OVER THE AIR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22419, 4 June 1938, Page 9

OVER THE AIR

MORE FROM THAT HANDBOOK [By LISTENER.] As was mentioned last week, there are still some texts remaining in the 1938 handbook of the British Broadcasting Corporation, and I feel that what has been tried with success on the British public can be tried with the minimum of hazard upon New Zealand listeners. First of all there is a matter which I have discussed on other occasions in this column. One of my complaints against the National Broadcasting Service is that it has exhibited so little experimental initiative in its programmes. It is obvious, of course, that experiments will not appeal to the mass of listeners: they would cease to be experiments if they did. But my point is that concessions might well be made occasionally to the intellectually curious, who might like at times a radio bonus akin to that which is distributed so liberally to listeners whose tastes are not extravagantly high. However, before this theme is developed further I would like to quote a passage from the helpful handbook: Perhaps the most important development of radio drama in 1937 was the introduction of the “Experimental Hour,” modelled on the “Workshop” of the Columbia Broadcasting system of America. It has given British Broadcasting Corporation producers opportunities of trying out new technique. The first production of the series was “The Fall of the City,” a verse play by the American poet, Archibald McLeish. Then came “Words Upon the Pane," by W. B. Yeats, and a scene from “Twelfth Night,” presented first in modern English and then in Elizabethan pronunciation. These items were all put on late at night, since it was realised that they might not be to the taste of the larger public. All the same, the British Broadcasting Corporation had an enthusiastic mailbag about them. My simple contention is that the masses have a very fair deal from the National Broadcasting Service, When I speak of the masses I am not using an offensive term. What I mean is that those who demand the least from radio as a cultural medium are given exceedingly liberal attention by the authorities. Week after week we have hours of broadcasting time taken up with ringside descriptions of wrestling bouts, which have a depressing sadistic similarity. Personally I think it poor radio entertainment •to . have .one’s fireside reveries disturbed by the news that one gentleman is attempting to fracture another gentleman’s limbs. Then there are ample rations of music, mirth, arid melody. Again, there are evenings on whir' the programmes of the national stations are practically monopolised by items not soaring much beyond the level of second-rate vaudeville. I am not complaining about this. The National Broadcasting Service believes that it should give the masses what-they are assumed to want, and I am prepared to concede the masses their right to light programme nights. At the same time, however, I must protest agaiAst the way ii> which listeners of other tastes ar« ignored as if they were making in* tolerable demands. There are experiments which could be tried, and if the National Broadcasting Service has no programme organisers capable of devising “workshop” experiments it should go in search of more agile minds. Speaking for myself, I don’t necessarily want to hear a verse play by Archibald McLeish, but there are c‘ her' things that would interest me. Perhaps I may be challenged to suggest some programme experiments, but the only catch about that is this: I would spend a lot of time doing the job, and even if it were done, it is improbable that attention would be paid to it. Any way, there is no reason why a critic should be specific and completely constructive. It is sufficient for him to submit skeleton principles. Fundamentally, I suppose, all that I have shid on this point can be summarised as a plea for a little cultured originality. It is not too much to ask. “Right Good Argument” Here is another question mentioned in the handbook, and to lead us on to it I must quote again: “What we want is a right good argument,” said a Yorkshire pitman critic of British Broadcasting Corporation programmes; and, indeed, a number of listeners have complained in the past that controversy played too little part in British broadcasting and that wireless discussions were too mild and amicable. Such criticism would not apply, however, to some of the programmes of 1937. In particular, the two Regional series, “Northern Cockpit” and “Midland Parliament,” provided platforms for the frank and open discussion of topical subjects such as Sunday games, higher wages and shorter hours, school examinations, advertising "and industry, and equal pay for men and women. : There is an example that could be followed profitably and entertainingly by the National Broadcasting Service. In the past there have been some spiritless dialogues which could not really be described as discussions, and on a few occasions -university debates on innocuous subjects have been broadcast. In no sense, however, could they be described as “right, good arguments.” There are topics which could be discussed over the air in New Zealand without violating any of the fearsome conventions to which the Government is a party. It should be possible to obtairi the services of willing enough antagonists to combine in sprightly discussions. Nevertheless, there is'one difficulty. To some extent a radio debate must be stage-managed. The scripts have to be prepared beforehand, because hesitations, tolerable in ordinary circumstances, are exagg• rated by the microphone. Still, if competent speakers were chosen, much of this artificiality could be overcome. It would not be hard to find satisfactory substitutes for the pallid exchanges of ideas passing for radio debates now. Informality Plea It may be seen that this plea, for more animated discussions, and the suggestion for programme experiments, are not outrageously ’novel suggestions. They have been tried successfully in England, and they could be adopted in New Zealand without horrible fears for their outcome. The National Broadcasting Service can learn from the British Broadcasting Corporation, and one of the first things it should learn is that there is no needig?

