RADIO AND WANDERLUST

Radio Record, 14 April 1938, Page 18

RADIO AND WANDERLUST

Travel Feature From N.B.S.-Opera Singer From Australia To Tour-Special Easter Offerings-Dunedin’s Boy CornetistNews From The Commercials

A NOVEL form of presentation will be heard from 2YA on Saturday, April 23. Given the title, "Ports of Call," the feature can best be described as a radio travelogue. Vhe listener is transported to various parts of the world. and the histury and legend of the selected spot is narrated. Produced in the United States of America for radio adaptation, the style greatly follows the famous Fitzpatrick travelogues. which have entertained cinema patrons for a considerable period. It is the intention of the NBS to present "Ports of Call" as a weekly half-hour feature from the National stations. The educational and entertainment value of this production is highly rated. MASTER D. CHRISTENSEN, Dunedin, is only eleven years old, but he ts already proiminent in the ‘St. Kilda Bund as a cornetist. At the last contest, staged in the North Island, he was the winner of the boys’ amateur cornet solo. In addition he was the runner-up in the open solo contest, a most remarkable achievement. The St. Kilda Band has produced many fine players in the past, and it seems they have a future champion.in their midst. Master Christensen will be heard. in solo numbers from 4VA at 8.16 on Tuesday next. FEW Australians can claim such extensive experience in opera as Frederick Collier, soon to visit New Zealand for a tour of the National stations. He was engaged as principal baritone with the British National Opera Company, and remained with the company for five years in Covent Garden opera. His next engagement was for a further period of five years with the Carl Rosa Company, and altogether he has sung about 60 parts in opera, principally Wagnerian roles. In addition to touring all over Britain with leading companies, he has frequently broadcast for the BBC and Irish National stations. Mr. Collier arrives at Wellington on May 26 for a six weeks’ vist: to New Zealand, and will present 1 ogranunes ranging: from ballad to oratorio.

REMEMBER Clem Williams, one of Australia’s best-known baritones and Sydney teacher of voice production? He has already got a booking again to tour the YA stations as far ahead as in December next! This is because the period just before and after Christmas fits in with his vacation. Twice previously he has toured the National stations, in 1935 and 1936, and on

both tours he delighted listeners by his fine recitals. Mr. Williams, who was trained abroad, opens his tour at LYA on December 16 next "FINTTE Romance. of Sacred Song" possesses all the elements of human drama, and there are outstanding examples which admirably lend themselves to radio dramatisation. . One of them is the immortal hymn, "Jesu, Lover of My Soul," by Charles Wesley. There are stanzas in-this and in other hymns which have their origins in actual happenings, and | several graphic episodes in the life of Charles Wesley account for parts of his famous hymn. On the evening of Good Friday, April 15, listeners to 2YA will hear this great hymn’s history, and the scenes laid in Oxford, aboard the ship bound for America, and during an evangelising tour of Ireland, go to make up au interesting half-hour. This recorded programme comes to New .Zealand listeners with the come

pliments and good wishes of the Canadian Broadcasting Service, in the Vancouver Studios of which "Romance of Sacred Songs: Jesu, Lover of My Soul," was produced. Wy HEN the Inter-Dominion Trotting Championships are held at Addington on Saturday, April 23, Australia will be there, in spirit if not in the numerical flesh, for the Commonwealth will pick up 3YA’s broadcast of the final. Many a pocket will be lighter-and heavier-that day, "Coming Home." Rugby "WA7THANG! It’s a goal!" It isa long time since that stirring ery went flinging through the ether from 4VA, and Dunedin, a football-mad town at any time, has missed Bob MeKenzie’s cheerful voice making even the dullest of games worth hearing. Dunedin people loyally maintain Bob is the best football announcer in New Zealand and, even if other centres do not agree, they have to admit, "He’s pretty good." Bob. a well-known newspaper man, is often on the air, broadcasting sporting events, and he rarely: misses delivering commentaries on racing. Bob will be "whanging" it from 4YA next Saturday, when the opening club match to be played on Carisbrook will be relayed.

