slick fielding, especially from Crowther,. Whitchurch and Penton greatly assisted the winners. Landed F{XPERT on early history in Central Otago from 4Z%B, Lionel Sceats go* n surprise the other day. Asked by a listener if he knew where the first

‘settlers from the John Wycliffe landed in Dunedin, he had to admit he didn’t know. So he was shown the spot, neatly marked off with a bronze tablet set in the footpath-and the spot was in Water Street, directly opposite 4ZB. As Lionel remarked, he had probably walked over the place dozeng of times and never noticed the tablet. Personal. WeELcoMn resumption of his "Per- *"" sonal Column" is to be made by Pat

‘Lawlor from 2ZB on Saturday next at 8.30 p.m. In French. RENE PETTY, young Wellington soprano, specialises in French songs. and a group of these is broadcast by her from 2YA on Thursday, March 2+. In order to preserve the correct atmosphere, Miss Petty sings her selections in the native tongue. For The Scots. HE Dunedin Highland Pipe Band is not heard over the air frequently enough to satisfy true Scots, and Dunedin is nothing if not Scottish. Their previous broadcast from 4YA was New Year’s Eve-it would not have’ heen Hogmanay without the pipers-hur that was nearly three months ago. However, the band was heard last Tuesday in selections given as only a pipe band can give them. Gaiety Sketches. QTATION 2YA will present yet another of its popular programmes on Saturday, March 26. Beginning the evening session, the Masked Masqueraders and Their Jesters present. half*an hour of clever sketches, songs and jokes. This group of artists. brought together for the purpose hy the well-known revue producer, Humphrey Bishop, contains and stars some Prominent Australian musical comedy actors and actresses, who remain anonymous. The Masked Masqueraders are a Weekly feature from 2YA. Variety Session ADIO PLAYERS’ concert session heard from 2ZB at 9 p.m. Wednesdays, is rapidly gaining a sizeable block of listeners. Competently handled by Ken, Waterhouse, this thirty-minute offering covers a wide field in variety entertainment, . F

Auckland Composer. SONGS composed by Owen Jensen, official accompanist at 1Y A, are to be featured by Miss Joan Moody, who has a quality soprano voice suited to vadio, in a recital from the station on Saturday, March 26. The songs are settings of words by Milton and Shelley, and by Edmund Waller, seventeenth century poet. Very effective and enterprising, harmonically, these compositions by Mr. Jensen show a nice perception of the colour of the words. Touching Wood GQTATION 4ZB control operators are said to spend most of their spare time touching wood since one of them boasted that the station had 900 hours of uninterrupted programme to its eredit. Popular ‘Toots’ PIRHCTOR of station 4ZD, Mr. D. G.. ("Toots") Mitchell, knows rddio from a erystal to the biggest transmitter, and he lives in an atmosphere of Morse keys and kilocycles. Fie’s the "proud papa" of a happy punch of radio enthusiasts, and it’s a quiet night when he has not at least three visitors listening to his tales of

past experiences. The boys at, 4ZD think the world of "Toots," and give him unswerving loyalty. He welcomes _uny suggestion that will make the programmes of his beloved station better and more acceptable to the public. This encouragement has spurred the 4ZD staff to greater, efforts, and the infiuence of "Toots" is felt in every feature created and broadcast from the pioneerDg _Droadeasting station in New Zeaand. ° . History Lives NOTHING is more popular evith listeners to 1¥,A at present than the "Coronets of England" series of recorded plays which are being broadcast once weekly. Rich in dramatic form, dialogue and effects, "Coronets"’ successfully makes a vital period of British: history live again, Maori Welcome (GENERALLY acknowledged by listeners as one of the best Maori concerts ever to be broadcast in New Zealand, was the performance of the concert party of the Arawa Tribe, of Rotorua, in the Auckland Town Hall recently in according an old-time welcome to his Excellency the Apostolie Delegate, Archbishop Panico, and other dignitaries of the Catholic Church present in Auckland for the Catholic centenary celebrations. The sweet singing and the striking and pleasing rhythm of the many poi dances was delightful. Assisting the quality Maori performers were Ana Hato and Deane Waretini, who sang solos and duets. Eyer since it broadcast this concert on relay, 1YA has been receiving hundreds of letters and messages of appreciation from listeners all over the Dominion. | Sheridan Play ELL known for her dramatic work in Christchurch,.and greatly assisted by overseas experience, Miss Marjorie Bassett is always assured of a large listening public when she handles a production in the 3YA studios. Her company’s presentation . of Sheridan’s "The Riyals" recently was one of the high-lights of the programmes. In- _ cidental musie was played by a trioviolin, flute and harp. Talks Are ‘Popular. ISS GC. HENDERSON is heard in the "How it Began" series, dealing wth the: "Women’s Movement," on March 22 from 8YA. Motorists in -Canterbury look forward to the visit of Sir Stenson Cooke, secretary of the. Automobile Association of England. He gives a talk on March 24 at 7.35 p.m., broadcasting.a message to the car drivers of the Dominion. Tenor’s Return. AMHOUGH now in Taranaki, Mr. J. ™ BH. Davies is still remembered in the South Island for his tenor singing, and is always sure of a good number of listeners when on the air’ He is heard from 8YA at 9.20 p.m,- on March 21. The same ‘evening Miss Gladys Vincent (violinist), and Mr. Francis Bate (’cellist), with Mr. Ernest Jenner (pianist), give a recital of Schumann’s Trio in F Major, Op. 80. Outside the concert world Miss Vincent is Mrs. Bate, and joins most artistically with her husband in string work.