The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

48 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS-i Continued). to Mr. Vigurs she believed in the company as a good thing. So did everyone in Southsea. It was on a Sunday afternoon about October that "phone" shares were first discussed with Mrs. Porter. Mrs. Davis emphatically denied that she ever told Mrs. Porter that a dividend of 10 per cent., or any other dividend had been paid, or about a rich American. It was also untrue that she had arranged with Mr. Vigurs to buy her shares, or that she had agreed to indemnify him against any action brought by Mrs. Porter. His lordship said he did not believe the evidence for the defence. The two stories were inconsistent, and having to choose between the two, he had come to the conclusion that Mrs. Porter and Mr. Sherwin were speaking the truth. Mrs. Porter was entitled to set aside the transaction, and have the return of her £300, with interest, and the cost of the action, on retransferring the shares to Mr. Vigurs. Latest Imperial Records. The latest list of "Imperial Records" includes some well-recorded selections which we should imagine are particularly good sellers. The general feature of all is a full and natural tone. Among those I would mention are an exceptionally pretty bell solo, "Sun Rays," orchestral selection, "Overture Le Caid"; solo, with ctoir, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"; and a series of very clear bugle calls, "Rough Riders in Charge up San Juan Hill." It may be mentioned that the Imperial Co. have secured a new singer in the shape of F. A. Archambault (baritone), one of the members of the opera company singing with Mme. Tetrazzini, who has just made such a success in operatic circles. The new records will shortly be issued. A New Disc Machine. A new disc machine with a motor that will run for 25 minutes, has been introduced to this market by Messrs. Pathe Preres, Ltd. It is styled "Nulli Secundus," and is of the best possible quality of finish throughout. Imperial Record Co.'s Sales Manager. It must always be interesting to dealers to know who they have actually to deal with in ordering their supplies of records, and with this in view I have pleasure in introducing the subject of photo herewith. Hector R. Howard, sales manager of the Imperial Record Co., who I may here say is one of the most enthusiastic members of this industry. Comparatively a young member of the trade, Mr. Howard has yet an extensive knowledge of both the mechanical and commercial side of the business, an essential asset to one in his position. The steady and increasing demand for "Imperial Records" is largely due to his energy, and while possessing a very keen musical ear, Mr. Howard has other great artistic ability, as witnessed by the very pleasing and attractive cover of their latest record catalog, which he designed and carried through from start to finish. Messrs. Gilbert II. It. HOWARD. Kimpton & Co. naturally find in Mr. Howard a valuable employe, and one in whom they can place the fullest confidence to look after their customers' interests. Warning from National Phonograph Co. In a warning just issued, the National Phonograph Co. reiterate their intention of taking immediate action against anyone found duplicating their records. With this company, as usual, trade is reported as excellent, and I understand that the December rush necessitated keeping the factory going night and day. Higher Prices for Horns. Talking machine horn manufacturers have decided to raise the prices of their products both at home and abroad. New Zealand's Tariff on "Talkers." On talking machine goods into New Zealand the tariff is fixed at 20 per cent.; this rate only affects products manufactured in some part of the British dominions. Happily Escape from Fire. In the fire which broke out in Tabernacle street, the Gramophone Co.'s premises were at one time thought to be in considerable danger, but happily the firemen were successful in practically confining the outbreak to the next door premises, where it originated. Still, some slight damage by fire and water was done to one of the recording rooms, but within, three hours of the outbreak recording was again in full swing, and there was practically no interruption of business. In Voluntary Liquidation. The British Lonogram Co. recently trading at City Road, London, have gone into voluntary liquidation. Interesting to Neopbone Creditors. The creditors of Neophone, Ltd., are required to send particulars of their debts or claims to Mr. Harry Gordon Nordabj', liquidator of the company, 13 and 14 Abchurch Lane, London, E. C, by the 31st day of January, 1908. Musical Culture! A continental exchange is responsible for this. People usea to think that science was a stern enemy of gaiety. This view will be changed now that an American professor has discovered that music has a remarkable infiuence on the growth of fiowers and plants. Trombone solos will soon be played in potato fields, and recitals will be given wherever cabbages, carrots, or turnips are grown. I have heard that music stimulates the growth of the hair and aids digestion, ana this is about as far as the average human being wants to go. Fancy dining off musicallygrown turnips and potatoes! A better thing would be to pass a new law forbidding any further discoveries in this direction by American professors, etc. Edison Bell vs. National Phonograph Co. The case of th Edison Bell Co., Ltd., vs. the National Phonograph Co., Ltd., came before the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justices Buckley and Kennedy, as an appeal by the defendants from an order of Mr. Justice Neville. The action was one for libel said to be contained in a circular sent to fifty-five factors in Great Britain by the defendant company, stating that they were the sole owners of Genuine Edison goods, and no one else had a right to use the Edison name as a trade mark. The defendants had published a withdrawal of the circular by issuing a second one, stating that they had no intention of imposing restrictions on their dealers handling genuine Edison products. The plaintiffs tendered evidence that since the issue of the circular the sale of their records had dropped considerably. Defendants contended that if plaintiffs' sales had decreased it was not due to the circular, but to competition. At the trial judgment was given to plaintiffs, and an official referee appointed to assess the damages. Hence the present appeal. The Lord Chief Justice upheld Mr. Justice Neville's judgment and the appeal was dismissed with costs. Mr. Walter, K. C, for the appellants, stated that his clients were anxious to take the opinion of the House of Lords, and asked for a stay of the inquiry as to damages. The Lorn Chief Justice refused on the ground that there was no evidence that the inquiry would hamper the defendants. J. H. White Indisposed. Many friends will be sorry to learn that Mr. J. H. White (General Phonograph Co.) has had a return of a complaint which he contracted while ill China, and as a consequence he has been prevented from attending to business for the last week or so. He has our best wishes for a speedy recovery. PHILIP NEALE, PMOINO. EXPERT, S Chalk Farm Rd. LONDON. N. W. Tnlkiiiit Machines of every description repaired. .Special terms to the trade. City address and price list on receipt of postal. No job too small— no job too larKe. $ "There's Money in Them" TERLING REC0RD3» " STERLING" " SPECIAL" Records are the only records you can obtain which enable you to say to your customers : " These are the greatest value in cylinder records in the world." You can say this because the " STERLING " " SPECIAL " is "THE RECORD THAT'S HALF AN INCH LONGER No other cylinder offers such good value, no other cylinder has ever caused such a sensation by its sheer merit as well as its increased length. No other record will sell so freely among your customers. No other record needs so little introduction. " STERLING " " SPECIAL" RECORDS will fit any standard make of Phonographs. I^'i"©.'*/.) The RusseU Hunting Record Co., Ltd. Llbarml Discount 13, 15 and IT City Road, London, E. C, England AUHlralaslan RepreBcntallvc. H. A. PARKER. 19 Hunter SI., Sydoey,N.S.W