Easter Play HY Light Is Come," radio play by Edmund Barclay, will be broadeast from 2YA at 9.20 p.m. on Good Friday. The production deals with the life of William Tyndale, the original translator of the Bible into English. Sportsmen’s Day FASTER MONDAY is spent in many ways. Hikers in Christchurch roam the hills, yachtsmen become messy with tar and paint, golfers reduce their handicaps, and punters punt-but not in a boat. Throughout the day 3YA will keep the public adyised of all the happenings at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Easter meeting at Riccarton. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be a bright band programme, including a performance by Perce Skinner’s Harmonica Band. An interview with the Dominion’s premier jockey, "Jimmy" Ellis, is scheduled for 9.5 p.m., and then will come a recorded pantomime, "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." At 10.20 p.m. somebody will interview the blue-blooded lady of the turf, Cuddle, winner of over £12,000 in stakes. Music, mirth and melody will be a suitable round-up. Poppies Red THE years slip round all too quickly, and before we know where we are an anniversary has vepeated itself. It is nearly 23 years since the historic landing at Gallipoli, but just before that anniversary comes Poppy Day. Everyone buys a poppy, tt has become a habit to do so, but then again everyone knows that the money goes to a good cause. Next Thursday night Mr. Newman Wilson, of the Dunedin R.SVA. executive, will speak

on "The R.S.A. Poppy Day Appeal,’ when, no doubt, listeners will be told what this year’s takings will ultimately provide,

Fateful Night ANZAC DAY will be marked at 2YA by a particularly interesting preliminary talk on Friday, April 22. Colonel J. G. Hughes, C.M.G., D.S.O., who is known to a large number of friends as "Jackie," took part in.the landing at Gallipoli as A.D.C. and Military Secretary to General Godley, who commanded the New Zealand and Australian Division of the A.N.Z.A.C. (ustralian and New Zealand Army Corps). Colonel Hughes was present on that same evening of the conference which discussed the immediate evacuation of the peninsula. He is to tell the story of the landing in the NBS "HyeWitness" series. Staff Officer PALE at 2YA bearing on soldiering days is a recorded talk by Captain W. J. Melville at 2YA on April 26, called "With the Australians in Palestine." Captain Melville was staff officer for a time to General Chauvel in the Palestine campaign. His talk will coincide with the visit to Sydney for Anzac Day of the large contingent of N.Z. service men, On The Heights A28TIST-MOUNTAINEER ALAN BROWNBH, who distinguished himself a year or two ago by "getting Tasman" (as mountain-climbers say), a feat seldom accomplished, has given an account of his climb and the fascination of the sport in a recorded talk for the NBS. Mr. Browne looks at mountaineering from the aesthetic as well as the athletic point of view. The talk will be heard from 1YA on Friday,

April 22, and later from the other main National stations. Sympathetic ISTENERS’ hearts all over New Zealand ticked over a bit more rapidly when they read of the unfortunate accident that befell Gladys Monerieff in Australia. Various people who met her during her broadcasting tour of New Zealand sent messages of sympathy. Members of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service quickly let. Eagerly Awaited VERY day 3ZB, Christchurch, has been receiving letters asking when Jack Maybury’s Novelty Orchestra wil be on the regular programme schedule again. Even the best of radio artits need a spell oceasionally, to think up new ideas. The band, the "Record" is in a position to announce, will be hack on duty in the very near future. The other day the Studio Syncopators introduced a vocalist into their sessionMr. Thorpe Cherry, tenor. Mr, Cherry will be heard again from this station. Requests O insistent have been the demands made upon 4ZB’s request session that it has been found necessary to add another request night. From now on, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights will be devoted to request items. between the hours of 11 and midnight. Alex, McDowell will conduct all these sessions. (Continued on next page).