PROGRAMMES AND COMMENT

mality. I struck an example of the new radio technique a few evenings ago when I heard Mr Howard Marshall broadcasting from London about cricket. He talked to his Empire audience in an easy and intimate style. He spoke as he might speak to a few friends over a cup of tea, or over a pint of something else more likely to induce carefree conversation. He did not hesitate to say ’em instead of them. He described O’Reilly’s bowling as ‘ not so hot,” and he said he was prepared to bet his shirt that Hammond would captain England in the first test. That’s the sort of thing I would like to hear more of in New Zealand. I don’t suggest, however, that we should go to the extreme of casualness displayed in a talk from Sydney on Tuesday last. A journalist who had just come fciack from China was describing occurrences in the war. He declared that the Great Wall of China looked as if it had been moth-eaten, and every marvel he had seen was picturesquely qualified with a “fair dinkum.” One also learnt a little about the Australian accent from this radio chat. Irish Tenor’s Tour Next Friday evening at IYA Danny Malone, the Irish tenor, will open his broadcasting tour of New Zealand. Mr Malone is already known pretty well through his recordings. He is not a classical tenor, but his soft and pleasant voice suggests peat smoke, green hills, and the mild landscape of Ireland. However, at this stage other comment is better withheld. For some interesting biographical facts about Mr Malone I am indebted to the publicity department of the National Broadcasting Service. As a youth Danny Malone came to New Zealand with a party of emigrants. Where he worked while he was here is not mentioned: but the desire to sing was uppermost in his mind, and he went back to London with a musical companion. He was heard by a representative of the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the exceedingly satisfactory sequel was 32 performances a year for three with the 8.8. C. Radio Politics On Monday evening all the National stations w’ll be engaged for the broadcast of an address by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition. This will be the fourth f >ll-dress political broadcast to take place within not much more than a month. In this column I am not concerned with politics; for radio purposes Tm a mugwump, and I must say that already I have heard low murmurs of disapproval about the politicians (or statesmen, as you wish) monopolising the YA stations. Before long Parliament itself will be on the air again and I fear that within the next few months listeners will have more than their fair ration of radio politics. It is pretty plain that whether listeners like it or not they are going to have lashings of politics and the only remedial suggestion I feel like making is that the politicians should be broadcast from the subsidiary stations. They won’t be, of course, but perhaps it is enough to register a little whimoering protest. . , A “Wizard’s” Broadcast Next Wednesday evenin'* Mr Arnie Hartman, “American pianoaccordion wizard,” is broadcasting from 3YA; It looks as if he may be making a tour of the national Stations. Mr Hartman, I believe, recently toured the Dominion with a revue company. As a piano-accor-dion player he is in the first flight, but I am not deeply fond of this curious instrument. I feel about it as Dr. Johnson felt about women preachers. Of the preaching ladies honest Samuel said the remarkable thing was not that they preached well, but that the: could preach at all, I do not marvel at the excellence of piano-accordion music. What interests me is that it can be made to produce noises which often sound like music. That’s lust the exposure of a tiny prejudice of mine. BROADCASTING TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES 3YA, CHRISTCHURCH (720 Kilocycles) 7.0 a.m.: Breakfast session. 10.0: Recordings. 10.30: Devotional service. 10.45: Recordings. 12 noon: Lunch music. 1.0 p.m.: Week-end weather forecast. 2.0; Recordings. 2.45 (approx.): commentary on Rugby fixture at Lancaster Park University v. Linwood. 4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children’s hour (Mr Rlddleman); with, at 5.45 p.m., recorded serial, “Paradise Plumes and Head-Hunters.” episode 12. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: Government and overseas news (from 2YA). 7.10 (approx.): News. 8.0: Chimes. Timaru Municipal Band, conducted by Lieutenant R. J: Simpson. 8.12: J. Deans Ritchie (baritone). 8.18: Cornet Solo. The Band. 8.30: “The Fourth Form at St. Percy’s,” episode 6. 8.42: Trombone Trio. The Band. 8.51: J. Deans Ritchie (baritone). 8.57: The Band. 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Arnie Hartmen (American piano accordeon wizard). 9.17: “Coronets of England: The Life of‘Queen Elizabeth, Episode, 6. 9.42: Relay from the King Edward Barracks of a commentary on the Professional Boxing Contest —Dominic Ganzon, light-weight champion from the Philllpine Islands, v. Billy Hamilton, Victorian light-weight champion from Australia. (From 9.0 to 9.42 Boxing commentaries will be broadcast by 3YL.) 10.30 (approx.): Sports summary. Dance music. 3YL, CHRISTCHURCH . (1200 Kilocycles) 2.45 p.m. (approx.): Recordings. 5.0: Recordings. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: Symphonic. programme of Modern Compositions. ■ 9.0: Relay from the King Edward Barracks Of Boxing including the beginning of the commentary on the Professional Boxing Contest—Dominic Ganzon, light-weight champion from the Phlllipine Islands, v. Billy Hamilton, light-weight champion from Victoria. (This commentary will be taken over by 3YA at 9.42 p.m.) 9.42: Recordings: Frank Westfield’s Orchestra. 9.50: George Tltchener (comedian). 10.0: Recording: The Merrymakers. 10.12: Favourite entertainers. IYA, AUCKLAND (650 Kilocycles) 12 noon: Running commentary on Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting at Alexandra Park. (Last race broadcast by IZM.) 1.0 p.m.: District week-end weather report. 2.0: Recordings. 3.15-4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children’s hour. 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: Carina Vocal Trio. 8.16: Alexander Borowsky (pianist). 8.28: Carina Vocal Trio. 8.34; The Orchestra. 8.39: Walter Brough (baritone). 8.51: The Orchestra. 9.0; Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Modem dance music. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10: Dance music (continued). IYX, AUCKLAND (880 Kilocycles) 5.0 p.m.: Light music. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: "Non-Stop Variety,” with England’s most popular revue artists. 9.0: “Famous Cities in Song, No. 2 Vienna.” 0.30: "The Mystery Club: The Missing Pilot.” 10.0; "Harmony and Humour.” IYX, AUCKLAND (570 Kilocycles) 8.50 a.m.; Weather report for aviators. Breakfast session. 10.0: Weatbae^j^

port for aviators. Devotional service 12.28 to 10.30: Time signals (superimposed on programme). 10.45: Talk to women (Margaret). 12 noon: Lunch music 1.0 p.m.: Weather report for aviators Week-end weather and frost forecast for Canterbury and Otago. 2.0: Commentary on New Zealand Air Force Display ai Rongotai (interspersed with recordings from studio). 4.0 (approx.): Recordings, 5.0: Children’s session. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: Government and overseas news. 7.10 (approx.): News. 7.28 to 7.30: Time signals (superimposed on programme). 8.0: Chimes. Concert programme. Masked Masqueraders and Jesters in sketches, songs, and jokes. 8,30: “Ports of Call: A Visit to Argentina.” 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Dance programme. 10.0; Sports results. 10.10; Dance programme (continued). 10.28 to 10.30: Time signals (superimposed on programme), 2YC, WELLINGTON (840 Kilocycles) 3.0 p.m.: Running commentary on Rugby football match at Athletic Park (announcer: Mr C. Lamberg). 5.0: Light music. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: "Children’s Choirs,” light classical programme, featuring recordings by children’s choirs. 9.0; Variety and revue. 10.0; Happy half-hour. 4YA, DUNEDIN (790 Kilocycles) 11.30 a.m., and at intervals: Running Commentary on first day's racing at Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting, at Wingatui. 12 noon: Lunch music. 1.0 p.m.: Weather report. 2.0: Recordings. 3.30: Sports results. 4.45: 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: Chimes. Light orchestral and ballad concert. Recording: Boston Promenade Orchestra. 