WORLD-WIDE AUDIENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20476, 30 November 1934, Page 12

WORLD-WIDE AUDIENCE.

Triumphant Revelations of

Radio Magic,

As much in the cheers of an enthusiastic London as in the solemn words of the marriage service was the lovely Princess Marina wedded to her new home and her new people. To the onlookers it was a scene of wonder and of splendour, but to radio listeners throughout the Empire, not yet blessed with television, it had one impression—England had taken the Princess to its heart and English men and women showed it in an enthusiasm that was unequalled. Almost one heard the excited whispers of the crowd, “ Isn’t she beautiful ! ” and the hum of excitement as the participants in the ceremony approached. For the listener it was a mental picture of great glory. As the master musician from a single theme builds up the glorious symphony, so the magic of radio caught and held a theme and an ideal of beauty, introduced the minor scenas that set qff and enhanced the sudden understanding of the central idea until it became a mighty message gripping the mind and sending the imagination on a glorious flight of wonder. Exchange of Promises. Thus was the picture of this Royal wedding presented, holding the listening world for a time in thrall until the finale was reached, and the following, silence held something that had not previously existed—an echo of cheers, c f booming music, the solemn cadence of a voice that joined “ this man and this woman,” a manly voice that promised to “ love and cherish,” and a low, rich contralto that gave response in a pledge to “ love, honour and obey,” the Wedding March, the National Anthem, and again a flood of cheering that rose and fell behind the calm voice of the commentator—the whole merged into the joyous clangour of bells. It was thus that listeners were made aware of the scene. Thus was the magic of radio revealed. To the assemblage in the mighty Abbey came a crowded impression—blazoned in the gilt and brilliance of the scene, the mighty arches, the swelling voices of the choir, the traditions of history. Radio gave a clearer picture, caught the inner secret and /thrust it into the hearts of the worldwide audience. Before the altar of God stood a man and a woman pledging eternal love. In that moment a British Prince and his bride stood by the side of their people and held their vision. It was a triumphant revelation of the master musician.