PERSONALITIES ..ON THE AIR..

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 28, 23 December 1938, Page 8

PERSONALITIES ..ON THE AIR..

, N New Zealand's early days, ‘a three-cornered misunder4 standing arose between Mr. James Busby, the then newly-appointed British Resident, Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales, and the Colonial Office in London. On receiving his appointment, Mr. Busby said that he expected to be provided with a residence befitting the dignity of his office. Accordingly he asked that he be furnished with a ‘‘house in frame,’’ by which he meant a house in all respects, and ready for erection at its destination. The Colonial Office misinterpreting Mr. Busby’s meaning, authorised Sir Richard Bourke to supply a number of sttids, joists and rafters. The outcome of this mix-up was the erection of a couple of rooms which did duty for New Zeéaland’s first ‘‘British Residency.’’ 7

‘PAID TO TALK NATURALLY.

Continuing his "Cradle of New Zealand" series of recorded talks at 1YA, on Thursday, December. 29, Mr. Douglas Cresswell will discuss "Mr. Busby’s Difficulties." . ° 4

When an advertisement canvasser, John Tilley, tried to sell space to. the man-

ager of a music-hall in the year 1932, the manager thought he was trying to be funny. He laughed at

‘Tilley so much that he offered him a job to walk on the stage and talk "naturally." In three weeks Tilley was astar. Then the BBC heard of him, and he became a regular feature in their programmes. His inconsistent and lugubrious monologues amused millions. Tilley wrote all his own sketches. Within three years this brilliant entertainer

died at the age of 36, but his few gramophone records reveal his genius, in unfolding a simple prosaic story, and coining humour from everyday things.

BALLADS THAT } HAVE LIVED |

2YA listeners will hear John Tilley, comedian, in the music, mirth and melody session on Thursday, December 29.

Which of us would not prefer -o be remembered as the composer afl awnh annoa aad

. VA wees eee LS "My Lovely Celia," "The Lass With the Delicate Air," or "Cherry Ripe," rather than forgotten as the manufacturer of any of the countless contemporary sonatas that have fallen into oblivion? Yet these songs were the popular songs of their day and have entered into the permanent repertoire of. our time on account of the beauty of their melodies, Who

is going to say that none of the melodies of today, such as some of the best of Haydn Wood and Eric Coates, will receive similar favour in a future revival? To most people Haydn Wood’s name is associated with successful drawing-room ballads, but in addition he is a conductor, expert arranger, and a composer in larger forms.

HIS MUSIC IS IN MINIATURE

3YA listeners will be afforded a taste of Haydn Wood's quality in these capacities with his Light Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, December 25.

That exquisite miniaturist among presentday composers, Rocrcer Onilter. is

most attracted by, and at home with, that style of poetry which may be said to be the exact counterpart of his own musical stylepolished workmanship, delicate sentiment, and graceful rhythm and imagery. Quilter writes with intimate vocal understanding, and his melodies are flexible and expressive; but of equal importance are the accompaniments with thei

colourful harmony and delightful turns of phrase. A number of Quilter’s songs, with the composer playing the accompaniments have.. been recorded by Mark Raphael, baritone. These discs are likely to become historic.

HER FATHER LIKED THAT PIECE

4YA listeners will near Mark Raphael, baritone, on Friday, December 30, in a short recital of Quiiter’s songs.

The first place in which the marvellous pianoforte hand of Hileen Joyce

came in contact with any sort o% keyboard was at a school in Boulder City, Western Australia. In record time she could play her first piece, "The Campbells are Coming," faster than any other pupil, and this classic of the young pupil’s first steps to Parnassus, together with

"Trish Diamonds," formed her repertoire. Eileen Joyce reflects sadly now that when she visits her family (who are most humble folk), she has to confess that she has forgotten the latter piece, her father will assert that she has made no progress in her art.

LONG LIVE GEORGE THE SECOND

Eileen Joyce, pianist, will be heard from 3YA on Christmas Night, and from 2YA on Tuesday, December 27,

When the original George Formby died in 1921, his son George went to

London to look for work. On the stage at the Victoria Palace he saw a comedian working his father’s material. (George Junior, by the way, never once saw his dad’s act.) "Nay, dash it all, if he can get away with that, so can I," thought George. So he took his mother’s name and soon, as George Hoy, made good. George Formby, comedian, will be heard in 2YA’s music, mirth and melody session on r Monday, December 26.