RADIO FOR SOUTHLANDERS

Radio Record, 3 June 1938, Page 18

RADIO FOR SOUTHLANDERS

Important Developments At Invercargill-North versus. South Rughy Maich-Irish Tenor Soon-Speech By Adam Hamilton-Cricket Test Broaacasts-News From The Commercials , ,

MPORTANT developments in radio reception in Southiand are proceeding. The new receiving station at Dacre, for 4YZ, Invercargill, is expected to be completed by next August, by which time the new 4YZ studio in Tay Street, Invercargill, will be opened. The stronger power to be given in August will greatly reduce the amount of interference, a source of some complaint. Sets will then not be required to be attuned tu maximum volume, with its accompaniment of considerable interference, more particularly in the case of outside stations. Further improveinent in reception from outside stations may be brought about when the province is linked with the Waitaki electric power supply at the end of this vear. THE transmitter for the new station at Dacre arrived from Australia about the middle of May, and has been assembled in the reinforced concrete building alongside the two 325ft. radio towers which are now a feature of the landscape on the main road from Invercargill to Dunedin. Mr. A. Ryland, from 3YA, who has been appointed operator in charge at Dacre, has taken up his new duties. The old brick house which, ap~ propriately converted, has done ser- vice as the 4YZ station and studio, will be relinquished by August in favour of the new premises in Tay Street, work upon which has begun. The old Friendly Societies’ Hall 1s being remodelled to provide an office, studios, talks studio and control room. The original plans have been mbdified to ensure that there will be no undue delay in the opening of the new station, and in the meantime the chief studio, which will be 45ft. by 24ft., will not be proceeded with. JT is not known at ithe moment what hours the new station will observe, but it is anticipated that the present service will be exiended. 4YZ started last September with a service of from 7 p.m. till 10 p.m.,

and on Sundays from 1i a.m. till 1 p.m., and from 6.30 p.m. till 10 p.m. The first extension of hours brought in a weekday lunch session trom 12.30 till 1.30, which was subsequently increased to from noon till 2 p.m. The stock of records has increased to nearly 6000. New records are a ae i aie oe ct en ea

included in the programme as soon as they arrive, and there has been a steady introduction of feature items or programmes from the other stations. NORTH versus South Rugby football match will be played at Athletic Park on Saturday, June 11, and 1s timed to begin at "2.45 p.m. Station 2YA will breadcast a running commentary on the fixture. STATION 2VA will bring io the microphone for his initial appearance Danny Malone, Irish tenor of international fame, at 9.25 p.m. on June 10. This famous singer will be in the Dominion for six weeks, during which time he will four the national stations. IIE many thousands of Canterbury football fans unable to get into the city to see their favourite teams in ac-

tion will be more than pleased: to hear that the broadcasting ban has been lifted. On June 6, at 2.45 p.m., 8YA will relay, from Lancaster Park,. the representative match, Canterbury ‘v. Bay of Plenty. During the rest of the season all the principal matches of the day at Lancaster Park will go over 3YA. INCREASED interest is being taken in the Dominion political battle over the radio, particularly since the recent municipal elections, and whether the speaker. be the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, or a member of the National Party, he commands a huge audience of. listeners when he broadcasts over the national network. Mr. Savage was the first to speak, then he was followed by ithe Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition. The Hon. Walter Nush next addressed listeners, and on Monday night the Inde-

pendent, Mr. H. Atmore, M.P. for Nelson, spoke for two hours, his address given in the Theaire Royal, Nelson, being relayed by the national stations. Next Monday night the same stations will relay the Hon. {dam Hamilton again, when he speaks to New Zealand by radio from the Theatre Royal, Hanulton. lt is expected that the Hon. Peter Fraser will follow with a political address. Brass Band STATION 4YA’s band night, which is Tuesday, has lately been devoted to recorded bands. Next Tuesday the steadily-improving St. Kilda Band, under the conductorship of Mr L. Francis, will be heard between 9.5 and JO p.m., in a popular concert, which should prove an attractive change from the "tinned" music, Soprano N Wellington for one of her brief visits, Awne Luciano ‘vill be heard from the 2YA studios on June 8 and 9. The talented soprano will be remembered as one of the featured artists in the Clem Dawe Revue Company. At §.12 p.m. on June 8 she will sing a bracket of compositions by Eric Coates and Haydn Wood, and on the following evening at 8.16 p.m., will give a programme of popular ballad music. Chopin Test (COLIN HORSLEY, pianist, aged 17, of Wanganui, will broadcast from 1YA on June 15 and from 2YA on June 24. From 2YA he will give Chopin’s most difficult work, "Allegro de Concert," said by one authority never to bave been played by any New Zealander at least during the last 20 years, beeause of its extreme technical ‘difficulties, Colin Horsley, who has won a scholarship at the Royal College of Music, is to leave New Zealand in July. Everest VE should know any day now whether the Everest expedition of 1988 has succeeded or failed. Within

