Grace Green Complimented On Long Radio Career

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 2

Grace Green Complimented On Long Radio Career

Miss Grace Green, a pioneer of commercial broadcasting in New Zealand, who resigned recently from station 3ZB as chief programme organiser, was bidden farewell yesterday by representatives of all sections of broadcasting and television in Christchurch.

Mr R. Harris, a member of the Broadcasting Corporation, presented Miss Green with a handsome canteen of cutlery as a farewell present from the district staff.

sLss Green's outstanding career in broadcasting began more than 33 years ago. In 1829 she was appointed announcer at Radio 3ZC and in 1931 was chief announcer at Radio 3ZM, both private stations. In 1936. she joined the staff of 3ZB as an announcer. later took over the children's session, became a senior announcer and rose to chief programme organiser. "Sunshine Station”

Radio 3ZM, known as the "Sunshine Station.” gave great pleasure to thousands of listeners, said Mr Harris, and it was undoubtedly Miss Green who contributed the sunshine. "Over the years. Grace’s voice has not changed one bit.” he said. “That shows well its quality and her ability, from those first years.”

Outlining her career in broadcasting, Mr Harris spoke of the great help Miss Green had been to the rest of the staff, the versatility of her work and the tremendous amount of experience she shared with others. "Good Shipmate”

Describing Miss Green as one of those “good shipmates who are very hard to find.” Mr C. H. Cook, the commercial manager, paid tri-

butes to her loyalty to the organisation. She had risen from announcer to chief programme organiser at a time when it was not usual for women to be given such a high post. He presented her with a spray of flowers from the staff.

Other speakers who complimented Miss Green on her career, were Mr J. K. Sked-

den, district manager of the corporation in Christchurch, Mr K. Dempsey, chief district executive officer, and Mr L. Hunter station manager at 3YA.

Among nearly 80 corporation employees who attended the presentation were Mr E. A. Chivers, one of the original announcers at 3ZB, and Mrs Chivers. When thanking the staff for their gift and the farewell tea party, Miss Green said: “Young people have plans and no memories: older people have only memories. I have no plans for the immediate future.”