Opening of 1YZ (parts one to twelve)

This recording consists of a live broadcast of speeches and musical performances to celebrate the opening of 1YZ, Rotorua. It includes items from the station and from a concert at the municipal chambers
[It was recorded off-air and contains some static and interference throughout.]

Disc D2045.1 side 1 - part 1: [Part of] God Save the King. An unidentified male announcer introduces Director of Broadcasting William Yates. He introduces Minister for Broadcasting Hon. Frederick Jones, who thanks the retiring director of broadcasting Professor Shelley for all he has done for the culture of New Zealand and broadcasting in this country. Mr Jones welcomes the other speakers who are present and gives the apologies of the MPs for Tauranga and Piako who are unable to be present. He outlines the history of plans for improving broadcasting to Bay of Plenty listeners, which were delayed by the outbreak of war. He explains new studios are planned for Tauranga and Rotorua but resources are scarce at present. He outlines the sort of programming that will feature on the station which will follow the style set by other YZ stations at Napier and Invercargill. The transmitter for this station is at Paengaroa and he describes the facilities there. He talks about the growth in radio listenership and in the circulation of The Listener and declares the station open.

Mr Yates introduces Eastern Māori MP, Tiaki Omana. Mr Omana describes the benefits radio has brought to New Zealand homes. He then speaks in Māori, greeting Te Arawa. Mr Yates introduces Bay Plenty MP, Mr W. Sullivan. Mr Sullivan explains that broadcasting reception in the Bay of Plenty has not been good and welcomes the new station. It is in an ‘old building’, a conglomeration of former army buildings and he looks forward to the new building. He makes reference to the recent ‘wasp’ hoax broadcast and says he enjoyed it and hopes the young man responsible [Phil Shone] was not punished too severely. He welcomes the new manager of the station, Mr Collins.

Disc D2045.2 side 1 - part 2: Mr Sullivan’s last word. Mr Yates introduces Mr G.F. Sim, MP for Waikato. Mr Sim speaks noting the importance of radio for both Māori and Pakeha and people of all political parties, calling it ‘the voice of democracy’, which New Zealand so recently fought to uphold. He makes reference to the spread of communism and the need for people to support their government. Mr A.F. Moncur, Mayor of Rotorua speaks.
Mr L.R. Wilkinson, Mayor of Tauranga speaks. Mr Yates thanks the Public Works Department and contractors who have built the new station and transmitter. He asks the station manager, Mr K.G. Collins to take over the programme.

Disc D2045.1 side 2 - part 3: Station manager Mr Collins thanks listeners who have already sent in messages of goodwill following their test transmissions. He introduces chief announcer Mr Alf E. Sanft who introduces the evening’s programme which is being broadcast from the studio and the Rotorua Concert Chamber. First is the Rotorua Municipal Band, led by Albert John Bovey, playing new instruments which they just received from Britain. They play ‘Sons of the Soil’. New Zealand tenor Geoffrey Moore, who is from Rotorua is introduced. He sings four ballads:
“You are my Heart’s Delight” – Lehar
“Ah May the Red Rose Live Always” - Foster

Disc D2045.2 side 2 - part 4: Geoffrey Moore recital continues:
“Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss” - Lehar
Ana Hato is introduced. She sings her own composition:
”He Moemoea – a Dream” (with ukulele accompaniment)

Disc D2045.3 side 1 - part 5: Alf Sanft introduces the Rotorua Caledonian Pipe Band, who play
“Captain Oldfield’s Welcome to Kilravock”
Tauranga violinist S.H. Peterson plays two pieces:
“Love’s Sorrow” - Fritz Kreisler
“Midnight Bell” – Heuberger (with piano accompaniment)
The Rotorua Municipal Band plays the march
“The Standard of St George”

Disc D2045.4 side 1 - part 6: The Rotorua Municipal Band performance of “The Standard of St George” continues.
The broadcast then crosses to the Rotorua Concert Chamber where an unidentified announcer introduces a Māori concert organised by Guide Rangi in honour of the station’s opening. He describes the costumes and introduces Guide Rangi. She greets listeners and introduces the first two items; a powhiri and a patere.
These are followed by an unidentified action song and “Haere mai Tuhourangi”

Disc D2045.3 side 2 - part 7: Māori concert performance continues. Guide Rangi introduces the poi “Pakete Whero”
Unidentified waiata with guitar accompaniment
Haka
Guide Rangi introduces soloist Hirone Wikiriwhi who sings an unidentified waiata

Disc D2045.4 side 2 - part 8: Māori concert performance continues. Guide Rangi introduces a waiata and a chorus.
“Waiata Poi” - Alfred Hill. Sung by Hepene Waretini (with guitar and poi accompaniment). The broadcast returns to the studio.
Alf Sanft introduces Rotorua contralto, Grace Taylor who sings:
“Deep River”- trad. spiritual
“Plaisir d’Amour” - Martini

Disc D2045.5 side 1 - part 9: Bass baritone Jock Tennant from Tauranga sings
“The Blind Ploughman” – Radclyffe-Hall
“Will o’ the Wisp”
Patricia Tapp [?] and Nancy Marcus [?] play the piano duet “Nola” - Arndt

Disc D2045.6 side 1 - part 10: Patricia Tapp [?] and Nancy Marcus [?] play the piano duet “China Doll Parade”
The Rotorua Caledonian Society Pipe Band plays
“Highland Laddie”
“Road to the Isles”
Announcer Alf Sanft gives a station ID and time check.
“Variety Band Box” – a BBC variety programme.

Disc D2045.5 side 2 - part 11:BBC variety programme with Billy Turner orchestra and other artists
Disc D2045.6 side 2 - part 12:BBC variety show concludes