Episode 46
Part 1. Radio Digest announcer introduces the following topics; a farewell by members of the South African bowling team to the Empire Games in New Zealand, interview with the 1950 Young Farmer Leadership Contest, interview with General Albert Osborne of the Salvation Army and Napier creates a city.
Just arrived in New Zealand General Albert Osborne, World Head of the Salvation Army outlines his work and responsibilities for the Salvation Army organisation. He had previously worked in New Zealand between 1933 and 1936 as Chief Secretary, he explains that he was elected General after 40 years of service and with it carries the duty to visit as many countries as possible in which the Salvation Army operates for inspection and inspiration. He talks briefly about social welfare in Britain and how they are working in parallel with the government who actively support this area.
An interview with representatives of the South African bowling team prior to their sailing from New Zealand on the Dominion Monarch on the following Friday. The first speaker, team Manager Joe Garnett sends out a message of appreciation to all those officials and members of the Bowling fraternity in New Zealand. The secretary of the South African Bowling Association, Harry Atkinson follows, describing how bowler selections and financing are done in South Africa. Mr. N. S. (Snowy) Walker captain of the Champion fours team comments about the team's disappointment with the New Zealand bowling greens. The grass on the greens they saw lacked colour and in his opinion this was due to a lack of irrigation and excessive rolling. He ends with a sincere message of thanks for the manner in which the Empire Games officials staged the games and the clubs which supported their practices, enabling them to play in competition to the best of their ability.
Part 2. A commentary on the ceremony proclaiming Napier the capital of Hawkes Bay, the 12th city of the Dominion on 18th March 1950. The ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of Napier, Thomas William Hercock. The Deputy Prime Minister Keith Holyoake reads the proclamation by the Governor General, Lt. Gen. Bernard Cyril Freyberg VC, that as the borough now had a population not less than 20,000 people it would now be called a city. Massed brass bands and combined choirs of Napier conducted by John Emmett perform the National Anthem and the Bishop of Waiapu provides a blessing.
Part 3. Interview with the winner of the 1950 Young Farmer Leadership Contest, Mr Richard H. Bevan from Gisborne. Never having been out of New Zealand before he is looking forward to visiting some Hereford stud farms in Australia and refers to it as the 'Home of Beef Cattle'. Richard says he needs to get away from the Contract Labour Law.
James Grey, a South African journalist gives an account of a typical tribal meeting in held in Serowee, Botswana. The tribal kgotla, a meeting of all of the members, gather to discuss political and social matters under an open sky. Men only, (everyone now in European dress) meet at sunrise beginning the kgotla with a prayer, the topic for discussion is introduced and every tribal member has the right to contribute.The chief sums up general opinion which then becomes the decision of the day.
The combined exercises of the Australian fleet and New Zealand squadron are over and the two commanding officers, Rear Admiral J.A.S.[Eccles] and Captain [Rock Keane] comment on the exercises and manoeuvres that most recently harboured at Akaroa, New Zealand. Both note that the wonderful spirit fostered during the war continues. New Zealand's Minister of Defence was present during some of the exercises.