Brighter Radio Programmes

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 200, 21 May 1936, Page 11

Brighter Radio Programmes

Sir, —When 1 came over from Australia Io“ God's own country” the thing that struck me most forcibly was the almost dour expression of the people in the towns. At first 1 thought it might be the climate, for Wellington is not a sunny place. But no, even on brilliant days there was still none of that carefree, happy atmosphere which I am used to in Australia. Business men still thought of business first and a few pessimists still carried raincoats. I. had not been here long, however, before I made a momentous discovery. I, too. began to look glum. .1, too, began to feel the cares of my work weighing upon my mind, and I asked myself why. The answer is “radio.” Not once have I heard a cheerful radio programme from the YA stations. I know that in Australia people do expect a lot from their radio service. They expect to derive pleasure and enjoyment as well as information. Undoubtedly they would rather listen to a good jazz programme than a talk about the weather, but in Australia that is not considered a sign of decadence. Now I wake to Hie doleful wail of pre-' historic instruments played by the half inanimate exponents of a great art the art of jazz. Real jazz is as stirring and rousing as a haka. but dead jazz is awful. No undertakers' exhibition could be half so depressing as a taste of New Zealand YA If a man wants to retain his sense of humour, he must turn off his radio. Let's have variety, please. Monotony is killing me. and it’s knocking the stuffin*- out of till the workers in Wellington. How can they digest their breakfast properly ? How can their wives cook eggs which are neither "slushy nor leathery” when the morning programme of the radio persistently saps their life-blood? — I am. etc.. CORNSTALK. Wellington, May .10.