“UNCLE JACK,” FROM “AUSSIE,” IN AUCKLAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18011, 23 November 1926, Page 8

“UNCLE JACK,” FROM “AUSSIE,” IN AUCKLAND.

HAS COME HERE TO ORGANISE THE N.Z. RADIO PROGRAMMES. (Special to the “Star.') AUCKLAND. November 23. We have not yet in New Zealand reached that stage where the radio announcer is a person of prominence throughout the land, and a person with whom everyone is on listening terms, but Australia has rapidly followed the lead of the older lands, in that respect, and by the Aorangi last night has sent to us in Mr Prentice a gentleman who for two years has held the nightly attention of hundreds of thousands of listeners. “Uncle Jack,” as he is always known both to intimate friends and to a legion of young and old who have appreciated his versatility, gives an early impression as one who can hold a crowd by his personality. Thick set and clean shaven, he is a j-oung man who beams genialtj* behind a pair of horn-rixnmed spectacles, and proceeds to talk fluently and breezily of the radio world, into ■which fate has drawn him. As Lieut. Prentice of the A.1.F., "Uncle Jack” fought and was wounded in France, and after the close of hostilities went into the Commonwealth Civil Service. Government routine did not suit his temperament, so he went roving, but admitted that though he had been twice round the globe the lights of Auckland were his first close acquaintance with New Zealand. Returning to Australia from tours of Europe and America, where he had made a special study of psychology, Mr Prentice was persuaded a couple of years ago to deliver a lecture from 2BL, and here it was quickly seen that he had the ideal voice for the microphone. Ere long he was installed as permanent announcer, and his particular talents soon built up for him the astounding popularity that he has across the water, and to a much lesser extent in New Zealand. But “Uncle Jack" is more than a mere speaker of words. He speaks fluently both French and German, and, in Australia, is a recognised authority on international affairs, on which he has lectured regularly to other than radio audiences. Mr Prentice has come across under engagement to the Dominion Broadcasting Company, tc undertake the difficult and necessary task of organising programmes throughout New Zealand. Until he settles down to his job and gets the real hang of the local conditions and requirements he is disinclined to discuss local matters, but chats freely of the remarkable progress that radio telegraphy has made in Australia in the past few months. Regarding the establishment of a State broadcasting system in New South Wales, he said, this subject had recurred frequently during the past few years, though nothing definite had yet materialised. It was possible that if the present Gov eminent remained in power 2KY (Sydney Trades Ilall station) would be taken over, but there was little pre sent likelihood of Australia following in the path that Britain had decided to adopt in nationalising broadcasting, except in Queensland, where the Government station conducted a definite service. There was very little radio advertising on the other side, and whao there was was of an indirect nature. Though his movements throughout New Zealand are as yet uncertain, Mr Prentice hopes very soon to be on the air from Auckland, and when he is there is no doubt his personality will endear him to listeners here as it has done to those whom he has left. Auckland he wishes to be his home town, but even of that he cannot vet speak definitely.