Miss’ Moncrieff know just how deeply they deplored her misfortune, Everybody hopes that she will make a rapid recovery. Taranaki Soprano FROM Taranaki comes May Lander with two groups of songs for Dominion broadcast from 2YA. Pupil of Sister Charles, of the Convent, Hawera, Miss Lander possesses a soprano voice of unusual and appealing quality. She will be heard on Friday, April 22. ‘Cello Artist ECORDINGS by another prominent Australian musician will be broadeast from 2YA on April 21, at 9.32 p.m. The artist is none other than the ’cellist, Lauri Kennedy, at present touring for the Australian Broadcasting Commission. Mr. Kennedy was for some time leader of the ’cello section of the BBC Orchestra, a position which earries high remuneration. The pianuv accompaniments are played with artistry by his wife, Dorothy Kennedy, and the group of recordings contains works by Rachmaninoff, Bach, Schumann and Brahms. 4ZB Recitalist POPULAR Dunedin organist Arthur Pywell, who has recently given several recitals over the air from 4ZB vn the Christie Unit organ at the Hmpire Theatre, began his studies on the old conventional American organ. [t was while his father was yicar of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, at Port Chalmers, that he began to study the pipe organ seriously under Mr, C. Roy Spackman, organist of Knox Church, Dunedin. The Christie Unit organ is an intriguing instrument even to the easual listener, but to young Pywell the prospect of trying his hand at the keyboard of the modern mastadon was always an alluring one. When a chance came in 1936 he seized it literally wilh both hands (and feet) and ‘made good." Since that time, by dint of hard practice and concentration, he has developed into a really fine organist,

For Easter Sunday TINDER the baton of Mr. Will Hutchens, station 38YA Orchestra will present, ou aster Sunday, the "Charles First’ Overture, a new composition by Montagu Phillips, also Walzer and Finale, Op. 48 (Tschaikowsky), serenade for strings. At 9.20 p.m., listeners will hear Mozart’s Coucerto for Piano in D Minor. Soloist

is Mr. Gil Dech at the piano. The vocalist for the evening is Miss Ethel Friend, Australian contralto, who will contribute a Brahms group. ‘The "Record" mentioned recently that Mr. Gil Dech intended to play in further concerto work from 8YA. _ Listeners will be pleased to learn that he will be heard also on future occasions, taking the piano with orchestra. Songs By Eddy NELSON EDDY, world-famous baritone, presents a group of "Encore" songs by American composers, from 2YA on Thursday, April 21. The recordings comprise "At Dawning,’ "A Perfect Day,’ "By the Waters of Minnetonka," and "Trees." Lovers of his fine voice should tune in to 2YA at 9.47 p.m. . Comedienne Dora ‘LINDSAY, Scottish comedienne, will be heard in further entertainment from 2YA on April 18 and 20. Her clever comedy and characterisations have a wide appeal, and the standard of her work is high. Man Of Parts "Los CHARROS" is the title of a special presentation brought to one of 2YA’s microphones hy Philip Cross, a much-travelled man of many parts, and, incidentally, a New Zealander. Having spent some time in Sonth Ame- | rica, Mr. Cross is equipped with a firsthand knowledge of the customs and

