Special call-sign for Games contest

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32874, 24 March 1972, Page 10

Special call-sign for Games contest

A scheme which it is hoped will do much to promote the 1974 Commonwealth Games overseas is supported by the Post Office.

The Games Organising Committee sought from the Post Office the right for a special call-sign to be used by amateur radio transmitters taking part in a contest aimed at spreading Games news overseas. This week the committee was advised that the callsign, ZM, had been approved for the scheme. The usual prefix for amateur radio enthusiasts in New Zealand is ZL. The scheme, which will be directed by the Christchurch branch of the Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Association, will take the form of a competition. Every amateur transmitter who makes 20 overseas contacts, 10 of which must be in Commonwealth countries, will receive a special diploma And to give the scheme a will receive a special diploma, will also be awarded to overseas operators who make 20 contacts in New Zealand.

All New Zealand amateur radio transmitters wishing to participate will be sent information about the Games and they will be expected to pass this on to their overseas contacts. The scheme will run from June this year until the Games. It is estimated that something like 60,000 contacts might be made in this time. A similar promotion was carried out for the Cook bicentenary. ZM also being the special call-sign then.