EDISON'S PHONOGRAPH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9027, 4 November 1892, Page 5

EDISON'S PHONOGRAPH.

The exhibitions of Edison's phonograph by Mr. George Kelly, in tho City Hall, last night was not very largely attended, but doubtless when the interesting and amusing nature of tho entertainment becomes better known Mr. Kelly will have no reason to complain of the public's patronage. The instrument used is one of the latest loudspeaking machines, and the sounds it emits are clearly and distinctly heard throughout the hall. Mr. Kelly opened with an account of the simple mechanism of the phonograph, and then described the uses to which it may be adapted. The first item from the machine itself was the reproduction of a cornet solo by Bandmaster Hunter, of the Auckland Artillery Band, and then followed songs by American vocalists, a tuno by the Wellington Salvation Army band, a dialogue between a policeman and an old nigger, a bagpipe selection, a song, "In Sheltered Vale," by Mr. Snazelle, a Tyrolean " jodeling " song by Mr. Fritz (of Will's Surprise Party), reproductions of music by bands and various single instruments, a comic ditty sung by Mr. Tom Makanini, a recitation, &c It will be seen that the programme presented many attractive features, and that in addition to the interest which the phonograph created a first-rate little concert was provided. Every song and selection was given forth by the instrument with wonderful distinctness and accuracy, even the applause—the clapping of hands and cheering—that originally followed the songs, being faithfully given. One of tho audience ascended the stage, at the invitation of Mr. Kelly, and spoke into the machine, and his voice was afterwards emitted by the diaphragm with all its characteristics of accent and pronunciation. Mr. Kelly performed a similar experiment himself, and in every way succeeded in thoroughly pleasing, as well as instructing, his audience. Another entertainment will be given to-night, when a complete change of programme in the way of new records will be presented.