The talking machine world (Jan-Mar 1921)

January 15, 1921 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 177 is carols and such-like were, of course, in big demand. Many dealers around town were featuring albums oi records as Christmas presents. These contained sets of records covering complete operas, and in some cases albums were put up containing a dozen mixed records of vocal, orchestral and band selections, or to customers' choice — a very good idea which found, favor. Based upon the disappointments of last year's trade most of us are sanguine enough to believe in the probability of an improvement in 1921. To that end let us all heartily subscribe by action rather than word. Latest Association News From C. E. Timms, the secretary of the above association, comes the following report: "The regular monthly meetings of the general committee x>f the association have been fully attended, and in addition other special meetings have recently been necessary to deal with matters of urgency and great interest to the trades represented. "The following houses have recently applied for, and been elected to, membership: Keith Prowse & Co., Ltd., Standard Manufacturing Co. (Acton), Ltd., The Limit Engineering Co., Spring Motors, Ltd., Alfred Graham & Co., Gramostyles, Ltd. "The association's representatives elected to serve on the Federation of British Music Industries comprise: H. J. Cullum, M. B. E.; Herbt. W. Dawkins, A. J. Mason, W. Manson, Frank Samuel, Louis Sterling, C. E. Timms, secretary. FROM OUR LONDON HEADQUARTERS — (Continued from page 176) "The monthly publication of statistics of imports and exports is proving one of the most valuable of the association's activities, and this feature has been adopted by kindred societies. "On the question of railway rates and conditions earnest endeavors have been and are being made direct with the railway authorities and in collaboration with the federation to secure a modification of the present unsatisfactory state of affairs, particularly in regard to the conveyance of gramophone records by passenger train. Representations on the subject have also been made to the Ministry of Transport, and in the event of no concession being granted members, many of whom have already furnished valuable information on the subject, will be asked to supply details necessary to prepare a case for presentation to the railway rates advisory committee. The immediate concession desired is that gramophone records be conveyed by passenger train at company's risk, or, alternatively, that if conveyed as at present by passenger train at owner's risk they be accepted at the owner's risk rate instead of, as now, at the company's risk rate. "The interests of the trade in regard to the proposed British Empire Exhibition in 1923 are being cared for, and representations on the question of the guarantee fund from the industry, in accordance with the general scheme, have been made to the federation. "All manufacturing houses in membership have "PERFECT POINTS" 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 Quotation* for Quantities Manufacturer of all Kinds of Sewing Needles recently had an opportunity of expressing their views, to be conveyed to the proper authority, on the question of fair conditions for imports into this country. "In the recently published report to the Board of Trade by the Merchandise Marks Committee, the evidence furnished by this association receives considerable prominence, and the recommendations made are extraordinarily good. This matter is now being dealt with on behalf of the whole music industry by the federation, which will make any requisite further representations on this important subject. "A mission to Germany to inquire into and report as to trade conditions, etc., there will shortly be dispatched under the auspices of the federation, and these gentlemen have been furnished with full particulars regarding the information required by the gramophone and small goods (musical instrument) industry. The information, when obtained, will be conveyed to members through the usual channels." The Columbia Orchestral Program For the 1920-21 season the Columbia Co. has secured the exclusive recording services of such famous conductors and orchestras as Sir Henry J. Wood and the New Queen's Hall Orchestra, Alick Maclean and the New Queen's Hall Light Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham and the Beecham Symphony Orchestra, Albert Coates and the London Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton Harty and the Halle Orchestra. The cream of orchestral talent allied to gramophonic art — an irresistible combination! And on the revue and musical comedy side Columbia seems to have "claimed" a very exclusive association — the company that delivers the goods with a vengeance! An Associate of Emile Berliner A complimentary luncheon and presentation was recently made to Sinkler Darby upon the occasion of the relinquishment of his position as one of the recording "angels" of the Gramophone Co., Ltd., after no less than twenty-one years' service. Many friends and colleagues were present. Mr. Darby's connection with the talking machine industry dates back to 1895, when he became associated with Emile Berliner, who at that period was successfully grappling with the problem of disc reproduction and manufacture. At this excellent school Mr. Darby gained wide knowledge and experience and in 1899 he was retained by the newly-born Gramophone & Typewriter Co. During an unbroken twenty-one years' association with the "His Master's Voice" he counts to his credit the recording of the voices and playings of many of the great artists whose glorious art has during this period passed into the realms of commerce in the shape of records. Mr. Darby proposes to re-enter business life after a period of complete rest. Special Propaganda by "His Master's Voice" At this time of the year many of the British gramophone companies develop along special lines in their sales appeal to the general Christ(Continued on page 178)