Rho-do-di-o-dendron

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 159, 8 July 1938, Page 2

Rho-do-di-o-dendron

i It was England’s turn to beat America in a recent radio spelling-bee. Oxford’s defeat was handsomely avenged, England winning by 37 points to There were tense moments over '' rhododiodendron. * ’ I English actress Fabia Drake: (“I can’t spell flowers.) R-H-O-D-O-D-E-N-D-R-U-M.” (Boom!) | Broadway actress Sara Haden: "Er —R-H-O-D-O-D-E-N-D-R-E-M.’* (Ping!) English secretary Margaret Baynes: “ R-H-O-D-O-D-E-N—can I start again?” "Yes.” "R-H-O-D-O—can 1 start again?” "Yes—with 30 seconds to go!’* Miss Baynes (in a desperate rush): "R-H-H-0—” and it was a jumble of Ns and Ds and Rs. Cool, almost contemptuous, Helen Ashmun, secretary to a New York lawyer : * ‘ R-H-O-D-O-D-E-N-D-R-O-N ’ * rapturous applause. Most amusing mistake of the "Bee” was "fauns,” spelt "phawns” by America’s sportsman representative, Joo McClosky, Olympic cross-country runner. 1 England’s John E. Killick, o! Latymer Upper School, came out wit* flying colours —no mistakes. His opposite number, Herbert Bailey, at an American high school, slipped up three times on "revivify,” "audient” and * * veinous. ’ * England’s spellers included Mr Howard Marshal], radio commentator; Mr D. A. J. Buxton, wharfinger; Mr Bernard Darwin, golfer and writer, and Col. J. G. Gettins, of the Army Educational Corps.