OVER THE AIR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22389, 30 April 1938, Page 10

OVER THE AIR

SOME MORE ABOUT

READING

[By LISTENER.]

Memory may be defective, but I think I have on other occasions said something about broadcast readings in this column. The subject would ndt be mentioned again but for the fact that fresh knowledge has come my way. I have been told by a reliable informant that some American stations have been putting readings from contemporary writers on the air, and rather astonishing efforts were made to secure a satisfactory performance in certain stories having several sharply defined characters. In making preparations for the broadcast of one of Ernest Hemingway's stories, several voices were tried so that the various parts would be satisfactorily interpreted. We know, of course, that the British Broadcasting Corporation puts short stories on the air, and it is probably not news to many that similar broadcasts have been tried in Australia. Nevertheless, the National Broadcasting Service persist- in ignoring something for which a popular demand undoubtedly exists. Why this should be so is beyond my ability to explain. On one hand it is admitted officially that Mr D'Arcy Cressweh's rather precious weekly reading session from Auckland is widely appreciated, and yet there is unwillingness to extend the scope of readings so that a larger audience would be entertained. One of the finest Anzac Day items I heard came from Daventry early last Monday evening. John Maude, who will be known to some as Dr. Lovelock's companion in the "Cards on the Table" series of dialogues, read passages from John Masefield's "Gallipoli." The time, admittedly, was appropriate to hear this superb account of the Anzac landing, but it would have sounded well on any evening in the year for the good reason that Mr Maude'is an accomplished reader. Once more I am impelled to make a suggestion to the National Broadcasting Service. Not long ago I read that somebody was advocating a radio impromptu speech competi-. tion. Perhaps that idea was not as good as it sounds, but there is no fault in this one which I now have the honour to present. The National Broadcasting Service could conduct a reading competition in each of the four centres. It would be an interesting interlude and itcou?d be arranged at an extremely low cost. In fact it cbuld be so arranged that it would cost nothing at all, although I would not care to associate myself with official parsimony. The winner need only be promised an engagement as a reader for a short or long term. There need be no more in it than that. Possibly one grows a little .wearv of. ■-. being, a persistent suggestion Wat, but the time must come when the National Broadcasting Service will discern some merit in suggestions offered from outside. Perhaps I should add that there is nothing ulterior in this proposal for a reading competition. It is most improbable that! should win it under an assumed name; but I can say that I know one or two likely candidates. I would begin with the Director of Broadcasting himself, but he, no doubt, has quite enough to occupy his time. "Whirligig" Difficulties A kindly enough critic -of.' the "Whirligig of Time" talks has. complained to me that he is beginning to get lost in the whirl.' He. feels that the talks, haying got out of hand, are 'losing their essential unity and relevance. Although much work has been put into the preparation of this series, I felt even at the start that it,was just a little too ambitiously sustained. Listeners like change, and by now I expect a large number of people pass by the "Whirligig" talks merely because they bear a common name. Perhaps it is troublesome to arrange it, but there should be endless -variety in radio talks.' If-not, they can achieve only a fragment of their purpose. Still, the National Broadcasting has engaged many "Whirligig" speakers and the talks must go on. However, this helpful suggestion may be offered. New interest might be stimulated if teach of the main national stations broadcast a talk on the series, explaining its purpose, giving an idea of the general plan, announcing what talks will, be heartf in the future, and stating who the speakers will be. Such information would' nudge listeners who have lost interest. Preparation of the series has cost time and effort and- its weekly presentation costs money. Therefore, it would be a pity if it became of no more concern to the average listener'than the most familiar piece of domestic furniture. Nevertheless, it must be emphasised that the general call is for novelty, and there is no reason why novelty should not be painlessly instructive and intelligent.

