GIFTED AUSTRALIAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23731, 11 February 1939, Page 11

GIFTED AUSTRALIAN

MISS KINNAIRD'S TOUR BROADCASTING SERVICE CONTRACT " Tell them my name is Heather Jean Kinnaird, and that I come of WelshScottish parentage—then they will know that I am feeling quite at home in this city." Her name in private life is Mrs Raymond Beatty, and at present she is on a six weeks' tour of the Dominion under contract to the National Broadcasting Service, through which medium New Zealanders are becoming, ac-

quainted with one of Australia's best contralto voices. This charming young personality has the distinction of being the first Australian to sing under the baton of Sir Malcolm Sargent, when he visited Australia in 1936 under contract to the Australian Broadcasting Commission. She toured with the famous conductor in the broadcast performance of Sir Edward Elgar's " Music-makers," and last year, when he again visited Australia, both Miss Kinnaird and her husband accompanied him, the latter being the possessor of a fine bass-baritone voice which is particularly effective when coupled with Miss Kinnaird's contralto in duets. The tour was devoted mainly to oratorio and duets, but in Melbourne a performance of " Belshazzar's Feast." by William Walton was given, in which both husband and wife look part.

Miss Kinnaird was bcrn at Gippsland Lakes. Before she had begun to talk it was predicted that anyone who lived to see her grow up would hear her sing. At 12 years she developed an enthusiasm for dramatic art, and for some 'imo the young Australian was undecided as to which career she would adopt—the stage or singing.

A flourishing institution in Sydney, Miss Kinnaird said, are the music clubs, which meet monthly to enjoy a programme presented by paid artists, visiting or local. The membership subscription of these clubs is usually two guineas, but the sum varies according to the numbci of people interested. Supper is served in attractive surroundings. When the artists are paid, a portion of the fee is deducted and placed in a fund for a scholarship, which sends deserving talent to the Conservatorium for a year. "And so we have the agreeable feeling that we are helping the coming generation of artists." Miss Kinnaird smilingly said.

Mr and Mrs Reatty livo at Lindttold, Sydney, wherc they have a garden and dogs, and where they can enjoy an occasional respite from their busy life. This is the singer'- second visit to the Dominion " I fame here on my honeymoon in 1935," she said, ' and I think it a very beautiful country, particularly the South Island." Mr and Mrs Beatty will leave Dunedin on Wednesdav for ChristchurcJ