a short while the monsoons will arrive and climbing will be over for the year. Mr. L. Y, Bryant, a member of the 1935 Everest expedition, is to speak at 4YA on June 10 on the present attack on the mountain. Light "MORE light," said the dying Goethe. A ° the problem in many communities is not more light, but better light. Sometimes, indeed, there is too much light. Most of us have experienced bad lighting in our own homes, in the homes of our friends, in offices, and in public places. Unshaded lights may spoil the enjoyment of an evening, and of course the amount of injury that is done to eyes by bad lighting is

enormous. The New Zealand Lighting Service Bureau, backed by most of the lighting authorities in New Zealand, is staging a Better Light Week from June 6 to 18, and the assistance of radio has been sought. The NBS has now in preparation some short playlets illustrating in dramatic form the harm that bad lighting can do, and what the householder and the business man should look for in the way of good lighting. The first of these is to be heard at 2YA on June 9, and another is to be broadcast at 3YA on June 17. Roll Up "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party." The first step toward this, whatever the party, is to get your name on the Parliamentary roll, Mr. G, G. Hodgkins, chief electoral officer for the Dominion, is to give a talk to electors on their part in the business. He will be heard from 2YA on June. 7, and from the other stations on other dates. In Fleet Street REMEMBERED for his recent talk from 2YA on the Oxford-Cam-bridge boat race, Mr. George Joseph, New Zealander, who studied at Oxford and worked for a time in Fleet Street, is to give two talks from 2YA, The

first, on June 9, will be on "The Street of Adventure" (Fleet Street), and the second, on June 16, will be "A Colon: ial’s Impressions of Oxford." On Parade UNE 6, the King’s Birthday, will find 3YA military in the morning with a parade at Hagley Park, and a review of the troops by Lord Galway, Governor-General,.on the broadcasting schedule. For those not au fait with matters military, a special expert will attend to the commentary. A football match will go over the air in the afternoon. In the evening 3YA_ will rebroadcast the speech by the Hon Adam Hamilton, from Hamilton, Plays ‘TWO recorded plays will constitute 4YA’s "play hour" between 9.5 and 10 p.m, next Monday. The main feature will be "The Egotist," and it will be supported by another of the Mystery Club dramas, which have been receiying bouquets from listeners, 4YA Readings ARJORIE FLEMING was a child prodigy who lived from 1803 until 1811, Sir Walter Scott came to know the child and immediately took

her under his wing. At the age of six she was reading history, and had cotnposed several poems, besides having kept her own diaries. This very talented child formed the subject of a Story "Pet Margarie"’ written by H. B. Farnie, and of an essay by Dr. John Brown. On Friday next Professor ‘T. E. Adams will read extracts from these works. In addition Professor Adauis will read from "Westward Ho!" An unusually entertaining evening is promised. If Professor Adams maintains the standard he is setting in his early readings this new session from 4YA-it started only last week-should prove widely acceptable. For Christchurch ISTENERS to 3YA have not heard an overseas artist in the flesh for some time. Next to appear on the 8YA programme, on June 12, is Frederick Collier, Australian bass-baritone. Further appearances will be on June 15 and 17. Fine Plays WO recent plays presented by 3YA were outstanding, The first was "Lawrence of Arabia." by the Civic Players, who succeeded in bringing out the full flavour of one of the most magnetic personalities the world has seen. Every member of the cast was excellent. The second, on quite different lines-old-fashioned, yet charm-ing-was "Lovelace." by Marjorie Basset and Company. More work by these two groups would be welcome over the air. The Universe NEw "Whirligig of Time" series is to begin from 4YA at 7.30 next Tuesday night. Bearing the title, "Ideas of World and Space." the series will he limited to three talks. he first will be "The Mediaeval World and the Romance of Astronomy," by Dr, (. M. Focken, well known in astronomical circles. The second talk, by Dr. G. C. Billings, will deal with the enlarging of the knowledge of the world, and will