Pianist of Promise

A Newbolt Tribute

3YA, CHRISTCHURCH (720 Kilocycles)

IYA AUCKLAND (650 Kilocycles)

IYX, AUCKLAND (880 Kilocycles)

ZYA, WELLINGTON (570 Kilocycles)

4YO, DUNEDIN (1140 Kilocycles)

PROGRAMMES AND COMMENT

BROADCASTING

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMES

appeared in "The Press," and the only opinion to be expressed is that an unwarrantably large amount is being put into reserve. It has not yet been clearly stated what the reserves are being accumulated for, but there is a prevalent suspicion that Wellington's Broadcasting House, for which partial provision has already been made in.the Public Works estimates, will finally be a charge of some sort on the general radio funds. Then, of course, there is the famed conservatorium which the authorities seem to hope will become an ample drain for accumulating moneys. It is time, however, that this farce was ended. Most listeners rightfully expect that their licence fees will be returned to them in the form of increasingly better and much more original programmes. To get the truth about radio finance is rather like Mr Lloyd .George's description of his experience in negotiating with Mr de Valera. "It's like attempting to scoop up mercury with a fork." Radio v. Conversation Sometimes I feel that radio is likely to become the enemy of conversation, the most pleasant of the social arts, which is already falling into sad decline. Twice this week I have been wooed away from interesting broadcasts because amiable people- have descended upon me for a "good talk." Last Sunday I wanted to hear the National Broadcasting Service production of "Hamlet," put on the air from Wellington in commemoration of the immortal William's birthday. However, one cannot always treat visitors in the airy way of Sir Edward and Pamela Grey They once asked a group of house party guests how they intended to spend the evening. "We're going to read," said Sir Edward. One's guests are not ta be so simply dismissed because the master of the house desires to hear a broadcast of "Hamlet."

On Monday evening Miss Cara Hall, a young pianist from Dunedin, will give a recital from 3YA. She is scheduled to perform a brace of Brahms's "Rhapsodies." Miss Hall, who is 15 years of age, is a pianist of character and already she has a fine mastery of tone. There is a claritv in her playing which makes one more than optimistic about her future. I heard her recently in a recital of modern works which included a "Toccata" by Arnold Bax.

To-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock 2YA will broadcast a tribute to the late Sir Henry Newbolt. It will take the form of a short talk illustrated with song settings of some of Newbolt's best known poems. There was a time when every amateur male singer tried his vocal luck with "Drake's Drum," so I suppose that will be on the programme.

70: Breakfast session. 10.0: Recordings. 10.30: Devotional service. 10.45: Recordings. 11.0: Time signal. Recordings. 12.0: Lunch music. 2.0: Recordings. 3.30: Sports results. 4.0: Time signal. 4.30: Sports results. 5.0. Children's hour (Cousin Nessie, with the Musical Box), and at 5.45 p.m., Paradise Plumes and Head-Hunters," episode 2. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: Government and overseas news (from 2YA). 7.10: News and reports. 7.30: Time signal. 8.0: Chimes.. (R) Boston Promenade Orchestra. 8.8: (R) Paul Robeson (bass . 8.14 (R) Quentin M. Maclean (organ). 8.23 (R) Angela Parselles (soprano). 8.29: (R) London Chamber Orchestra. 8.35: "Coronets of England: Queen Elizabeth (ep. 1). 9.0: Weather. Station notices. 9.5: Cornet programme by members of Timaru Municipal Band; Conductor, Lieutenant R. J. Simpson; leader. Bandmaster R. Milligan; accompanist. Miss Bernadette Mangos. L.T.CX... L.R.S.M.; Cornet Ensemble. Cornet Quartet (unaccompanied). Cornet Quartet. 9.17: (R) Interlude, The Fourth Form at St. Percy's (episode 1). 9.30: Solo and Tutti. Soloist, Lieutenant R. J. Simpson; Cornet Quartet; Duet and Tutti; Soloists, Bandmaster R. Milllgan and F. White. 9.43: (R) Interlude: "Cavalcade of 1937." Compered by Gracie Fields and Sandy Powell. 9.49: Descriptive solo, Lieutenant R. J. Simpson; Cornet Quartet (unaccompanied). 10.0: Sports summary. 10.15: Dance music.

