BETHLEHEM BELLS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18588, 24 December 1934, Page 3

BETHLEHEM BELLS

CHRISTMAS BROADCAST

GREAT 8.8. C. PROJECT

On Christmas Day, for the third year iu succession, the British Broadcasting Corporation will broadcast a special Christmas programme, commencing at 1.45 a.m. (New Zealand summer time), Boxing Day, and concluding at 3 o’clock with a message to the Empire from His Majesty the King, who will speak from Sandringham. The programme will he entitled “Empire Exchange)” and its aim will be to give listeners throughout the Empire a viyid pictorial impression of the vast diversity and interests of their fellow citizens of the Empire and at the same time of the common sentiments which unite this world-wide fellowship in common allegiance. The whoie programme will demonstrate the position which London now holds as the centre of the Empire’s system of communication. Against a background of the hymn “0 Come, All Ye Faithful,” the bells of the Church of the Nativity relayed from Bethlehem itself, will proclaim the message of Christmas Day, This message will be echoed by bells sounding from all parts of the British Commonwealth —in India, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and London.

By means of the world-wide network communication will be established with individuals in various parts of the Empire, who will contribute to one of the unique programmes of the wireless age. When the last of the distant relays is over a message from His Majesty the King at Sandringham will follow, and the programme will conclude with the National Anthem.