WIRELESS LINKING-UP.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10168, 25 July 1924, Page 5

WIRELESS LINKING-UP.

GOVERNMENT DECISION. EMPIRE CHAIN OF STATIONS. (Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, July 23. In the House of Commons, Mr Vernon Hartshorn (Postmaster-Gene-ral) announced that the Government had decided to adopt the main recommendations of the Donald Imperial Wireless Committee. He stated that the proposed stations generally would only be suitable for deferred traffic. A high-power station, similar to that being erected at Rugby, would 6till be necessary for long-distance communication at all hours, which the Government regarded as essential for strategic and other reasons. The Governments of India, and New Zealand had stated that a station of the new type would not meet their requii ements, and the Government of India was awaiting replies to its invitation to the Indian Company to erect a high-power station in India. The Governments of Australia and South Africa had not reached a final decision, but it was understood that they were disposed to allow, as a trial, the erection of beam stations in Australia and South Africa for communication with Britain. His Majesty’s Government has undertaken to provide corresponding installations in Britain, as extensions of the station usable for the Canadian service, and the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company had agreed to co-operate. The question of improved business organisation and the work of the British stations was being considered by a committee, under the chairmanship of Mr Donald, which was expected to report shortly. Asked if this meant that Australia and South Africa were abondoning the intention to erect high-power stations, Mr Hartshorn said that that appeared to be their general attitude, at least until they had given this thing a trial. (Received July 25, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON; July 24. Mr Gibson 1 Commenting on tlie wire* agreement, said the ground was now clear for the Dominions to, take action which hitherto had been impossible. It was most satisfactory * that the Government was preparing to give 'Australia either the super or beam system. The former could not be erected within two years. It was essential that communication should be established as early as possible. He was confident the Commonwealth would take the necessary steps to connect the two countries with the beam system, although'it might not be sufficient for all requirements, giving only seven hours’ service, none being business hours. Communication could be obtained within eight months, and it might then be necessary to erect a super station to ensure continuous services.

[The report on the Empire- wireless service made by the committee headed by Mr Robert Donald recommended that the post office shall own and operate all British stations, reserving the right to take possession of all licensed stations in the event of emergency.]