3YL, . CHRISTCHURCH (1200 Kilocycles) 5.0: Recordings. 7.0: ASter-dinner music. 8.0: Symphonic programme from 19th century. 10.0: Favourite entertainers.

• 2.0: Recordings. 3.15-430: Sports results. 5.0: Children's session. 6.0: Dinner.music. 7.0: Government and overseas news (from 2YA). 7.10 (approx.): News. 8.0: Concert programme. Studio orchestra, conducted by Harold Baxter. 8.10. National Four (mixed quartet). 8.22. The Orchestra. 8.27: Constance Piper (soprano). 8.39: The Orchestra. 8.42. Edgar Middleton (baritone). 8.54: The Orchestra. 9.0: Weather. Station notices. 9.5: (R) New Mayfair Ensemble. 9.9: Archie Mac. , Scottish staging storyteller, in "Highland News Reel." 9.21: The Accordioneers. 9.27: (R) Humoresk Melodies. 9.30: Recorded feature, "Hotel Revue. 9.42: The Accordioneers. 9.48: (R) Humoresk Melodies. 9.51 (R) Raie da Costa (piano). 9.54: (R) New Mayfair Ensemble. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10: Dance music.

7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: The Music Wranglers." 8.40: "Once Upon a Time." Toyland Fantasy. 9.0: Variety. 10.0: "Canine Capers," mainly about dogs.

6.50: Weather for aviators. 7.0: Breakfast session. 10.0: Weather for aviators. Devotional service. 10.30: Time signals. 12.0: Lunch music. 1.0: Weather for aviators. Week-end Weather. Frost for Canterbury and Otago. 2.0: Light music. 3.0: Sports results (including running commentary on Rugby at Athletic Park). 3.30: Time signals. 4.0: Sports results. 5.0: Children's Session. 6.0: Dinner Session 7.0: Government and overseas news. 7.10: (approx.): News. 7.30: Time signals. 8.0: Chimes. Concert programme. Masked Masqueraders and Jesters in halfhour of sketches, songs and jokes. 8.30: "Ports of Call: A' Visit to Switzerland." 9.0: Weather. Station notices. 9.5: Dance Brogramme. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10: lance programme (cont.).

2YC. WELLINGTON (840 Kilocycles) 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: Light classical programme of instrumental solos, concerted and solo vocal items. 9.0: Melody and humour. 10.0: Happy halfhour.

4YA, DUNEDIN (790 Kilocycles) 2.0: Recordings. 3.30: Sports results. 4.45: Sports results. 3.0: Children's session. 6VO: Dinner music. 7.0: Government and overseas news (from 2YA).' 7.1° (approx.): News. 8.0: Chimes. Programmes of light orchestral and ballad numbers. (R) Jack Hylton and Orchestra. 8.16: (R) Fraser Gange (baritone). 8.27: (R) Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra. 8.38: Dora Lindsay (Scottish* character artist). 8.51: <R) Alfredo Campoli and Orchestra. - 9.0: Weather. Station notices. •• 9JJ: Dance 10.0: Sports summary. 10JO:. Dance music.

7,0: ' After-dinner. ■ music. 8.0: "Jessie Matthews Memories." 8.8: "Organ Reveries." 8;24: "Tunes of the Times" by

SUNDAY

Lew Stone and his Band. 8.36: "The Mills Brothers." 8.42: "The Company Promoter," humorous monologue by John Tilley. 8.50: "Fifty Years of Operetta." 9.0: "Leaves from Diary of a Film Fan." 9.30: "Childhood Memories" Selection, by London Palladium Orchestra. 9.38: "Crazy Night at the Opera" or "Faust Gone Barmy." musical burlesque. 9.44: "On the Avenue" Selection. 9.47: Norman Long entertains. 9.53: Roy Smeck and Hawaiian Serenaders. 10.0: Comedy and light music. DAVENTRY, ENGLAND GSG. 16.86 metres; GSO. 19.76 metres: GSB, 31.55 metres: GSD, 25.53 metres. 5.30 p.m.: Big Ben. "At the BiacK Dog." Mr Wilkes at home in his own bar-par-lour. 6 p.m.: "The Road to Wembley." A programme for football enthusiasts, on the eve of the Cup Final. 6.20: Musical interlude. 0.25: "London Log." 6.35: "Rhythm Express." Benny Frankel and his orchestra. 7.20: The news and announcements. 7.45: Close down.

