The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 23 FROM OUR LONDON HEADOUARTERS-(Continued.) Pacific and Grand Trunk railways. The two great German shipping companies have made arrangements to sail their fast liners from New York in rotation. Next season's timetable from New York will be Tuesday, North German Lloyd express; Wednesday, White Star express to Southampton; Cunard intermediate, HamburgAmerican intermediate; Thursday, North German Lloyd intermediate; Saturday, Cunard, HamburgAmerican, White Star intermediate, to Liverpool. Post of Trust. I know of a gentleman who is open to accept a position as traveler, manager, or any post of trust. He knows the talking machine trade from its infancy, and is right up-to-date in every sphere. What a West End Dealer Says. A West End dealer says that banjos, guitars,harps, and other stringed musical instruments are decreasing in popular favor. People will not take the trouble to learn, now that they can get all or any instrument on the Gramophone, which is held responsible for this state of things. We hope that West End dealer sells gramophones, as otherwise he should soon be out of business, at that rate. Business With the Gramophone Co. From a recent call on the Gramophone Co. I gleaned some interesting information in regard to general business conditions. Several splendid lists of records have lately been issued, and from the excellent quality of fare provided, especially in the Christmas record list, it was only to be expected that sales had been exceptionally good; and in machines also. Unfortunately, the good demand for gramophones and records does not apply to the talking machine trade generally — which is to say that when j^ou hear of a thousand gramophone machines being despatched in one week in these times of general depression, it is not to be gathered therefrom that this reflects a busy time in the trade all round. Far from it. Yet it is some measure of consolation to know that when the Gramophone Co. are busy, trade generally in this industry may be expected to revive in the near future. I have received several current lists of gramophone records, which are all appropriate to the season. For dance music we have an unlimited selection — lancers, quadrilles, valses, two-step, polkas, etc. These records are of excellent quality, and have been recorded extra loud for the purpose. In the Christmas list much seasonable music is given by the leading bands and artists of the day, the complete oratorio of "Elijah" and the "Messiah" are in the list, which also contains selections by Miss Amy Castles, Mme. E. Jones-Hudson, W. Edward Lloyd, John Harrison, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Sousa's Band, Band of H. M. Coldstream Guards, a talking record, "Bob Cracket Telling of Scrooge," by Bransby Williams, etc., etc. The special issue ol eight new pianoforte records by the. celebrated Herr Backhaus should be stocked by every first-class gramophone dealer. We have heard some of these records, on which he renders the works of Chopin, Handel, Liszt, Grieg, and others, in a manner truly wonderful, while at the same time the recording is perfect. Another impression contains selections of new orchestral records by La Seala Symphony Orchestra, Milan. These cover overtures from Lohengrin," "The Flying Dutchman," "The Valkyrie," "Rienzi," "Midsummer Night's Dream," "Tannhauser," "Tristan and Isolde," "The Twilight of the Gods," and others, truly a splendid list this, and one which upholds the high standard of the gramophone products. Traders should communicate with the nearest branch for further information. Russell Hunting Co. Affairs. In the matter of the Russell Hunting Record Co. (in liquidation), I understand that Russell Hunting has made an amended offer which covers not only all the machinery and plant at the factory, and the office furniture, etc., but also takes over the liability of the company's mortgage on the factory, amounting to about £4,000, but in taking over this liability Mr. Hunting has pre sumably come to a satisfactory settlement with the mortgagors. The offer is said to have been made on behalf of a new company about to be formed. As the Chancery Court has sanctioned this arrangement, it only remains for the contract to be signed between Mr. Hunting and the debenture holders' receiver. Business Troubles. Business troubles during this last month affect the following: C. J. Saunders, Eastbourne; A. Lyon & Co. (City Manufacturing Co.); Wm. Powell, Dallas street, Worcester; Smith & Co., Albion street, Halifax; I. N. Millard, Bristol; Wm. Oram, Chapel street, Pontnewydd; G. H. Richards (trading as the Ruperra Furnishing Co.), Newport; instances are here of many wellknown talking machine manufacturers and factors being let in for quite large sums. It only emphasizes the fact that greater care should be exercised in the giving of indiscriminate and long credit. Another Dog in Advertising. The topical advertisements issued by Catesbys have now reached their zenith of fame. The latest presents an illustration of a dog with a disc record in its mouth, much to the chagrin of "father," who looks like having a fit, while in the background — of course — may be seen the "naughty" boy wearing the smile that won't come off. Such advertising brings the prominence of this industry before the public, and is at the same time a compliment. But what's the name of the record that can stand the bite of a dog? Columbia Co.'s Exchange Scheme. The Columbia's exchange scheme has caught on well. There can be no doubt that the idea of an allowance on old records is a popular one. People like to think that they are going to get something back for an article when they are through with it. Every man feels a little bit better when he knows that after he has got a whole lot of enjoyment out of a record and finally tires of it, or drops it on the floor and breaks it, it can ROVAU APPRBCIATION To H. M. the KING OF ITALY To H. H. the KHEDIVE OF EGYPT BY APPOINTMENT To H. M. the QUEEN HIS MASTERS VOICE THE GRAMOPHONE COMPANY, Ltd. 21 CITY ROAD, LONDON 15 Rue Bleue, PARIS 36 Ritterstrasse, BERLIN 56 Balmes, BARCELONA 139 Belleaghatta Road, CALCUTTA To T. M. the KING and QUEEN OF SPAIN To H. M. the SHAH OF PERSIA