The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1913)

44 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 1 GRESHAM BUiLDINGS, BASINGHALL STREET, LONDON, E. C., W. LIONEL STURDY, MANAGER. Talking Machine Trade Generally in a Healthy Condition — Strong Competition Enlivens Record Business — Low Prices on Exported Goods — Edison Goods to Be Shipped Direct from Orange, N. J., Plant After June 1 — Bankruptcy Law Revised — Some Recent Record Lists and Their Contents — Talking Machine Societies Increasing in Popularity — Annual Beka Reports Most Satisfactory. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) London, E. C, March 31, 1913. Talking machine trade this side is more or less in a state of transition from the rush time to that of the quiet period. Things are, however, shaping out well, though some complain of bad trade. Time of year considered, I am of opinion that the talking machine industry is generally in a most healthy condition. This is clearly emphasized in comparison with even time last year, which wa^s not considered unsatisfactory. Sales have gone up despite, or rather because of, the keener competitive situation, for it is a fact without question that the more makes of records there are on sale — and the British market handles quite thirty — the more the public seem to respond and be influenced by the gigantic potentialities of the ubiquitous talker. About every firm is in the happy position of being able to say, "We have done better," and this is the tone and spirit which animates the whole trade tc-day and is moving it to greater efforts than ever before. Future prospects are bright. In the industrial field labor is good, better wages are being paid, and the masses generally were never more prosperous. Industrial disputes are conspicuous only by their absence, and to say the least, given a continuance of these conditions, the record and machine trade bids fair to continue along a satisfactory and progressive path. The big houses will as usual maintain throughout the summer newspaper and other forms of publicity, and this, conjointly with their efforts in other directions, must insure a steady public demand and stimulate the increasing use of the talking machine for outdoor entertainment. Export Trade Possibilities. In the export field satisfactory business prevails, and of late some very nice orders have reached this country. A recent example was a shipping contract for 100,000 records — of course, for delivery as required over a stated period. But what of the price? In this particular instance I cannot speak, for I do not know; but according to certain figures disclosed to me on different occasions, the general method is to cut very low. I have in mind a case where a large export order was signed on terms which could not possibly have left a margin of more than one halfpenny profit per record. This keen condition of things coupled with the general practice of contracting through London shipping houses doubtless to some extent explains the seeming indifference of our manufacturers to modern methods of cultivating foreign or colonial trade. The medium of the press is not sought to the extent it should be. American and Continental houses do not neglect this channel, and the substantial orders they receive is eloquent testimony of its value. A conservative outlook, and in some cases lack of capital bars to the British record houses a share of this trade — more profitable direct than through the cut-price arrangements made with London shippers. Edison Goods Direct from Orange Plant. An important statement of extreme interest to all Edison traders was recently made public here by Thomas A. Edison, Ltd., to this effect : After June 1, 1913, the parent company, Thomas A. Edison, Inc., will take over the control and supply of Edison phonographs and records direct from Orange, N. J., U. S. A. Particulars of the change were given in a letter sent to the entire trade by Thomas A. Edison, Ltd., in which the company thank the Edison factors and dealers for their support in the past, and request on behalf of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., a continuance of their favor under the new arrangement. The foregoing is self-explanatory. In order to remove any misconception in the minds of traders, I have made inquiry of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., and am authorized to say that the supply service will be unaffected, arrangements having been made to insure prompt despatch of all orders. Recording will, of course, be continued in London, and the English travelers are due te make their round of the factors here as formerly. In adopting this new plan the parent company, Thomas A. Edison, Inc., is carrying out Mr. Edison's policy of concentrating the manufacturing and despatch departments at Orange in order to centralize the business and increase the service facilities. A Welcome Revision of the Bankruptcy Law. In Parliament last week the second reading of a new bankruptcy bill was moved by Mr. Sidney Buxton, president of the Board of Trade. It had the support of the various chambers of commerce. In effect the measure would simplify the laws relating to bankruptcy and make them more summary. It also, in various ways, sought to hit the dishonest, evasive and reckless debtor. Among the things that it did was to make it an offense for an undischarged bankrupt to engage in business under cover of an assumed name without disclosing his condition to his new creditors. With regard to the property of a bankrupt, if the person dealing with the bankkrupt was aware of his bankruptcy, he would not be protected against the claiming trustee. In the case of second bankruptcies the law was to be modified so that, in regard to the