3YA, CHRISTCHURCH 9.0: Cricket (see 2YA). 9.15: Recordings. 11.0: Morning service from Knox Presbyterian Church. Preacher: Rev. T. W. Armour. Organist: Miss V. Butler. Choirmaster: Mr A. G. Thompson. 1.0: Dinner music. 2.0: Recordings. . 3.0: "Songs of the Seas" (Stanford), by Peter Dawson (bass-baritone). 3.12: Recordings. 3.30: Time signal. Recordings. 5.30: Children's song service (Adjutant Thompson and children from Salvation Army). 6.15: Recordings. 7.0: Evening meeting from Salvation Army Citadel. Speaker: Adjutant Thompson. Bandmaster: Mr N. Goffin. 9.15: Recordings. 8.30: Presentation of complete recorded opera in four acts: "La Boheme" (Puccini). 3VL, CHRISTCHURCH 6.0: Recordings. 8.30: "Lilac Time" selection. 8..53: "Ceremony of the Keys." 8.44: Eric Coatcs Medley. 8.43: Two 'cello solos. 8.5 G: Adele Kern sings waltz songs. U. 5: "Putting Back the Clock." 9.13: Two violin solos. 9.21: Charles Kullmann (tenor) 9.30: Piano interlude. 9.39: Serge Krish Instrumental Septet. 9.45: Essie Ackland sings. 9.50: "Summer Days Suite. IVA, AUCKLAND 2.0: Recordings. 2.30: (R) Artur and Carl Ulrich Schnabel (pianists), with London Symphony Orchestra. 3.54: Recordings. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children s song service. 7.U: Evening service from St. Matthew's Anglican Church. 8.1 o: Recordings. 3.30: Concert by Auckland Municipal Band, conducted by Mr T. J. O'Connor, with musical interludes. IYX, AUCKLAND 8.30: 8.8. C. Symphony Orchestra. 8.55: John McCormack (tenor). 8.53: Beatrice Harrison and New Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Edward Elgar. 9.22: Madeleine Grev (soprano), with orchestra. 9.34: Marcel Moysc. Mile. Lily Laskine, and orchestra. Concerto for flute, harp, and orchestra (Mozart). 2YA, WELLINGTON 9.0: A. E. R.'Gilligan. eye-witness, describes Australia v. Worcestershire cricket match (Daventry rebroadcast). 9.15: Recordings. 10.0: Weather for aviators. 11.0: Morning service from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. 1.0: Dinner music. 2.0: Music bv Johann Sebastian Bacn, No. 1 (R) Concerto in E Major for violin and orchestra, by Yehudi Menuhin and Orchestra Symphonique, Paris. 2.30: Recordings. 3.30: Time signals. 6.0: Children's song service. 7.0: Evening service from St. James's Presbyterian Church. 8.15 (approx.): Recordings. 8.30: Works of "Contemporary Composers: English and French." (R) Symphony Orchestra. 8.38: (R) Parry Jones (tenor). 8.44: (R) Lonlon Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by composer. 9.0: Weather; station notices. 9.5: (R) Mdmc. Marguerite Long, with Symphony Orchestra, conducted by composer. 9.17: (R) Charles Panzera (baritone). 9.27: Detroit Symphony Orchestra. 9.33: Nancy Evans (contralto). 9.41: Queen's Hall Orchestra (conductor. Sir Henry J. Wood). 9.53: Robert Radford (bass). 9.56: Gustav Hoist, conducting London Symphony Orchestra. 2VC, WELLINGTON 6b: Recordings. 8.30: Programme of concerted interludes. 4YA, DUNEDIN 9.0: Cricket (see 2YA). 9.15: Recordings. 11.0: Matins from St. Paul's Anglican Church. 1.0: Dinner music. 2.0: Recordings. 2.30: (R) Group of songs by Yrjo Kllpincn (Finland, b 1892), by Gerhard Husch (baritone). 2.43: Recordings 5.30: Children's song service. 6.15: Recordings, 6.30: Evening service from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. 1.45: RfcIcordings. 8.30: Chimes. Recorded sym--1 phonic concert by Berlin Philharmonic I Orchestra. Soloists: Madeleine Grey (soprano). Georges ThilUtenor). Simon Barer (solo pianist). Paul Hindemith and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. 8.54: Madeleine Grey (soprano). 9.1: Professor Georg Kulenkampff. with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt. 9.17: Georges Thi.l (the Erl King). H. B. Etchverry (the father) and Claude Pascal (the son), The Erl King" (Schubert). 9.31: Albert Woiff and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. 9.43: Simon Barer (piano). 9.52: Bcrl n Philharmonic Orchestra, "Fireworks 'Fantasy for Orchestra (Stravinsky). 4YO, DUNEDIN 6.0: Recordings. 8.30: ""Rendezvous in Rhythm." Ambrose and orchestra. 8.39: Piano interlude, Lee Sims. 8.54: Bing Crosby, with Lani Mclntlre and Hawaiians. 9.0: "Richelieu—Cardinal or King" Episode 15. 8.25: "Contrasting Composers, Lionel Monckton, musical comedy of Edwardian epoch: George Gershwin, high priest of post syncopation school. DAVENTRY, ENGLAND GSG. 16.86 metres: GSO, 19.76 metres; GSB, 31.55 metres; GSD, 25.53 metres.