8.14: Margaret Beattie (soprano). 8.20; Recording: Dajos Bela Orchestra. 8.29: Recording: Nelson Eddy (baritone). 8.38: Recording; Light Symphony Orchestra. 8.46: Margaret Beattie (soprano). 8.52: Recording; Geraldo and Orchestra. 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Dance music. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10: Dance music. 4Y.0, DUNEDIN (1140 Kilocycles) 2.45 p.m.: Running commentary on senior Rugby match at Carisbrook. 5.0: Recordings. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: "C. B. Cochran Medley.” 8.8; “Grandma Unlicensed” or “The Wireless Detector." 8.15: Organ reveries. 8.30: “Broadway melody of 1938” selection. 8.36: "Winter Sports” (sketch). 8.39: “Bunk House Dances,” No. 1. 8.46: Harry Karr (saxophone). 8.49: The Two Leslies. 8.52; Billy Reid and Accordion Band In two popular numbers. 9.0; "Leaves from liary of a Film Fan.” 9.30: “Rex Calvalcade of 1937.” 9.36: Burns and Allen in “Dizzy.” 9.42; Harry Roys Tiger Ragamuffins. 9.48: “The Four Aces” (vocal orchestra). 10.0: Comedy and light music. DAVENTBY, ENGLAND GSG, 16.86 metres; GSO, 19.76 metres; GSB, 31.55 metres; G.S.D, 25.53 metres. 4.30 p.m.: Big Ben. “At the Black Dog.” Mr Wilkes at home in his own bar-par-lour. 5.0: “The Oaks:” A commentary on the race for the Oaks Stakes. From the Grandstand, Epsom Racecourse. 5.15: The 8.8. C. Military Band; conductor, P. S. G. O’Donnell. Eric Marshall (baritone). 6.10: "London Log.” 6.20: The news and announcements. 6.45: Close down. SUNDAY 3YA, CHRISTCHURCH 9.0 a.m.: Recordings. 11.0: Morning service from St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. 1.0 p.m.: Dinner music. 2.0: Recordings. 3.0: German Folk Songs, Richard Tauber. 3.16: Recordings. 5.30: Children’s song service conducted by Pastor W. H. Gregory. 6.15: Recordings. 6.30: Evening service from Trinity Congregational Church. 8.0: Recordings. 8.30: Presentation of complete recorded opera, “The Marriage of Figaro.” opera in Four acts by Mozart. Presented by Orchestra and Chorus of Glyndebourne Mozart Opera Festival. 1934. * 3YL, CHRISTCHURCH 6.0 p.m.: Recordings. 8.30: Selection from "Lilac Time.” 8.36: Alfred O’Shea (tenor). 8.43: At piano, Eileen Joyce. 8.51: “The Selfish Giant,” tone poem. 8.59; At Mother’s Knee. 9.7: Organ interlude. 9.13: Conrad Thibault (baritone). 9.19: Cornet soli. 9.24: Good company medley. 9.32: Webster Booth (tenor). 9.38: Four pianos entertain. 9.45: Mavis Bennett sings. 9.51; World of Romance. IYA, AUCKLAND 3.30 p.m.: Song Cycle, “In a Persian Garden.” Liza Lehmann. 4.10: Recordings. 6.0: Children’s song srvice. 7.0: Evening service from St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church. 8.15 (approx.): Recordings. 8.30: Concert by Auckland Municipal Band, conducted by Mr J. J. O’Connor, at Town Hall Concert Chamber. IYX, AUCKLAND 6.0 p.m.: Recordings. 8.30: Yehuhl Menuhin with London Symphony Orchestra. conducted by the composer. 9.19; Keith Faulkner (baritone). 9.24; Herbert Dawson (organ). 9.28: Queen’s Hall Orchestra, conducted by Sir Henry Wood. 2YA, WELLINGTON 9.0 a.m.: Recordings. 10.0; Weather report for aviators. 10.28 to 10.30: Time signals. ll’.O: Morning service from Trinity Methodist Church, Wellington South. 1.0 p.m.: Weather report for aviators. Dinner music. ,2.0: Music by Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, played by the London Symphony .Orchestra, conducted by Hermann Abendroth. 2.40: Recordings. 3.0: 8.8. C. series. “The Fourth Centenary of the Open Bible: The Bible in England, ’ by Viscount Sankey, read by Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Wellington. 3.28 to 3.30: Time signals. 6.0: Children’s song service. 7.0; Evening service from St. Pauls Pro-Cathedral. 8.15 (approx.): Recordings. 8.30: Symphonic programme. (R) Soclete des Concerts du Conservatoire (conductor: M. Piero Coppola). 8.45: Schola Cantorum, directed by Stanley Oliver, in. programme of cathedral music. 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: (R) Eugene Ormandy and Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. 9.50: Dmitri Smirnoff (tenor). 9.56: London Symphony Orchestra. 2YC, WELLINGTON 6.0 to 8,30 p.m.: Recordings. 