The talking machine world (Jan-June 1920)

228 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD May 15. 192C FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS {Continued from page 237) the record is being played and are sure to prove good sellers. Better Supplies of the Motor of Quality One result of Mr. Balcombe's last visit to headquarters of the General Phonograph Corp. is the promise of more frequent consignments of motors. Indeed, it is much more than a promise, as I learn that supplies are coming along better than ever. Some big cheques have recently been paid cri account of import duty — four-figure amounts in pounds sterling. The difference in the rate of exchange between England and America has accounted for an increase here by a few shillings in the price of the "Motor of Quality." "But." said Mr. Balcombe, in the course of an interview, "while this might have had a bad effect in the early days of our trading, it makes no difference of importance now that we are able to satisfy the trade both as regards quantity and quality." Mr. Balcombe has good plans up his sleeve, so to speak, for the development of the company's trade this side, and from all I learned it is safe to predict that the General Phonograph people are out for a larger share than ever of British gramophone motor business. One of the best criterions is the all-round satisfaction which this mechanism insures to users. As previously reported, when in the States Mr. Balcombe visited the company's various factories. "Their size and general efficiency of organization are really a revelation," said Mr. Balcombe, and he continued: "It is significant of the progress made out there that orders so far placed this year exceed the whole of the company's output during 1919. Yes, we are going some, and yet some more," were Mr. Balcombe's concluding words. O. B. E. for H. J. Cullum The compilation of the list of war decorations and honors gained by gramophone men would make interesting reading. As far as I know, such a list is not in existence. Would it be too much for one of the British gramophone journals to undertake? There must be a good many members of the trade who merit public acknowledgment of splendid war service and honors gained. In this connection it is interesting to record the bestowal upon Mr. H. J. Cullum, managing director cf Perophone, Ltd. (Lockwood), of the O. B. E., or in the language of the official announcement in the London Gazette — the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for services rendered during his tenure of office as Horn, Hornless and Table-Grand GRAMOPHONES FOR EXPORT Please State Your Requirements REX GRAMOPHONE CO. 2 Elizabeth Place Rivington Street, LONDON, E.C. 2, England Cable Addresi "LyTecodkc, London" "PERFECT POINTS" A BRITAIN'S BEST Gramophone Needle (Guaranteed made from High Carbon Steel) IS MADE BY W. R. STEEL, of REDDITCH, Head Office and Works— QUEEN ST. Scientifically pointed, Hardened and Tempered on the latest up-to-date machinery and plant by skilled craftsmen only. RESULT: A FIRST QUALITY NEEDLE far ahead of anything of pre-war quality INQUIRIES SOLICITED Special Quotations for Quantities Manufacturer of all Kinds of Sewing Needles a director of the mineral oils department. Ministry of Munitions. Congratulations! New Zonophone Records The recent issues in Supplement No. 2 for 1920 of the British Zonophone Co. provide convincing proof of an excellent standard of artistic productions. To the ten-inch Celebrity doublesided series is added two records that have gained an immediate and large demand. G. O. 45, "Barcarolle, Op. 135 No. 1" (Spohr), and on the reverse "Celebre Gavotte" (Lulli), both rendered as violin solos by Miss Marjorie Hayward, with orchestral accompaniment. G. O. 46, "Doll Song From the Tales of Hoffmann" (Offenbach) and "Beauty's Sleep," by Arditi, are renditions also classified as Celebrity records, beautifully sung by Mme. L'Encognita. Of the twelve-inch double-sided issues there are two, A 256, "Delilah Valse," by Nicholls, and "Thrills Yalse." by Ancliffe, rendered quite perfectly by the Black Diamonds Band. A-257, "Beauty's Eyes," by Tosti; "Down the Vale," Moir, two duets sung by Charles Coltham and Garker, and very nicely do they blend their baritone and tenor voices. Quite a treat to listen to. The ten-inch double-sided list is further added to by 1978 and 1979, on which the Black Diamonds Band are recorded very finely in "Sitka" (characteristic piece), by Jones; "Amina" (Egyptian serenade) by Lincke, and "Western Land," by Gay; "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," arranged as a waltz by Pether. 1983. "Mammy O' Mine," "To Me It's Simply Heaven." 1984. "Take Your Girlie to the Movies" and "Chong From Hong Kong"; 1985, "Love in Lilac Time" and "Take Me With You to Dreamland." These six popular songs are sung by a great favorite, Herbert Gayne, and if one can draw any distinctive attention it will be to call notice to "Love in Lilac Time" as "top hole." 1986, "God Sent You to Me" and "Because of You," are by that fine contralto, Miss Jessie Broughton. 1991, "The Wayside Chapel" and "De Cutest One," two really beautiful bell solos with orchestral accompaniment that you certainly cannot hear too often. The most sensational issue by reason of demand at this early date is No. 1992, "Dardanella" (fox-trot) by the Wild West Jazz Band, and on the reverse side "The Vamp," fox-trot, by the Black Diamonds Band. Important News Items in Brief Eldridge R. Johnson, president of the Victor Talking Machine Co., was on a visit to London early last month (April). The talking books and wonderful animal and bird records, the sale of which is in the hands of Herman Darewski, this side, are creating much interest generally. The trade demand is excellent, and as they become more widely known their sale will afford a good line for gramophone dealers of every class. The entertainment side of the Prince of Wales' tour is well provided for. In addition to a firstclass military band, the "Renown" carries one of the best "His Master's Voice" models and a representative selection of records. AUSTRALIA. Herbert G. Polyblank, SYDNEY, N.8.W. BELGIUM. P. Carton, Rue Karel Ooms, 11, ANYERS. ITALY. G. Henaboni, Via S. Sebastiano 2, LIYORNO. SPAIN. Ernesto Yerdu, ALICANTE. ENGLAND. A. Waite & Co., Ltd., 15-17 Fig tree Lane, SHEFFIELD.