Sugarloaf Tower To Open In August

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30811, 24 July 1965, Page 3

Sugarloaf Tower To Open In August

(From Out Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 23. The N.Z.B.C. expects that the Sugarloaf television transmitter will be ready to operate by August 14.

The corporation’s director of engineering (Air W. L. Harrison) said today installation of the transmitter had been proceeding steadily, but the aerial system at the top of the 400 ft tower had yet to be tested. and that would depend on reasonable weather. “Bitter winds, snow and ice have made conditions impossible at times.” he said, “but a few days of warmer weather should allow the work to be completed by midAugust. Transmission will begin from Sugarloaf on 50 kilowatts effective radiated power, and the full 100 kilowatts will be brought into use some six to eight weeks after the initial opening.” Mr Harrison sai*’ it had been hoped to have the new Mount Studholme installation ready about :he same time as Sugarloaf, from which it would get its' signal for re-

transmission to the Timaru area. Heavy snowfalls on the 3500 ft peak had, however, delayed completion of the road and power lines, and It had been impossible to do any work in recent weeks. “The N.Z.B.C. regrets,” he added, “that because of these circumstances, there is little chance that the Mount Studholme station will be commissioned before November.”