This was 1951. Parts 1-7.

Rights Information
Reference
31914
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Reference
31914
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Duration
00:40:44
Credits
RNZ Collection
VENTURA, Norman, Author
CONSTABLE, Laurence, Producer
Clarke, Basil, 1907-, Narrator
LUND, R. G.
Williams, Yvette, 1929-
Bannister, Roger
Holland, S. G. (Sidney George), 1893-1961
Powdrell, John
DEWEY, Thomas E.
Berendsen, Carl
Jordan, W. J. (William Joseph), 1879-1959
New Zealand Broadcasting Service (estab. 1946, closed 1962), Broadcaster
Daisy, Aunt, 1879-1963
George VI, King of Great Britain, 1895-1952
Doidge, Frederick Widdowson, 1884-1954
Lowson, Sir Denis

A radio programme reviewing news and events of 1951, featuring actuality and excerpts from interviews and speeches broadcast during the year. Written by Norman Ventura, produced by Laurence Constable and narrated by Basil Clarke.

Introductory montage and narration with excerpts of audio from: new migrant on arrival in New Zealand, weather forecast, record wool prices report, horse race commentary arrives in Korea. A recorded message from Base Headquarters gunner Phil Bayliss [?] who sends greetings to his family and 'his girl'.
Prime Minister Sidney Holland speaks from Britain, praises the "British way of life", repeats M.J. Savage's "where Britain goes we go" comments on New Zealand's ties to Britain.
The Canterbury Centennial Games end with Roger Bannister's outstanding performance in the mile - interview with Bannister after the race.
The Wellington-Lyttelton yacht race tragedy - six yachts go missing. A news report on the missing yachts and the search begins for the Aurora, Hope, Husky, Ruawaka, Argo and Raukawa. The Argo was never found.

February 15 in Hagley Park, Christchurch, a fireworks display was held for the Centennial celebrations - excerpt of commentary describing the fireworks.
That night the first broadcast statement on the waterfront dispute was made - an excerpt is heard, announcing watersiders are refusing to work.
A medley of further news items relating to the dispute.

In March, television came to New Zealand with tests in Auckland and Wellington. Hedley Bryant explains what television is. An a description of the demonstration broadcast is heard, featuring Aunt Daisy with a cooking demonstration, a Māori stick game [tīti tōrea] and a boxing commentary.
An annular solar eclipse was seen only in a 50-mile wide belt in Canterbury. Report from Amberley Beach at 7.07am on March 8th, describing the eclipse with members of the Astronomical Society.
Also in March, the Dominion Pipe Band championships were held in Christchurch - an excerpt of the winners - the City of Christchurch Pipe Band is heard.
A report on high world demand for wool and the subsequent record prices expected.l Mr R.G. Lund of the International Wool Secretariat. A report on record prices being fetched by Canterbury and Marlborough wool in London.
The International Young Farmer's Leadership competition is won in Sydney by New Zealander John Powdrell - he speaks after being announced as the winner.
The London Festival of Britain Exhibition is opened by the King George VI, just months before he died. An excerpt of his opening address and fanfare is heard. [Shortwave quality] The New Zealand waterfront dispute brought about a vote of no confidence in Government in July. The Prime Minister called a snap election.

In May-June the Lincoln College Farmers conference was held - an excerpt of a speaker talking about sheep. The Sportsman of the Year trophy was won by Yvette Williams - an excerpt of an interview with her speaking about her training schedule and involvement in coaching basketball.
The Great Northern Steeples was run in June - excerpt of commentary with First Act winning from Redingote and John Rosa.
Actuality of Vampire jet aircraft at Ohakea, with commentary of a fly past.
The first regular air service between Christchurch and Melbourne began in July - a message from the Mayor of Melbourne is heard, noting Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are all now linked with Australia.
An excerpt of an interview with visiting violinist Yehudi Menuhin and his sister Hephzibah.

In August, Thomas E. Dewey, the Republican Party leader from the United States visited - excerpt of his speech at a civic reception on the dangers posed by Asian Communist expansionism: "enormous, hungry masses of land-hungry Chinese...are going to be driven by the world-conquering character of the Marxian theory they espose, to take the land.. of South-East Asia,...Australia and New Zealand, unless they are stopped.."
The Lord Mayor of London Sir Denis Lowson - also visited. A message from the Courts of Common Counsel in London, greeting the citizens of Wellington is read.
On August 15th, the "Wahine" ran aground north-west of Darwin with 400 troops on board. The Pacific Pact was signed at San Francisco. An excerpt of Sir Carl Berendsen speaking on United Nations Radio about the pact. Also, speaking a month later about the pact [via shortwave radio] about the Japanese peace treaty.
The King falls ill - broadcast speech [by a minister?] about New Zealanders praying for his health.

In October, two attempts were made by Catalina aircraft to reach an ill man at the weather station on Campbell Island, but they were foiled by bad weather. Finally the Navy minesweeper "Kiwi" sailed from Dunedin and rescued Mr Hannan. He is interviewed on arrival back in Dunedin about the rescue.
The New Zealand High Commissioner in London, W.J. Jordan, returns - an excerpt from his speech in Wellington. He was in London since 1936 and gives some humourous anecdotes about New Zealand forces in Britain during the war and lending them money when they were on leave.

November 6th, at the opening of the United Nations, External Affairs Minister Mr Doidge speaks - an excerpt of his speech [via shortwave radio] on co-operation between nations and the Colombo Plan, which aims to alleviate poverty. the same day in New Zealand, the Trotting Cup was held - excerpt of commentary with Johnny Globe winning from Van Diemen.
December was a drab and depressing month with a lot of rain - thermoses rather than a cold beer required for summer outings. A weather report of rain and cool temperatures is heard.