assets, the creditors of the second bankruptcy would be allowed to rank equally with those of the first. The measure also contained a provision bringing married women engaged in trade, either separately or in conjunction with their husbands, within the scope of the bankruptcy law. In addition, it was proposed to extdnd the control of the bankruptcy court over foreign firms — where such firms had a 'branch or agent or partner here to treat the firm as an English firm. By still another provision of the bill the money-lender would, in future, be prevented from claiming exorbitant rates of interest in regard to bankrupt estate. Growing List of Double Sided Records. The number of records double-sided by "His Master's Voice" Co. is growing apace, and quite a substantial repertoire is now available, in which is included topical and popular selections covering every class of music appealing to a select public. This month the Gramophone Co., Ltd., offer an especially attractive hatch of instrumental issues, and, as will be seen, a fine discrimination has been exercised in their choice of titles. All are really good records, characterized as usual by perfect recording, the balance and arrangement of the various instruments insuring absolute absence of discord. These double records are a treat to listen to, and typical examples may be found in the following: "Moonlight Dance" (Frick) and "The Belfry Serenade" (J. S. Howgill) ; "The Girl in the Taxi," selection, Clara Gilbert, and "Rose of Castille," selection (Balfe), Band of H. M. Coldstream Guards; "Der Rosenkavalier," waltz (Strauss) and "Felicite Valse," James Bowler; "Billy Possum's Parade" (E. Reeves) and "At the Devil's Ball," two-step-March (Irving Berlin), Gottlieb's Orchestra; "Milady Rosemary" (Roy Bernard) and "Forget Me Not," intermezzo (Macbeth), Mayfair Orchestra; "Laughing Love," twostep (Christine), and "Love's Dance," two-step (Karl Hochna), Palais de Dance Orchestra. To the supplement of single records contributions by two artists new to "His Master's Voice" lists are to be noted. Mme. Alice Wilna possesses a beautifully sweet soprano voice, the delicate shade of which is exemplified in a pretty little love song entitled "Nifanwy." The other artist referred to is Miss Florence Hinkle, whose first record, "Depuis le jour," from Charpentier's popular opera, "Louise," is most excellent. The complete list is as follows : "Die Meistersingers"— Dance of the Apprentices (Wagner) ; "Die Meistersingers"— Procession of the Meistersingers (Wagner), New Symphony Orchestra. "I Fear No Foe" (Pinsuti). Mr. Peter Dawson; "The Song of the Flea" (Moussorgsky), Mr. Robert Radford; "The Jolly Old Bachelor" (Morgan), Mr. Harry Dearth; "Molly Ochone" (Laura Lemon), Mr. Charles Trel; "Stars May Forget" (R. Groome), Mr. Thorpe Bates; 'Bird of Love Divine" (Haydn Wood), Mr. Hubert Eisdell; "Birds in the High Hall Garden" (Somervell), Mr. Percy Whitehead; "Abide With Me" (Liddle), Mme. Edna Thornton; "Gems from 'Cavalleria Rusticana'" (Mascagni), Grand Opera Company; "Angels Guard Thee" (Godard) ('cello solo), Mr. W. H. Squire; "Moonlight Sonata," Part I (Beethoven), Mr. Mark Hambourg; "The Girl in Brown" (J. W. Tate), Miss Clarice Mayne; "Don't Play in t-he Shadows" (David-Arthurs-Finck), Mr. Wilkie Bard. Celebrity Records: "Zigeunerweisen" (Sarasate) and "Canzonetta" (Tschaikowsky), both by Kubelik. New Company. Perfectophone (Northern), Ltd., manufacturer of talking machines. Capital, £1,000. Office, 30 Brown street, Manchester. T. Edens Osborne Again Heard From. The subjoined advertisement in the form of an editorial paragraph which recently appeared in a Belfast magazine is worth quoting. It reads thus: "Those who reside in the country, village, on the farm, or far removed from the pleasures of town or city cannot now complain of quietude, dulness, or monotony of their lives, for just as the telephone annihilates distance and enables people to converse with each other, though separated by hundreds of miles, so the Edison phonograph, gramophone or zonophone records, which can be conveyed through the post without breakage, will enable those who possess 'talking' machines to enjoy the world's best musical talent in their own home, 'far from the madding crowd.' Records of celebrated bands, vocalists, etc., can be had from Mr. T. Edens Osborne, 4 Donegal square W., Belfast, who will send, post free, catalog of instruments and records to prospective purchasers. He holds the largest stock of these goods in North of Ireland." It is an excellent method of cultivating postal trade, a field of activity frequently overlooked by dealers. By the way, Mr. Osborne advises me that he will take possession of more commodious premises as from May 1. The new address is 11 Wellington place, Belfast, Ireland. Talking Machine Societies Popular. An excellent business feature this side is the rapid expansion of the talking machine society movement all over the country, and soon practically every town of importance will, I venture to predict, glory in the possession of a local talking machine parliament. Nothing is better calculated to bring home to the owner the potentialities of his instrument or to sustain his interest therein. Record manufacturers themselves have accorded their whole-hearted support to the movement, and in some cases consented to occupy the presidential chair. The West London Phonograph and Gramophone Society claims the unique distinction of being the first of its kind, and your correspondent is proud of being the first to offer the movement encouragement in the press this side. But that by the way. The West London Society has made a special feature of devoting an evening occasionally to a demonstration of one particular line of product,