mannerisms of the romantic LatinAmericans, and will supplement his narration with appropriate recordings. He will be heard on Wednesday, April 20. Anzac Singer TNENOR DAVID McGILL, who, besides his wide stage experience, has been heard frequently over 8YA, Christchurch, will be among the returned soldiers to leave for the big Anzac celebrations in Sydney. His farewell items over the air last week were ‘"Carnival,’ "My Star," "O, Maiden, My Maiden" and "Out of the Dusk" Popular "Dave" is sure to receive a warm reception from Australia, and when he returns to New Zealand may bring back a few songs new to listeners. . Travel Man Talks WELCOME last-minute change in 1Y A’s concert programme on Sunday evening was the inclusion of the talk, "Adventures of a Travelogue Man,’ so well delivered by James A. Fitzpatrick, official lecturer on board the cruise ship, Empress of Britain. The talk was rebroadcast from 2YA, and it was good to hear the familiar voice of the famous American who makes the Fitzpatrick Travel Tallks that people see and enjoy in the cinema theatres. Varsity Tourney BLAZERS of many colours will be worn extensively in Auckland this week, when the annual inter-Varsity sports will be held. Hundreds of ’Varsity boys and girls from all over the Dominion have gathered there to compete in debates, and all forms of athletic sport, ranging from basketball to boxing. Station 1YA is covering all the highlights ef the tourney from April 15 to 19. The debates are to be broadcast on relay. They provide good entertainment and humour. Real Stars UNuSsuat, but interesting and instructive, series of recorded talks for children began from 4YA on April 11, For five weeks, shorts talks of about ten minutes’ duration on astronomy will be given by the Rey. B, Dudley, F.R.A.S., during the presentation of the children’s hour. The first of these was "Sirius, the Dog Star," and will be followed next Monday with the first half of "A Day on the Moon." The second half of the latter talk will he given on April 25. Properly handled, there is always room for talks of this nature on any programme, Radio Research AN engineer at the 1YA transmitter at Henderson. Mr. K, C. Sanderson, B.Se., started his annual leave recently. He packed his bags and sailed from Auckland on March 81 for a tour abroad, embracing the United States, Britain and the Continent, to undertake research work in television and radio transmission in general. Mr. Sanderson has heen granted 12 months’ leave of absence by the National Broadcasting Service. His. place as . second engineer at Henderson will be taken by Trevor Robertson, of the studio staff at 1YA,

Shakespeare "YWEINGLED YARN" is the title of a play based on totally imaginary incidents in the life of William Shakespeare. It was written for radio by Edmund Barclay, and is a NBS production. Station 8YA will give it on April 21, at 8 p.m. Query "WHERE is a big demand for a little more variety in the big YA programmes from 8 p.m. to 10 pm. I firmly believe that if the ‘Music, Mirth and Melody’ hour was put forward, say, half an hour, it would make @ great difference to the enjoyment of listening on the part of people who like to keep reasonable hours and retire to rest in a happy frame of mind." Yhese remarks were made to the "Record’s" man in Christchurch last week by an elderly man, who, while enjoying the best in classical music, likes a variety show as well as anybody else, It would be interesting to know how many people share his opinion Tenor POPULAR Invereargill tenor, Tes Dalley, will be heard from 4YA on Monday next. Mr. Dalley is well known as a stage and concert singer, and he has been heard on the air hefore. His appearance will be welcomed as a flesh-and-blood one in on age when recorded numbers are often {oo numerous, For The Lead? POPULAR Auckland soprano, Mis9 Rita Stone, will be heard in a re cital from 4YA on Saturday next. More than usual interest attaches itself to this appearance, because Miss Stone has heen suggested as the lead in the Punedin Operatic Society’s £1200 venture, "The Vagabond King," to he stage — -ed in June, The very fact that only

a high-class singer would stand any chance of obtaining this choice part emphasises the quality of Miss Stone’s singing voice, and her broadcast should be widely heard. London Calling R. RAY TREWERN, son of Mrs, B. J. Trewern, of Woolston, Christchurch, is turning his eyes to London. His steady success in the world of music gives him a right to be ambitions, and when he makes the trip, the best wishes of all New Zealand singerg will go with him. He is a Marist Old Boy. who won an aria competition in Wellington in 1985, and since then he has been giving successful recitals jn Melbourne and the western districts of Victoria, Cancelled QNCE again the lack of a town hall in Christchurch has rebounded to the musical detriment of the community. Station 8YA has scheduled for

eee April 10 a recital on the Civic organ by Mr. Clarence B. Hall. This organ, by the way, is the only "public" instrument of its kind in the city. But the broadcast had to be cancelled, as the Civic Theatre was required for other purposes. As the theatre is used practically all the year round for films, Christchurch, which is steadily progressing commercially and in the matter of population, still finds itself without anything in the shape of a town hall.

