The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 9 COMPETITION IN THE DISC BUSINESS IN INDIA. Two Important Firms Struggling for Supremacy — Beka and the Gramophone Companies Have Large Repertoires and Strong Organizations — Merry War of Cutting Prices Goes on Apace — Interesting Communication from a Correspondent Who Descants on the Situation. One of our correspondents, who is thoroughly conversant with conditions in India, has sent us an interesting article on the present sfS,te of the Indian market, which we have much pleasure in publishing for the benefit of our readers. Among other things our correspondent writes: "Whereas in Europe, particularly in Germany, six to eight disc factories are wrestling for the upper hand; in the Par East, in India, two important firms are struggling hard for the supremacy. The fact that both of the firms have exceedingly strong weapons in their hands, first in the shape of a surprisingly large repertoire, and second, with really model organizations, makes the fight all the more obstinate. The companies in question are as you all no doubt are aware, the Gramophone and the Beka. Up to two years ago the Gramophone Co., which is known as one which makes sure of its position for years to come, catered alone for t)ie demand, which was even then pretty large. It was, therefore, a bold stroke on the part of the Beka Co. to take up the cudgels against a firm which was already firmly planted there. The success which attended this step is known to a.ll acquainted with the Indian business. The first attempt with 400 records met with such an overwhelming response that the Beka Co. at once went in for recording all over India, and to-day, therefore, dispose of a repertoire of over 1,000 titles, the same as the Gramophone Co. On the other hand, the latter company recently erected a factory in Calcutta, so as to be able to meet the requirements of the country right on the spot. It is really interesting to observe the original manner in which both these firms are working and organizing the Indian business. The only regrettable feature of this fierce competition is the fact that, as in all other countries, so also in India, have the prices suffered considerably thereby, inasmuch as the one firm is trying to cut out the other by going on reducing its prices. At the beginning of 1907, at which time Director Loewe, of the Beka Co., was over in India for the purpose of organizing the Indian business, the Gramophone Co., through their director, Mr. Rodkinson, who was also then in India, reduced the price of their native records about 33 per cent. In spite of this reduction, the prices were still such as to leave a respectable margin for the manufacturer. On Jan. 1, 1908, however, a further reduction of the Gramophone records took place, this time to the extent of about 20 per cent., so that the prices have now been brought down to such a level that there is no longer any great difference between them and those obtaining in Europe. The necessity for this reduction and the motive which prompted it is, so far, beyond my grasp. I will, however, again refer to this point after I have received further particulars from India. I am also up to the present unaware what effect this reduction will have on the Beka Co. They will doubtless fit in their prices with the new ones of the Gramophone Co., so that the fight will then go on anew. It is really a great pity that two firms which have so ably adapted themselves to the business principles of the Hindoo should rub up against each other in this manner and cut their own throats, seeing that if they were to pursue a right policy both firms could to-day still work at a big profit to themselves." iSo much for our correspondent's contribution. We are not yet able to say whether the above statements accord with the actual facts. Perhaps one or the other of the firms in question will let us have their views and correct any irregularities which the above report may contain. At any rate, this article appears to be evidence enough that it is a thing of the past to dream of reaping a golden harvest in India. Should, therefore. any firms, incited by the big success of the Gramophone and Beka companies, have decided to go out to India, we can only advise them to first thoroughly acquaint themselves with the actual state of the Indian market, which, as the result of the last price reduction, does not by any means appear so rosy as was the case until recently. REUNITED MAN AND WIFE. The Talker Plays the Role of Peacemaker and Brings Divorced Wife and Husband Together. Still another story of the romantic tendencies of the talking machine comes from St. Louis, and in this case it separated, a man and wife, and later was the means of re-uniting them. The man, Preston was his name, was extremely fond of his talker and kept it working every possible moment, both day and night. His wife not thoroughly appreciating such continuous melody expostulated with him, but that proving of no avail, told her husband that either the machine or her must vacate the premises instanter. He said he guessed it would have to be Mrs. Preston. She went. Last fall she obtained a divorce, telling the judge that the talker was to blame for it all. She went her way and opened a boarding-house and her husband worked the machine harder than ever. One night she was passing her former husband's home. She heard the talking machine going as usual. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" it was playing. Preston was at the gate. They talked it over and made up. That night Preston moved over to his wife's boarding-house; under one arm he carried the box and under the other the horn. The next day they were married. J. P. KELSEY MAKES CHANGE. John P. Kelsey, recently connected with Victor H. Rapke, as manager, has become connected with the General Phonograph Supply Co., New York, and will represent them on the road. He went on a few weeks' trip West last week. The Munson Foldinfl Horn The One Piece Indestructible Horn For All Cylinder and Taper Arm Disc Machines Can be opened or closed in 30 seconds. Made of selected "Leatherette" "with highly finished Metal Parts. We guarantee all of our horns against rattle or blasting. In solid colors, Gold or Black, RETAIL, $5.00. Handsomely Decorated by Hand, fast colors, RETAIl $6.00. Sold Only Through Jobbers Liberal Discount to the Trade CLOSED. The Foldiog Phonographic Horn Co., 650=652 Ninth Avenue NEW YORK CITY