8.30: "Artist-Composers," Half-hour of recordings by well-known artists in their own compositions. 9.0: “From Duets to Octettes.” Concerted vocal items, instrumental interludes. 4YA, DUNEDIN 2.30 p.m.: Songs of Brahms, sung by Alexander Kipnis, with Gerald Moore at piano. 5.30: Children’s song service. 6.15: Recordings. 6.45: Evening service from Salvation Army Citadel. 8.30: (R) London Philharmonic Orchestra. 8.38: (R) Amelita Galli-Curci (soprano). 8.47: (R) Eugene Goossens and New Symphony Orchestra. 9.0; Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Frederick Collier, Australian bass-baritone, in oratorio programme. 9.20: (R) Sir Henry J. Wood and Queen’s Hall Orchestra. 9.28: (R) The Sheffield Choir. 9.36: (R) Helene Plgnarl, Lydia Schavelson, and Lucette Descaves. 9.52; (R) Dr. Leo Blech and London Symphony Orchestra. 4YO, DUNEDIN 6.0 p.m.: Recordings. 8.30: “The Hits of 1936,” Lew Stone and Band, 8.38: Reginald Foorrt (organ). 8.48: Two popular numbers, Rudy Vallee with Male Quartette. 8.54: "Double or Nothing" selection, Geraldo and Orchestra. 9.0: “Famous Women”—“The Story of Cleopatra.” Part 2. 9.15: "Ballads We Love.” 9.24: “Rio Grande Phantasy.” DAVENTRY, ENGLAND GSG, 16.86 metres; GSO, 19.76 metres: GSB, 31.55 metres; GSD, 25.53 metres. 4.30 p.m.; Big Ben. A Whitsunday service (Church of England), from the Studio. Address by the Rev. Canon H. Anson, Master of the Temple. 5.5: Recital by Empire artists: Barbara Howard (Australian soprano), Victor Harding (Australian bass-baritone), and Mary Crawshaw (New Zealand pianist). 5.45: “Trent Bridge Centenary.” The story of this famous cricket ground and some past and present players associated with it. Told by D. McCraith, W. Marshall, H. A. Brown. W. A. Oldfield, G. F. H. Heane, H. Larwood, W. Voce, and J. Hardstaff. Presented by Denis Morris. 6.15: Weekly newsletter and sports summary. 6.45: Close down. OVERSEAS RECEPTION NOTES (Supplied by the New Zealand DX Radio Association) VP3MR, Georgetown, British Guiana, 6130 kilocycles, appears to be heard better since the improvement in its facilities, and closes down with “Good Night” sung by Charles Kullmani The station answers all reports on its broadcasts, but those desiring verification cards must enclose an International Reply Coupon. CSW2. 11,040 kilocycles, and CSW3, 9940 kilocycles, Lisbon, Portugal, are now being heard with excellent strength and programmes. HPSA, Panama City, 11,700 kilocycles, requests reports on any fading on their carrier. VP2LO, 6383 kilocycles, 47 metres, is a new station coming on the air at Basse Terre, St. Kitts, British West Indies. It has been testing preparatory to going on the air with regular transmissions, and seems to have a constant carrier. Tests have been made with 500 watts power wgg it is understood that the station is

intended for the benefit of English residents in West Indies. Barbados, and other islands. . COCM, Havana, Cuba, 9833 kilocycles, call, “Transradio Colombia,” is sending' out verification cards, and reports should be addressed to Calli 23, No. 482, Vedado, Apartado (P.O. Box) 33', Havana, Cuba. In a communication from the manager, 2XL, Cooma, Australia, the association is advised that numbers of reports which have been received are incorrect. There should be no necessity to impress on listeners the importance of definitely identifying the station before it is reported to. This is a comparatively simple matter when dealing with Australian stations, needing, as it does, the exercise of a little patience to get the call. The station call should be definitely heard before sending report? to stations. SMB has changed to 3CV, Charlton, 1470 kilocycles, 100 watts; SSE, Mount Gambier, from 1340 to 1370 kilocycles. The following stations are now operating on 200 watts;—2DU, Dubbo, 660 kilocycles; 2PK, Parkes, 1400 kilocycles; 7BU, Burnie, 660 kilocycles; and 7DY. Proposed new stations which are expected on the air soon are 4AT, Atherton. 680 kilocycles; 7ZR, Hobart, 1160 kilocycles; SAU, Port Augusta, 1400 kilocycles; and SRM, Renmark. will move to 810 kilocycles, when 2CY opens on 850 kilocycles. MELHUISH and CO. Readjust your Radio in your own home, 3s 6d: Lyttelton, ft 6d. ;Use ’Phone 41-508. £541