One of the smallest record labels in the country, TALA was set up in Levin in 1957. In the beginning it stood for 'To Assist Levin Artists' but, with few local acts coming forward, it was changed to 'To Assist Local Artists'. Either way, this label had around forty releases, each featuring New Zealand artists.

The label's owner, Wally Clark, was quick to pick up on international trends in music and always found local bands who were playing the right tune. This particular tune is by the Warren Sisters who were one of Clark's original TALA talents. 'Lace Covered Windows' was released in around 1968 and was among the last TALA releases.

Follow the link below for a picture of these artists on Kete 

https://horowhenua.kete.net.nz/item/b734f09f-9000-4f64-a332-7f4c1bb84990

Wally Clark was also a professional photographer who also cornered the Levin TV hire market- a very busy man! 

'Columbus' was the 'house brand' of the Radio Corporation of New Zealand Limited- a New Zealand company. Just as radio travels over waves so did the company's logo. Signs like this one would have been displayed by all retailers of Columbus radios. This radio range was sold from 1937 until 1961.

Radio Corporation of New Zealand Limited also founded TANZA- New Zealand's very first local record label in 1949. In fact, New Zealand made radios were popular right up until the late 1980s. But Columbus had set sail over the horizon by then.

You can see this sign in person at MAVtech- a technology museum located in Foxton's Coronation Hall. You'll also see lots of Columbus radios as well!