This recording is the opening broadcast from 1ZM as a station for the American Expeditionary Forces in New Zealand.
The broadcast opens with a trumpet fanfare and an unidentified American announcer says "Your American Expeditionary Station for New Zealand is on the air, through the courtesy of, and in co-operation with the government of New Zealand."
Two unidentified American announcers list the artists who will be played on the station, including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore.
They then introduce a message from New Zealand Prime Minister Peter Fraser, who recorded it prior to his departure for London to attend an Imperial Conference of Prime Ministers.
[The start of his message is cut off]
Peter Fraser says he hopes the station's programmes will make the American listeners' stay in New Zealand more pleasant and feel it is their second home. He pays tribute to Commodore Jupp and his staff, who have built up the cooperation and goodwill between the two countries.
Commodore S.D. Jupp, the senior U.S. military officer permanently stationed in New Zealand, then speaks. He thanks the Prime Minister and the New Zealand government for the use of station 1ZM. He explains the programmes it will broadcast will return American troops to their living rooms back home, if only for a short time.
Colonel C.H. Bragg, (Executive Officer, Headquarters, Services Supply South Pacific area),speaks on behalf of Major General Robert G. Breene, (Commanding General, Services Supply in this theatre), who was unable to be present. He says 1ZM is the 5th American Expeditionary Station to open in the area. General Breene wishes to express his appreciation to the Prime Minister for use of the station.
The 290th Army Band under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Joseph L. O'Neill, plays "Moonglow", an original arrangement by band members Sergeant Terry and Corporal Ferretti. [The band appears to be playing live in the studio.]
The New Zealand Minister of Broadcasting Frederick Jones then speaks, congratulating the A.E.F. on opening the new station.
The 290th Army Band plays "Begin the Beguine"
Lieutenant Colonel Sidney P. Marland, assistant chief of staff for G3 [?], speaks for the commanding general of the New England unit now resting in New Zealand. He welcomes the opening of the station and thanks those involved. He hopes the New Zealand listeners will enjoy the programme of entertainment the station will bring as well.
The 290th Army Band plays "Chasing Rainbows"
A cable is read from The Armed Forces Radio Service, congratulating those involved for allowing the station to open and says some American programmes the A.E.S. is broadcasting will also be heard on several New Zealand radio stations.
The 290th Army Band plays "All or Nothing at All"
Over the top of the band, announcer Larry Dysart signs off, thanking all the 'G.I.'s, Blue Jackets and Leathernecks' for listening. He says he is in charge of making up the programmes, under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Brookes-Gifford, U.S.N.R. naval staff officer in charge, and he invites listeners to write in.
Several other American announcers sign off:
Karl Jean reminds listeners his show, The Classical Corner, will be on the air every Thursday evening. Gene Twombley and Frank Gaunt also greet listeners and sign off.
The recording ends with "God Save the King" followed by "The Star Spangled Banner."