A GREAT SUCCESS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 210, 23 August 1929, Page 4

A GREAT SUCCESS

HASTINGS BROADCAST CONCERT DELIGHTFUL PROGRAMME PRESENTED. Th© much-looked-forward-to broadcast concert, the first held in Hawke’s Bay, took place in the Hastings Municipal Theatre last ii.giit, under the direction of the Hawke’s Bay Radio Society, when a leal'ly delightful programme was presented to a most appreciative audience. The audience was fairly satisfactory in point of numbers, but the house was tar shoil oi what was due to the cause, to the efforts of the society, and to the merits er the performers, whi.’h was up to the standard of the best amateur concert ever held in Hawke's Bay. Last night’s weather, it must be admitted, was not inviting, and a further temptation to remain at home was the fact that owners of radio sets could sit by their firesides and hear the items just as clearly as did those who braved the elements and did their duty in assisting in the installation oi a radio set in the Napier Hospital. In this respect, His Lordship the Bishop of Ao-tea-Roa, the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, in a quaintly humorous little speech, twitted those who were listening-in with their neglect and entreated them to make up foi their sin of omission by forwarding their subscriptions, to the secretary. Mr E. H. Culver, of Hastings. The programme was a varied one, and 1 every number on it was of distinct merit, which the audience warmly recognised by their spontaneous applause and imperious encores. The spirit of Maoriland and thp fusion of the Maori and pakeha in mutual goodwill and esteem was demonstrated by the tumultuous applause which greeted the Native numbers, especially the hakas of war and peace, which quite carried the house away and drew forth recalls which would not be denied. Mr J. Ball, the announcer, whose voice is so familiar all over New Zealand, and who was in himself an attraction in that everyone had formed in their minds the appearance of their friend, and so were anxious to see what he actually looked like in reality, gave a short address explaining that it was not necessary for him to speak loudly when he was broadcasting, but he would be more emphatic on this occasion for the benefit of the audience. His enunciation was gentle and distinct, reaching to every part of the building. The concert was relayed by a special land line to the Napier'Municipal Theatre, and also to Wellington (2YA) and Christchurch (3YA), and Dunedin (4YA) rebroadcastijig it. During the course of the evening Mr Ball read telegrams from various parts of the Dominion and from Messrs Poppelwell and Chadwick, from Suva this latter telegram, coming as it did from Hastings boys, being enthusiastically greeted. Following are the texts of the telegrams : —

“Every word coming through per fectly; _ very delightful. Harper.” ” (“Mataura Ensign,” Gore). “Fiji listening in to Hastings’ noble effort. Appreciations from Poppelwell and Chadwick.” (Suva). “Delighted with programme; music very good.” (Cliff, Geraldine, South Canterbury.) “Great many thousand people throughout New Zealand listening in to 2YA, 3YA, 4YA. Hearing wonderful. Concert great credit to Hawke’s Bay. Please congratulate Radio Society for me.” (Harris, manager, Broadcasting Company of N.Z., Christchurch.) Word also came from Napier, saying that every item was as clear as if it was given in the .theatre. At the commencement of the programme it was apparent from the tenseness of the performers that they sensed their responsibilities to the magnitude of their invisible audience listening in all over the Dominion, Australia and the Pacific, and it was evident that they were tuned to concert pitch to uphold the prestige of Hawke’s Bay, but as the evening progressed they seemed to become more at home, and all nervousness disappeared.

The Orphans’ Orchestra contributed selections from “The Bohemian Girl,” and a descriptive number enlitled “The Smithy”; the Hastings Citizens Band played a selection from “William Tell” and “A Trip to Blackpool” (descriptive); Mr R. Taylor, with band accompaniment, played the cornet solo “Titania” with brilliant effect. A vocal quartette, “Doa’n You Cry Ma Honey,” by Messrs J. Nuttall, J. Edwards, H. C. Thompson and J. Hill, was a most acceptable number, sung in perfect harmony, and Signor C. Corredetti was loudly applauded for his singing of “La Donna © Mobile”; Mrs R. J. Robertson’s sympathetic contralto had adequate scope in “Love’s Coronation.” Tho Maori Agricultural College String Band played Hawaiian numbers excellently, and the College boys sang “The Volga Boatman” (unaccompanied) with understanding and strength, whilst the principal of the College, Mr A. F. Ballif, sang “'till! of the Desert” with dramatic effect. Mr V. Mummery, nn old favourite, played a selection from “JI Trovatore” as a violin solo with his usual capability and finish, and Mr N. M”cbeU’s Chih Cabaret Band contributed tho latest dance hits, which were much enjoyed. Mr Newt. Mitchell, with cabaret orchestral accompaniment, gave a xylophone solo, which was a feature of the programme. The To Auto College students and the Awapuni Women’s Institute combined in a part song. “E Papa Wai Ari,” sung very sweetly, and the College boys sang an action song, “E Pari Ra,’’ each of which was greeted with loud acclamation. The concert concluded with the chorus “Hoki Hoki,” sung by the To Ante College boys and the M.A.C. students, with the Awapuni Heinen's Institute, which was followed by an inspiring haka by the Te Auto students, which set the house aflame The concert was a complete success and it was presented in nn atmosphere of its own which could not be conveyed to persons* who only hoard it through their radio sets, so that those who missed the opportunity of witnessing the perforinnncc in its special surrounding, lost a vital part of its attraction. The Radio SocM+v and its enthusiastic secretary. Mr E. H. Culver, are to he complimented on the result of their endeavours, which involved much hard work.