refer in particular to "Captain Cook, the Ideal Explorer," and "Light on the Dark Continent.’ The concluding address will again draw Dr. Focken to the microphone; "More Conceplions of i#e Universe." Sing Up! ‘PHOSE three bright ones, Messrs. H. P. Desmoulins, J. I, Himburg and Alf. Pettitt, will be up to their usual capers next Friday, and 4YA will help listeners to be associated by relaying proceedings from the Strand Theatre, where the weekly community sing will be held at 12.15 p.m. Railway Singers ISTENERS to 2YA will hear a programme by the Hutt Valley Leidertafel, relayed from St. James's Hall, Lower Hutt, on June 9. The 22 male voices of this combination are drawn largely from employees at the railway workshops. Formed approximately six years ago, it has given many concerts for charitable purposes. Conductor Mr, Harry Brusey is also deputy-eonductor

of the Royal Wellington Choral Union and the Schola Cantorum and choirmaster at St. James's Church, Lower Hutt. Associated with the Liedertafel in its forthcoming broadcast is Lionel IIarris, pianist of merit, and Master Warwiek Keen, young Wanganni singer, Contralto solos will be sung hy Mrs, Edith Wiltshire, The relay is limed for 0.5 p.m. 2YA Serial WY RITTEN by Edmund Barclay, prolifie Australian radio playwright, and produced in the studios of the NBS, "Shanghai" is described as an original radio play of the China Seas, The first 80 min. episode of this serial wili be launched from 2YA on June 8, at 9.5 pm., and on each Wednesday evening for 12 succeeding weeks the station Will broadcast further instalments, Piano Recital ny ADAME BETTS-YINCENT © will give another of her interesting annotated recitals at the piano from 2YA at &.30 p.m. on June 7. She has chosen 2 programme of music by French commosers, Sydney Holiday MISS DOROTHY RYAN ("Thea"), of 1ZB, leaves by the Mariposa on a holiday visit to Sydney on-June 10. Broadcasts in Sydney are indicated, but must of all, Then is looking for-

ward to a rest at the Rose Bay home ot Gladys Moncrieff. She had expected to go some months ago, but Miss Moncrieft's serious accident upset her plans, This Weather NE of the first things the farmer expects to hear when he turns on his radio is the weather netice. On June 10, at 3YA, Mr. P. H. Jones will start a series of talks on "How the Weather Works.’ He will deal with "Causes," "Oddities," and "Control," speaking under the last two sub-titles on June 17 and 24. The Swiss HE Swiss Consulate advises that on Sunday, June 5, 1938, there will be a special Swiss broadcast over HB 290.64m 14,585 Ke and HBO 26.31 m 11.402 Ke. at 8.30 p.m., from the League of Nations sender at Geneva. The programme consists of a talk in the three national languages of Switzerland. German, French and Italian, regarding outstanding events in Switzerland in May. The talk will be followed by a musical and literary programme of a duration of 30-45 minutes. The proeramme will be concluded with the reading of correspondence and the intoning of the Swiss national anthem. Fifteen minutes ahead of the beginning

of this programme, from 8.15 to 8.30 p.™m., Will be devoted to popular music such as Swiss yodels. People fancying such music may therefore tune in already 15 minutes ahead of the start of the general programme. American Game HERE are not many people in New Zealand who do not understand something about Rugby, but there are few who really understand American football. One who does is Mr, W. G. McClymont, who is, among many other things, football coach at the Otago Boys’ High School. Mr. McClymont will throw some light on the intricate American "ball game" next Tuesday night, when he will be heard from 4YA at 8.40, speaking on "American Football." Later, on June 14, he will speak on "Football in Britain." Records Saved STATION 3ZB was very lucky when the most disastrous fire in Christchurch for many years went through its building the other Monday morning. The luck went this way: The previous night’s presentation was untouched and this was available for use that day, if want-

