Governor Hobson Is Subject Of Striking Radio Serial

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 37, 24 February 1939, Page 37

Governor Hobson Is Subject Of Striking Radio Serial

Fine Work Im.Lecal Production

AUDITIONED last week at Sounderaft Studios, Wellington, were the first four of the 26 episodes which will comprise "Governor Hobson,’’ New Zealand Centennial radio play. ¥opical, informative, intimate, and, above all, entertaining, these opening episodes indicated that the standard of local radio play production can bear comparison with that of overseas. History is something more than aé_ collection of dates, places and events. Essentially,

it is a record of human fives; and if an historical play is to be a success one must be able to feel the humanity of the eharacters, "Governor Hobson," er what was heard *of it fast week, does that; and does it without straining for effect or

without detracting from the authenticity of the major facts in the story of Captain William Hobson, R.N., first Governor of New Zealand, from his appointment in 1839 to his death in 1842, "Listen carefully, for the characters jin this play are 100 years away," says the foreword to each episode. That is so; but as one listens, one hag the feeling that, in their ambitions, and joys, and fears, these characters in the first chapter of New Zealand’s story as a British possession are very close to the present. There are possibly a few anachronisms. One early Victorian damsel speaks about coming in out of the rain lest it spoil her wave. They certainly had hair waves in those days; but whether a lady would discuss the subject with a gentleman is another matter! ‘Governor Hobson," which should be heard on the air shortly, includes in its cast the whole Hobson family, the Wakefields, and other members of the New Zealand Company, Lord Melbourne, James Busby, Bishop Pompallier, missionaries, Maori chiefs, beachcombers, and whalers of the early days. Its "highlight incidents" include the events in England leading up to the departure for New Zealand of Governor Hobson and his family, the signing’ of Waitangi, the first trial by jury in New Zealand, the founding of Auckland, Hobson’s troubles with the settlers and his untimely death. The play was written by Kingsley Brady, produced by Leon Gotz. To them, and to the cast, muck eredit is due.