Masquerading HERE will be no studio play presentation from 4YA next Monday night. The first half of the hour that hag come to be called "play hour" by listeners, will be devoied to the Masked Masqueraderg and Jesters in half-an-hour of sketches, songs and jests. This group has been heard fairly regularly from 2YA of late, and listeners in Dunedin are now to be favoured with a recording of the programmes, and it is t'.s first of these that go over the air next Monday. The second half of the "play hour" will consist of a George Edwards production, "The Heart of Murope," one of the Mystery Club recorded dramas, Whirligigs SECOND of the new "Whirligig of Time" talks from 4YA, "The History of War and Peace," will be given on Tuesday next, when Mr. N. S&S. Woods will speak on "Waterloo to the Great War and After." If Mr. Woods covers the whole of that period to the present-day, it is to be feared there will not be very much "peace" in his lecture, ag Wars and rumours of wars have been rather prowinent during the century and more that will be covered by him. However it goes, Mr. Woods’s talk js certain to be "meaty," for he is q man Who gets right into the heart of his subject and has the happy knack of being able to discard the prosy and uninteresting. ~ Farewell RESIDENT and council of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Music Teachers’ Association met at tea the other morning in Christchurch to tell Miss Betty Hannum, musician, how much they regretted ner departure for England. Dr. J. C. Bradshaw, Mrs. RF. J. Martin and Miss J. Black spoke, and Miss Hannam, in reply, referred to the responsibility which musicians accepted, consciously or unconsciously, in helping the individual to profit by leisure hours. Child Player CARA HALL, 15-year-old New Zealand child pianist, has been giving broadeasts from the northern stations of the NBS lately, and apparently been making a name for herself. She is claimed to be good, and she must be, for she has the right to put the letters LRSM. after her name. Atmospherics and other troubles frequently result in southerners missing worthwhile broadcasts from other stations, but those in Dunedin who haye missed hearing this child will have an opportunity next week, when she will give two transmissions from 4YA, on Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22. Her first broadcast will be devoted to four Chopin numbers. World Affairs "AYA, Monday night, 8.40, J. T. Paul will speak on ‘World Affairs,’ Wherever and whenever radio programmes have been set up, that has been practically a standard line. However, next Monday night at 8.40 this popular commentator on world events will not be heard from 4YA, nor even from 4Y0O. Those who arrange to stay at home to listen to him may go out, but they had better cancel arrangements made for Wednesday, for Mr. Paul will speak at 8.40 on the Wednesday, just by way of a change. The alteration from the usual schedule is

due to the special Daster programme arrangements, White Heather HB value of radio clubs in enabling listeners to make contacts with others in distant parts has been fully demonstrated in the activities of the JZM Scots’ Club. A few. lines announeing that the writer hailed from some particular part of the Old Counetry has resulted in other listeners from similar localities entering into correspondence and forming friendships. Recently, the request of a mother for a bit of white heather for her daughe

fer’s bridal bouquet found an immediate response and gratification of a heart's desire. Fate Of Maoris NYTHING about the Maoris, those Polynesians whose beginnings are clouded in obscurity and who first settled in New Zealand about 1320, although it was discovered by the rover Kune 400 years before, is always assured of a cordial reception by the public. Maoris will form the subject of a recorded talk from 4YA on Tuesday next, when Mr. C. M. Bennett will speak on "The Survival of the Maori," Sports Field COVERING every kind of sport and furnishing listeners with the lntest local and general sporting news, is 4ZB’s sports service, capably cons ducted by Bernie McConnell. On Friday, at 10 p.m., he sums up fortheoming week-end activities and the outecome of the various fixtures. At 6.5 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. on Saturday, a summary of all results is broadcast, while on Sunday morning Mr. McConnell discusses personalities in the atheltic field, During the week, immediately upon reception. ‘sports flashes" are put over from 4ZR. A new feature of the sports service is the introduction of weekly interviews, the first of which Was given to Mr. Diamond last week, when a comprehensive survey of base ball. a game just introduced into the