ed. When the administrative staff got going in temporary premises in Cathedral Square, the girls did their work nobly. Instead of their usual aumaculate frocks they very sensibly wore real working clothes, to sit on packing-cases or anything else handy, to dry and clean records, note the numbers and get busy again for presentation over the air. Controller C. G. Scrimgeour expressed his warm appreciation of the staff work. The Effect FFEATURE of 2YA’s evening programme on June 5 will he a 15minute hroadeast of eathedral music by the Schola Cantorum, This talented group of 26 mixed voices is directed

by Stanley Oliver, the well-known musical authority. To procure the exact cathedral effect, their items will be sung in the Maori Hall of the Dominion Museum and relayed from there by 2YA. Brother Heard R. FRANK HUTCHENS, New Zealand pianist, well known in Canterbury, is broadeasting for the BBC While in London. ‘The other evening his brother, Mr. Will Hutchens, of Christchurch, had the pleasure of hearing him play a group of his own compositions. Orchestral works composed

by Mr. Frank Hutchens will also be broadcast by the BBC before he leaves early in June for Australia to resume work at the Sydney Conservatorium. Adults Too J}PUCATIONAL sessions for the seeond school term start again next Tuesday, when 1YA will broadcast om relay from the Teachers’ Training College, Epsom, talks on ‘"To-morrow’s History," by Mr. B. M. Kibblewhite, on music by Mr. Ramsay Howie, and on "The World’s First Crops," by Mr. ©. L. Gillies, B.Ag. These educational

proadeasts to the schools have an enormous following, including many adults. The full syllabus and lectures are published in a special handbook compiled for the NBS, enabling the pupils in the schools equipped with radio not only to follow the lectures but to discuss them afterward. Sad Relic NE of the first pieces of "furniture" to take fire in a building blaze is a piano. The dryness of its wood, polish and general construction feed the flames. Yet the Bechstein grand in the main studio of 3ZB after the fire still played when Jack Maybury ran his fingers over the keys in the presence of the "Record’s’ Christchurch man. This piano-worth quite a lot of money-stood in the shambles of brok-

en glass, burnt carpet, stench, smoke and water, but was still capable of producing g likeable tune. It was a trifle pathetic when the staff came up to look over their old quarters and saw nothing but a mass of twisted iron and ashes while the irrepressible ‘Jacko" tinkled out a tune. Coolness WHETHER it was due to the fact that the flames were confined to concrete walls, or that the early morning was bitterly cold, two leading members of the staff of 3ZB, Christchurch, were coldly efficient while their offices were registering intense heat at the big blase. Two executives took up their stance among the crowd on the opposite footpath and immediately got into a huddle with themselves and other staff people about the next day's programme. Soldiers EXT Monday being the King’s Birthday, a big military parade is to be held at the Auckland Domain. Arrangements have been made by 1YA to broadcast a special commentary by ieutenant-Colonel R. H. Marryatt.

Lieutenant-Colonel Marryatt will be remembered by many listeners for his fine talk from this station some months ago on the late Sergeant "Dick" Travers. Bach From 4YA (THE German composer Bach was prolific. He wrote a High Mass in B Minor, four smaller Masses, a Magnificat and other works to Latin words, three Passions, 202 church cantatas and oratorios, 21 secular cantatas, 29 concertos and other orchestral pieces, and an enormous quantity of music for the organ-himself he was an organist -clavier, and stringed instruments. One of his most delightful pieces is "Suite in D Major," and this composition will form the body of Dr, V. HB. Galway’s dissertations during the

