RADIO AS ASSET OF KINGSHIP

Evening Star, Issue 22252, 1 February 1936, Page 4

RADIO AS ASSET OF KINGSHIP

KING GEORGE HARNESSED THE ETHER King George V. was the first King of England to be presented with the power of radio as an asset of kingship. Although radio was known in the days of Queen Victoria, and used in the days of King Edward, it was during the reign of King George V. that radio came into its own. Curiously enough it was made use of in every conceivable way other than that of kingship. Indeed, one can but wonder what would have happened if Queen Victoria had been asked to speak into a little box. Only during the last few years of the reign of King George has radio been so above suspicion that it has been permitted to enter into the sovereignty of Empire. King George will always be remembered as the King who harnessed the ether to his Empire. The success of his Empire speeches is still too well known to require elaboration. The fact .remains, nevertheless, that they did more to bring the King into the homes of his peoples than any written implement has ever done. Next to a visit in person, the voice of the King of England stirs the Empire as nothing else can. It is to be hoped that the Empire’s new sovereign will carry on the fashion set by his father. What arrangements will be made to permit the Empire to enter into the mourning have yet to be made known. FUNERAL BROADCAST. The same ether which King George charged with goodwill and friendly blessings only a short month ago at Ohristmastide has now told with vibrant sorrow its sad story of his death and burial. It served as never before, even including those soul-stirring messages radiated by His late Majesty, to bring the far-scattered Empire closer in spirit to one another, but more especially to the Motherland and the Royal family. Countless millions of persons resident in far-flung quarters of the globe bowed their heads with Londoners when the fatal bulletin was issued, followed every announcement intensely throughout the seven days of mourning, ' and finally “ attended ” in a vast unseen concourse the magnificent funeral of one so dear to all of them. It would be interesting to learn if any radios were not in use in Dunedin last Tuesday night. From dusk almost till dawn on Wednesday hundreds of citizens must have forsaken good hours of sleep to join the procession which followed the King on his last journey to Windsor. Every phase of this pathetic event was graphically recounted in a broadcast that was notable in the first instance for the uncanny thoroughness of the 8.8. C. But it stood alone among outstanding broadcasts for other reasons-—the clarity of reception, and particularly of many accompanying sounds. including the barking of dogs during the firing of the guns in Hyde Park, while the brilliance of the commentator, who shunned flippancy and conveyed a true spirit of London’s grief-stricken mood, was something not to be forgotten in a long time. INCIDENTAL SOUNDS.

Naturally one was unable to dispel thoughts as to how the broadcast was actually reported, but listeners must remain ignorant of the full facts till these aro supplied by the 8.8. C. through its efficient news service, which should be received here in about five week’s time. The cortege traversed a four-mile route, yet the same announcer apparently covered the entire service. How it was- done provides an interesting puzzle, unless he walked or drove as one of the mourners, or moved swiftly from point to point along the route, which would account for the frequent periods during which the microphone was given up wholly to the incidental sounds, such as crowds conversing, minute "ono-s sounding from Big Ben and other famous bells, the calling of military orders, the clip-clop of horses hoofs as the historic guncarriagei bearing the King’s coffin was borne albng, and the music of bands, including that of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. For the funeral service itself the atmospheric conditions were well nigh perfect, as though ordered by Nature. Not a sound was missed.’ The service concluded half an hour later than expected. thus causing some confusion in rosnect to the two minutes’ silence, which was observed about 2 a.m. This, therefore, proved the only unsatisfactory representation of the entire proceedings, the deen hush which enveloped England beiti"- lost in the hiss and surce. as yet uncontrolled in shortwave radio. CHILDREN'S RECORDS The enthusiastic body of grown-up listeners to the children’s hour, as well as the children themselves, may bo interested to know that a special series of recordings are being made for their edification. These records, it is understood, will bo made by talent that has been specially selected for the purpose. Many well-known people in dramatic and musical circles are co-operating. The result will be, among others, ‘ Ellice in Orchestralia.’ This series is calculated to give the children, and perhaps the grown-ups, a shrewd insight into the various instruments used in musical pieces. Another interesting record specially for the children is connected with Aladdin. At the moment it is not certain when these records will be completed, entailing as they do much organisation and . considerable time.