South island, formed the subject of the interview. Scottish Numbers AN innovation acclaimed over a wide field of listeners was introduced by the 1ZM Scots’ Club last month, when it staged an hour’s session of old-time Scottish dance numbers. This experimental feature evoked instantaneous approbation from listeners in all parts from Kaitaia in the Northland to Catlin’s River at the Bluff. Many of the age-old dances of Scottish ballroom tradition were featured. A full two hours is to be devoted to a similar programme on Thursday, April 21. A real pipe band is to provide many of the dance tunes. For Anzac Day ELABORATE arrangements are being made by 1ZB to present a programme on Anzac Day that cvill be well in keeping with the historical anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli. In addition to an outside broadcast, Rod Talbot is to be in charge of a concert to be given in the studio by exDiggers. This will be on the lines of the ¥Y.M.C.A. concerts, so popular behind the lines in the various theatres of war from 1914 to 1918. John Batten ACK in Auckland again and once more featured on 1ZB’s_ programmes is John Batten to entertain listeners, His series of talks labelled "Here, There and Everywhere" recently started, are well worth listening to, for John, who has travelled widely, speaks of many places visited and famous personalities met. For instance, in his first talk, which concerned Monte Carlo, he had much to say that was interesting about the Dolly Sisters, whom he met at the famous gambling resort. Rosika, of the Dolly Sisters, he said, nonchalantly lost thousands of francs at Monte Carlo. One night, while John was at the Casino, Mons. Citroen, the French millionaire motor-car manufacturer, actually lost one million francs. Last Sunday night’s talk by John Batten was equally as interesting. It dealt with Tahiti. For Motorists STATION 3ZB has organised a special service to motorists for April 14 and 15, in co-operation with the Post and Telegraph Department and the Automobile Association, Canterbury. The scheme is to give motoring tourists an idea of the state of the roads all over Canterbury and Westland, the Lewis Pass, and so on. Telephone hookups for all districts between Queenstown and Nelson are arranged. Motor-Racing LARGELY through the incredibly rapid acceleration that can be obtained, the motor-cycle racing sport appeals hugely to fans of the mechanieal track. The third annual race sponsored by the Canterbury Auto-cycle ‘lub-the New Zealand Grand Prixwill be held at Cust, Canterbury, on

April 18. Station 3ZB is looking into the matter of doing a broadcast of this event. A racing expert told the "Record" in Christchurch last week that the race is packed with thrills. If a competitor is doing 40 m.p.h. and crashes, it’s dangerous; but if he’s clocking 60 m.p.h. and takes a header, he rolis clear to safety-generally. On Vacation EEN in and out of 1ZB last week was an ex-Aucklander, Dick Wade, who was engaged in the gramophone and record business before he took up an appointment with the National Commercial Broadcasting Service. On vacation from 4ZB, where he is assistant programme organiser, he spent most of it in Auckland. Long before the Commercial stations were dreamed of, he was dealing in gramophones and records in Auckland. For a while he was a member of the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. When touring companies wanted "extra" players he was always on hand, and often he found himself near the great ones in the J. C, Williamson and Allan Wilkie Companies. He is responsible for 4ZR’s night programme. Quick Work EWS has reached New Zealand that Warren Toogood, well-known Wellington repertory player, and frequently heard on the air from National and Commercial stations, has "landed" a most satisfactory contract in Sydney. Under the name of Warren Barry, he is to be associated, as leading man, with radio productions directed by Harvey Adams, who will be remembered in New Zealand for his production and performance of "Night Must Fall," "The Shining Hour" and "Fresh Fields." Incidentally, he got his contract three hours after landing in Sydney from the Awatea,

She Called In {tz is not often that 4ZB has a visitor of 101 years of age in the studio. This happened the other day when Mrs. Reason, one of the oldest identities in New Zealand, having arrived in Dunedin seventy-five years ago, came up to the studio to see Peter. and Jill conducting the children’s session. Mrs. Reason was very anxious to see Peter, who had visited her during a recent, illness, and sung at her hedside.

Station 2YA will broadcast the Prime Minister’s farewell message to New Zealand’s R.S.A. representatives at the Sydney Sesqui-cen-tennial Celebrations at 4.40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, and the same station will later broadcast a running commentary of the departure of the contingent.