The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

28 THE TALKING IVIACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADOUARTERS-(Continuedj. per minute, the present motor of Edison phonographs would be beyond criticism. There being no such uniformity, however, the speed regulating screw of said motors is very awkwardly located, and the speed cannot accordingly be adjusted without removal of winding key and raising of the lid of cabinet. Besides, even if the user of an Edison instrument confined his purchases to genuine Edison records, he might naturally prefer to play some selections quicker or slower than others. This could not now be effected, however, without involving considerable trouble of a vexatious character, which could easily be obviated if the manufacturers reverted to the old type of speed-regulating screw, which was conveniently operated from outside of the cabinet. Disc instruments seem to be growing in popularity, and customers are vieing with each other as to who should purchase the best instrument; 3n fact, it is now easier to sell a "Monarch Senior Gramophone" at £11 than it was formerly to dispose of a "Junior Monarch" at £5 10s. Mr. Osborne reports that he recently sold a "Sheraton Grand" Gramophone at £52 10s. to Lady Clanmorris, Bangor Castle, Bangor, County Down. This instrument is identically similar to that now used by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra at Sandringham Palace, London, thus indicating the growing demand for high-class instruments among the "upper ten thousand." He has now a certain percentage of that number as customers, and says he won't be content until he absorbs the balance! Mme. Melba will visit Belfast during the present month, hence Mr. Osborne, in anticipation of the subsequent demand for her records, ordered, and has just received, a large number of them; also of Tetrazzini's delightful discs. The humble contributor of these jottings hopes Mr. Edison will ere long put on the market a "Mammoth phonograph" to operate gold-molded concert size of records (say 6 inches) for public entertainment purposes, and capable of being heard loudly and with perfect enunciation in large halls. He hereby invokes the aid of your editor (Mr. Bill) in fetching this matter before the great "American Wizard," believing as he does that the phonograph has by no means reached finality, and furthermore that it has many latent potentialities which by the fertile brain of Mr. Edison will be yet brought to the surface, to the immense delight of a grateful public who are already under deep debts of gratitude to that distinguished "epoch man" for his wonderful inventions. The largest audience ever witnessed at an al fresco concert in Ireland was at Botanic Gardens Park, Belfast, on August 5 last, the only attraction being Mr. Osborne's Auxetophone. The park was "literally packed," the fashionable crowd numbering about 20,000. THE TALKER AS AN EDUCATOR. Interesting Remarks on This Subject by T. S. Houston, Prominent English Educator. T. S. Houston, M.A., M.P., and principal of the Academical Institution of Coleraine (County Londonderry), Ireland, made some very interesting remarks at the class day not long ago anent the value of talking machines in educational work. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Houston said: "Speaking of modern languages, I may mention that we have lately made a new and very interesting departure in this branch of education. In all our French classes we teach dictation by means of the phonograph. The records are made by an eminent French Professor, and reproduce with clearness and fidelity the true pronunciation of an educated native of France. The training thus given to the ear, combined with the teaching of French grammar, composition and translation by a well-qualified native of our own country, makes an excellent combina tion for instruction in that very important department of study. We owe more than this to our phonograph. Until I procured an instrument for the teaching of French I knew little or nothing about the invention. In fact, I had rather a prejudice against it, associating it with vulgar songs and a host of squeaking abominations provided at seaside resorts and elsewhere for the entertainment of the masses. But when I tried a French song on my new purchase I found that there was something more in it than I had thought. I went on to purchase one or two well-known songs in English, and then some hymns. The upshot is that the phonograph has become a distinct feature in our school life. Besides secular entertainments, we have little concerts of sacred music, concerts which are not only enjoyable, but I hope something more; for some of the hymns touch the deepest chords in^ the human heart. One beautiful quartet, 'Tell mother I'll be there,' is a special favorite. Any-, one who knows the hymn can understand its appeal to the heart of a boy who has a good mother far away praying for him, and hoping that she may meet him at last in a world where there is no parting. Of course, our phonograph is not a very good one. I have been often asked by friends of the institution if there is any not very expensive article they could present to the school for the pleasure and profit of the boys. There is nothing that would form a more acceptable gift than a really good Gramophone, with a few of those beautiful records of our greatest singers which may now be had at a comparatively low price. I feel very strongly that the ever-increasing number of public examinations for which our pupils must be prepared are crushing out of their lives many things that they can ill afford to lose, among the rest music — which, to my mind, should form a very important part in the education of everyone, from the highest to the lowest. I think there are few influences more important than the frequent hearing of really good music. =1 f^XCBUSlOR ]y/|ACMINES THB QUAUITV OP EXOEUSIORS ' cannot be excelled. ■ THE NAME EXCELvSIOR has become a Household Word and Stands for PERFECTION and UNEQUALLED WORKMANSHIP. THERE IS MONEY IN HANDLING EXCELSIOR MACHINES NO COMPLAINT OR TROUBLE AFTER THE SALE IS COMPLETED IVIodel XII. THE PRODUCT ADVERTISES ITSEUP COLOGNE-NIPPES (Germany) 121 Niehler-Kirchweg Write at once for Free Catalogue to Excel^iorwerk, Ltd. London, Eng., 45 City Road