First Radio Mystery “Hike.”

The Mystery Train steamed into many homes in New Zealand on Tuesday, 30th August., through Station 2ZW, when the first Radio Mystery “Hike” was broadcast by the Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd.

Under the direction of the popular Mr. Voco, the programme was perhaps one of the best novelty items that has been broadcast for some considerable time. Judging by the telephone calls and letters received, many who had their first “hike” by radio on that occasion will take part in future Mystery Train Trips.

The scene, or should one say the sound, opened at Thorndon with the trampers chatting on the platform and in the carriages waiting for the Mystery Train to leave. The clanging of a real station bell, the blowing of a whistle—and the train was heard to steam out of the station.

Listeners were then transported into a carriage full of typical trampers, and joined in the joy of the community singing, with the realistic sound of the train in the background. The touch of realism was enhanced by the sound of a mouth organ in the next carriage, and, coming faintly as if from a carriage further up the train, the music of a cornet.

Leaving the train, the trampers started on the walk singing a swing chorus, which gradually faded away into the distance.

The lunch-time impromptu concert, and the return journey in the train, with its community singing and jolly good-fellowship, created a clever impression of a “hiking” party. Throughout the journey Mr. Voco described the route, without mentioning place names, and listeners were offered cash prizes for naming the stations where the trampers left and rejoined the train.

The whole programme was cleverly produced, and should further popularise Mystery Trains in New Zealand.