4.30 p.m.: Big Ben. The Cup Final: A commentary on the Association football match, from the Empire Stadium, Wembley, London. 5 p.m.: Charles Ernesco and his Quintet, with Webster Booth. 5.45: "Melbourne (Derbyshire)— The Village: The Minister: The City." A programme arranged and produced by Robin Whitworth. 6.15: Weekly newsletter and sports summary. 6.45: Close down.

That Money Mystery^

A correspondent has written asking me if'l have additional informatioa concerning the amount of money collected by the Government from the Dominion's, listeners; and, further, if I can say how .'this money is spent? "Unfortunately I know nothing beyond that which has already

OVERSEAS RECEPTION

NOTES

by the New Zealand DX

Radio Association.) Broadcast: XENT, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, 910 kilocycles, 150.000 watts, now replies to reports with a new verification card and also a new booklet. Dr. Norman Baker, who owns and controls XENT, has constructed a new hospital on top of the Ozarks at Eureka Springs, 'Arkansas, and it is intended that the hospital, at Muscatine, lowa, will be closed. It is worth while to report this station, as the booklet alone is very interesting. XENT is on the air from 11.30 to 12.30 a.m. with Spanish and English music sessions and interspersed with talks by Dr. Baker at hourly intervals. All reports should be addressed to XENT, Box 111, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The director of JBCK, Japan, 850 kilocycles, 10,000 watts, welcomes reports from New Zealand listeners, and replies with two striking cards, one the station and the other a view of the interior of the studios. In a recent communication the association is advised that the time schedule of news broadcasts has been altered to the following: News in Japanese, 1.10 to 1.20 a.m.; news in Chinese, 1.20 to 1.25 a.m.; and news in English 1.25 to 1.35 a.m. This station will verify all correct reports of its English news session, which is designed for the South Sea countries. A word of advice—be exact with your times for all stations in the East, otherwise a refusal may be the result. New Zealand time is 2J hours ahead of Japanese time. Short Wave: England, United States of America, Sweden, and Greenland all report aurora borealis interfering with reception, this making the whole season unreliable. Greenland reports that the phenomenon gave a blue, green, red, and yellow display there, where the usual display is only red, green, and white. There are only three amateurs holding a licence in Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. ST2BN, ST2CM. and ST2LR. Reports may be addressed care of the Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Sudan.

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