The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

22 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. FROM OUR LONDON HEADOUARTERS-iContinued.) will retail at five guineas, and three guineas, respectively, (with liberal trade discount) and these are indeed moderate prices in view of the excellent quality given. Each machine is adapted to play both cuts, the motor is good, while the cabinet is of Spanish mahogany color, surmounted by an artistic flower horn. The soundbox, which presents many new features, I shall have something to say about in our January issue. Columbia Dictaphone in Governmentai Service. The Columbia Dictaphone is attaining quite a distinguished following in Governmental service. The Duke of Marlboro, Earl Cawdor, the Postmaster General, Mr. Haldane and Mr. Balfour, all utilize this time-saving device in their official capacity; the latest adherent being the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, who has ordered the Dictaphone for his official use at the Board of Trade. British Zonophone Co.'s Latest Issue. The British Zonophone Co.'s December list is replete with seasonable titles for Christmas enjoyment, and covers both classical, sentimental and comic selections of a delightful nature. With such fare it is not astonishing to learn that Zonophone records are increasing in popularity all the time: in fact, I understand there has been a regular boom for these latest issues, and they cannot be dispatched fast enough. Here are some good sellers: "A Jolly Christmas" (Minister singers), "Land of Hope and Glory," in which we have a charming combination of a cornet solo (Mr. H. Bryan), chorus (The Alexandra Choir), and full band (The Black Diamonds). The Black Diamond band also present "Reminiscence of 1871" and "Overture to Mignon," in both of which the recording is exceedingly natural. "Genevieve" is a fine cornet solo by Messrs. Hawkins and Hardy of the band of H. M. Coldstream Guards. "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," by Harry Lauder, is well up to his inimitable style, and was made by the special request of over a thousand persons. The London Municipal Orchestra plays "Gold and Silver Waltz," and on three records "The Merry Widow Lancers," figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 are given. This dance music is particularly appropriate at this time, and the recording thereof is characterized by a truly faithful rendering, seldom met with. There are other splendid titles in the list, notably the famous quartette from Rigoletto (Verdi), and it -is but natural to predict that the whole December issues will be winners everywhere. Dyktor's Biophone Co. Our old friend Sr. Dyktor is now trading under the style of the Dyktor's Biophone Co., in Goswell Road, E. C. Latest "Clarion" Cylinder Records. In the 19th parcel, or November list, of "Clarion" cylinder records, a new artist of exceptional merit is introduced in the person of Master Lloyd Shakespeare, who is but 12 years of age. Although so young. Master Shakespeare plays his cornet solo "Bolero" (The Toreador) in a style truly remarkable, and we shall hope to hear further selections by this infant prodigy from time to time. Other selections in the list are "Homeward Bound" (march). Premier Military Band; "Poet and Peasant" (overture), and "Chevalier's Songs," both by the Premier Concert Orchestra; "Old Country Dances," Premier Bijou Orchestra, and a fine clarionet solo, "The Alsatians," by Charles Draper. In the vocal selections are "The Postman," A. Marsh; "It Serves You Right," Will Terry; "In the Valley Where the Blue-Birds Sing," S. Kirkby; "Red Wing" and "Same Old Church," F. Miller; and "Nirvana," by Archie Anderson. Here, too, is a fine list, especially introduced for Christmas use: "The First Noel," "While Shepherds Watch," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Christians Awake" are four good carols by the Premier singers; "Sons of the Brave" (march), "Pomp and Circumstance," by the Premier Military Band; "Far Away in Australia," Frank Miller; "Hang Out the Front-door Key" (seasonable, this!) by Charles Lester; "I Know Where to Find 'Em," Charles Denton; and here arc three beautiful descriptive selections — "A Watch Night Service in the Old Village Church," "The Miner's Dream of Home," song by Stanley Kirkby," and "At the Pantomime." Parcel Post Rates Reduced. The parcel post rates from England to the Argentine Republic have been reduced