RADIO PROGRAMMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23669, 29 November 1938, Page 5

RADIO PROGRAMMES

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—My criticism of radio programmes did not pass without challenge. It called forth an outburst from representatives of that class whose lack of responsibility makes them utterly unfit to adopt a critical and balanced assessment, but betrays them into exaggerated condemnation 'of those whose experience and mental cultivation call for a different valuation

" Balclutha Listener " questions my use of the word "sticky" as applied to certain radio items. He goes to great length to supply an obvious meaning of the word. Here is another definition—" adhere to a surface." When one's fingers come in contact with a substance having that attribute the sensation is decidedly unpleasantnasty, one might say. No doubt your correspondent has worked with such substance and experienced the unpleasant sensation arising from such substance cleaving in a mess to the hand. Very well! In the abstract there are impressions that cause a similar reaction from the mind. Hence my use of the word "sticky." When

" Balclutha Listener " says that Carson Robison is welcomed by a large section of our young New Zealanders he is perfectly correct. Robison does appeal to a certain section. But those who do enjoy his vulgai rendering hav<> had minds already prepared by the poisonous trash that comes from the American printing press. And aside from whether it finds popularity or not, the Robison type of recording has a decidedly vulgarising effect. Your correspondent finds himself quite satisfied with radio diet, and does not wish for change, and consequently no one should offer criticism! His remarks regarding the Oxford pronunciation are highly amusing Perhaps he. does not know that a great number of listeners submit to the ' Houseboy" (Frank and Archie) rubbish for the joy of hearing that English voice that is such a welcome change from the mealy voices that announce over the nationals and the "cock-a-loop Pop-it-down gents" who declaim from the commercials The suggestion made by " Boloney is declined with thanks. He would do well to refer to the opinions expressed by Dr James Lyon, of Trinity College. London. " Boloney" is very shortsighted if he cannot foresee the " writing on the wall." It is not improbable that he will pay a higher fee before long. When licences begin to lapse the Government may come to its senses and cater for those who will most certainly give their receivers a rest before long. No objection would be made to clean English comedy. Nor is it altogether a matter of one's personal taste. It is the undeniable fact that American rubbish is exerting a harmful influence upon the youth of New Zealand. It is encouraging the foul twang of the Bowery, and, through the records of crooners, it is presenting certain life interests in slushy form that may have a disastrous influence. When school children hear some "sap" crooning that "1 wanna go places," it is almost useless to try to preserve our English tongue. Children fed upon

the filthy truck that comes through hour after hour grow up with a vulgar and cheapened attitude towards all that should be robed in idealism. And the radio is controlled by the Government. Yes. but a Government composed of members of the Labour. Party!—l am, etc.. H. Niven. Dunedin. November 28.