"Masterpieces of Music" session from 4YA next Thursday night. One Man’s Family HANGES in time for the presentation at 1ZB of "One Man’s Family" gave station telephone operators some trying moments last week. In spite of repeated announcements and highlighting, hundreds rang to inquire when it would be broadcast again. For the benefit of all listeners everywhere, it might be repeated that the same episode of "One Man’s Family" is broadeast twice a week-on Friday evenings at 9 o’clock and on Sunday mornings at 10.15. These times apply to the four commercial stations. 1ZB’s Coverage AFTER reading hundreds of reports of the recention of 1ZB’s new transmitter that have come from all parts of the Dominion, station officials are pleased with the new coverage. It is most pleasing to hear that many new areag are better seryed through 1ZB’s 1 kilowatt transmitter. Nelson, a notoriously bad area, now receives 1ZB at entertainment sirength. Invercargill even picks up 1ZB. In Wellington and Christchurch the station is heard

reas eet een ete Fone clearly at night. The King Country, a spot which many stations fail ta cover. apparently is sure of good reception at! night. For Amateurs AY ANY a good artist has come from " the eompetitioas platform, and se 2ZR, Christchurch, has inangurated series of amateur trials. Entries have poured in and the wiiole show has beer a sneeessy, for the judge, Mr. Len Barnes. of Christeaurch, is hard pu. to it to separate the finalists, A simi lar series will probably be held dnrins the next school holidays. For The Sick REC INT decision of Mr. C, G. Serim ‘geour, Controlier of the Commer cial Service, to inslude the popular feature "One Man’s Family" in 10 a.m hospital session, Sundays, at all ZB stations has been me? with much appre: ciation, mostly from country districts. Writers say that "Lights Out" regulations had previously ent ont thonsands of inyalided listeners from the weekly presentation at 9 pim., Fridays. Oratory PTs year’s Bledisloe Medal contest for oratory. for studenis of the New Zealand universities. will be held at Anekland on June 8 Victoria Co! lege, Wellington, will he represented be °o"%2R’s Mr, Fingi Tahiwi and Mr, J. B Ajmers, winners of the 1985 and 1986 medals. respectively. The contest is held triennially and is confined — to people and events notable in New Zea

lund history. Kingi’s subject this year will be "fe Rauparaha," famous chicf of the Ngati Toa and Ngati Raukawa, af which Kingi claims prideful membership. Commending him for his willing effort in 1985, Professor Von Zedlitz, one of the judges, said: "Mr. Tahiwi’s oration has won a contest in which the standard reached is the highest yet.’ Wagner yy itn its 21 specially selected soloists, the Auckland Dorian Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Albert aryant, delighted 1ZB listeners last Sunday night week in a specially arringed 80-minute broadeast. Linked up by splendid continuity, the ehoir sang excerpts from "Tannhauser" in celebration of Richard Wagner’s annisersary. Better choral singing has not heen heard for a long time. The choir will next be heard from 1ZB in another special presentation on June 19. His Song AUNT DPAISY has lost the distinetion Of being the only radio announcer whose sessions are introduced with a song about her famous, if somewhat mythical, namesake, Jay MeNamuara’s Marton hour is now introduced with the lilting "My Name Is MeNiumara and I’m the Leader of the Band." The song, "McNamara’s Band." was the team song of the British Rugby team that toured New Zealand in 1930. Lou Paul Back GINCE his return from the southern commercial stations, Loul Paul has heen well liked at 1ZB, where he has been featured extensively. Last Snnday he went on the air in a number of Maori songs at 3 o’clock, and again at $.80, when he sang Hawaiian songs to his own accompaniment on the electric guitar. After this session inany listeners’ asked for a Tepetition of ihe broadeast, and accordingly, the smiling and talented Maori eame on again at 10.30 p.m. Korero IKELY to be enjoyable is the relay arranged by 2ZB of the korero of the Charley's Aunt Club from 10.80 p.m. to 11.80 p.m. Wednesday, June & Chairman for the evening is Commervinl Broadeasting Service's national secretary, Harry Bell, of the club's executive, who will have good broadcasting assistance from Barend Harris, 24B’s film relay dnnouncer, and the versatile Kingi Tahiwi. Mr. Sproggins Wyo is Mr. Sproggins? That is a question that has intrigued 4ZB's listening public for some time. He has heen a competitor (and, alas! an unsuccessful one) on every ocension that the amateur trials have been held at 4%B. To date he has tempted (or should we say defied?) fortune with nine instrumental essays. Piano, mouth organ, Jew's harp, bagophone, mandolin. tin whistle, bagpipes, Swannee whistle and violin, he has tried in turn. but though he sneceeds in amusing the audience and his fellow competitors. he has failed to impress the judges sufficiently to achieve a place among the winners. With almost pathetic optimism he eontinnes nndannted to persisf.