to — not exceeding 3 pounds, 2s.; over 3 pounds and not over 7 pounds, 3s.; over 7 pounds up to 11 pounds, 4s. What a Desecration! Dedicated to the landlord of a Leipzig hotel, a comic song by Richard Wagner, comprising no less than twelve verses, is to be put up for auction in Berlin shortly. Value of Side Lines. Business being so quiet, the live talking machine dealer naturally takes up a good side line — that is, of course, if he wants to keep that "balance" at the bank. Perhaps there are, however, a good many who have no bank reserve, and to such these lines will especially appeal, for, if acted upon, there is no reason whatever why any trader should not turn over a decent profit. There are a number of excellent articles, for instance, which every dealer might stock, such as air-guns, and pistols, targets, clockwork door bells, boxing gloves, exercisers, footballs, shin guards, fretwork outfits, pedometers, roller and other skates, etc. While the majority of retailers could not stock all of these lines, they should go in for those most suitable for their class of customers; it largely depends on locality, but the foregoing present a few likely articles to choose from. There is unlimited possibilities to build up a fine trade in these side lines, and any trader wishing to adopt means of increasing their balance at the bank cannot do better than communicate with Brown Bros, of Great Eastern street, London, who will gladly furnish the required information, together with details and particulars of the best paying phonographs, records, and disc talking machines. The Rena Manufacturing Co. A new syndicate has come into formation under the title of the Rena Manufacturing Co., to market both a disc machine and record. The trade thought it not a little likely that Louis Sterling (late managing director of the Russell Hunting concern) would soon be among us again, and it was therefore a pleasure to find him at the head of this new company. He is very enthusiastic in regard to the future, and there is no doubt that when general conditions resume a normal state, the "Rena" will create for itself a splendid following. It is a double-sided, needle-cut record, and will sell at the tempting price of two shillings and sixpence. About fifty titles figure in the first list to be issued December 1. The "Rena" is characterized by fine recording, and is impressed with selections from some of the leading artists and best bands of the day. Creditors of A. Lyon & Co. IVleet. At the creditors' meeting of A. Lyon & Co. (City Manufacturing Co.), City Road, London, a list of claims was read out, from which I mention the following: British Zonophone Co., ±197 17s. 8d.; Columbia Co., £65 2s.; Cooper Bros. & Co., £28 Is.; Gramophone Co., £44 8s.; International Favorite Co., £63 18s. 6d.; Beka Co., £18 14s. 4d.; Musogram Co., £30 12s. 6d.; Hesse & Co. (amount not stated) ; Lugton & Co., £81 4s.; H. C. Lewis, £33 Is. 4d.; M. & A. Woolf, £75 9s. 6d.; and others. Total liabilities (proven to date), £3,816 7s. 5d. Assets, estimated about £800. Mr. Moore has been deprived of the trusteeship in place of Mr. Tilley, 8 Staple Inn, London, W. C. The public examination of the debtor is fixed to be held on December 4. Shipping News. The Continental North Atlantic shipping lines have decided to organize a service of cargo steamers to Canada, starting from Hamburg, and calling regularly at Bremen and Rotterdam. An agreement has been come to with the Canadian THE LEADING DISC RECORDS OF TO-DAY These wonderful Records have for the past five years been recognized as the premier artistic discs of both continents. They stand to-day the highest conception of the recorder's art, and by their aid thousands have become known to the musical possibilities of the Talking Machine. "Odeon" Records have attained a world-wide reputation for beauty of tone, wearing powers and perfection of detail. A long array of wellknown artistes, many of them exclusively retained, have assisted to make the "Odeon" Record famous, and, in this connection, we would specially draw your attention to the magnificent records made by Mr. LLOYD CHANDOS Mr. WATKIN MILLS Mr. JOHN McCORMACK Mr. DALTON BAKER Mr. IVOR FOSTER Mr. JAMES DAVIS The Bands ol the GRENADIER GUARDS, LONDON, and of the GARDE REPUBLICAINE, PARIS Mr. WALTER HYDE Madame EMMY DESTINN Madame EDNA THORNTON, and many others BARNETT SAMUIL b SONS CO. 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