The Phonograph

August 1893
Those who have never seen or heard the Edison Phonograph should pay a visit to the Esplanade Railway Waiting Room, where Mr. H. George is exhibiting daily to large and admiring audiences the only genuine specimen of the latest phonograph now in England.

The programme performed by the phonograph consists of 32 items, including orchestral selections; a “trip to China town”; selections from Martya; “Millatona Gavotte”; Mr. Albert Chevalier’s song, “Mrs. Henry ‘Awkins”; Arthur Robert’s “Daddy wouldn’t buy me a bow wow”; song, “Goodbye,” by Mr. F. Jackson, with applause and encore; “A Venetian song”; a cornet solo, played in New York; several Royal Marine Band items; “Cavellaria Rusticana,” and many other well-known airs.

The charge for hearing any song on the list is only 3d.  The Phonograph certainly deserves a visit.

Mr. Henry George, whose exhibitions of Edison’s latest phonograph have been a very interesting addition to the attractions of the Pier, hearing of the good County Hospital does and of the present need, very generously determined to devote the whole of his proceeds today (Friday) to the benefit of the charity.  Considering that Mr. George does not reside amongst us, we think such a display of kindly feeling deserves the warmest acknowledgment.  We have not yet heard the result of his efforts.

Note:
in 1890 Mr Arthur Page, of Ryde, toured South Africa with what was then one of the outstanding inventions of the century, the Edison phonograph. He had purchased the rights for South Africa, and he lectured and  demonstrated with that apparatus in many parts until he disposed of it to some students and returned to Ryde to continue his business.  More about Mr Page here.

Sources: IW Observer and RSHG Archive
Image: Wikipedia
Article: Ann Barrett