"HELLO, UNCLE JACK HERE!"

NZ Truth, Issue 1136, 8 September 1927, Page 4

"HELLO, UNCLE JACK HERE!"

E. J. Bell, Librarian and Radio Man IT is the kiddies' hour and Mum is tuning-in on the wireless for 3YA, Christchurch. A faint buzz and then — clear and, distinct — the hearty, well-known voice bids the children good evening. Juvenile listeners-in all over the country know the jovial tones of "Uncle Jack," who tells such delightful bedtime stories m that inimitable way of his. But when it is remembered that "Uncle Jack" is none other than Ernest John Bell — well, his gift of narration is explained. For besides entertaining thousands of wireless fans — young and old — he controls the Christchurch Public Library and is the lord, and overseer, of 50,000 books. Altogether m the last twelve months "Uncle Jack" has received no fewer than 5000 letters from delighted kiddies who think he is just "It" when it comes to telling stories. And they are not far out, either.