TIME BY WIRELESS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 230, 23 June 1921, Page 6

TIME BY WIRELESS

SIGNALS FOR SHIPS SERVICE THAT IS APPRECIATED The Hon. W. Downie Stewart, Minister of Internal Affairs, stated yesterday that the arrangements for a provisional wireless time service from the standard moan time clock at the Hector Observatory, which came into operation on October 1 last, hove been appreciatively received by the masters and officers of vessels trading to New Zealand. A number of reports furnished to the Government Astronomer are quoted hereunder. They show that the maximum recorded distance from the observatory at which the signals have been received is 3300 miles. Report from Commander C. F. Post, June 7, 1921:—“On leaving Auckland for 'Niue last month, owing io our chronometers not having been rated for some time, I was not altogether sure of their exact rate, and I want to say what a relief it was to get your time signals. We got them at Niue, 1500 miles from Wellington, 'clear and strong,’ and they coincided with Melbourne signals and relieved us all of a great deal of anxiety. I can understand what a boon they must bo to shipmasters making the const of New’ Zealand after the long run from Panama."

Report from Mr. D. M'Mahon, wireless operator of N.Z.G.S. Tutanekai:—“l herewith submit a report on the Wellington Observatory wireless time signals, as the information may bo of interest to the Government Astronomer. The time signals from the above observatory were received up to 1600 miles from Wellington, which was farthest north wo reached on our round trip to Niue. At this point the signals were strength 6 out of a maximum of 9, a strength which gave mo no difficulty in obtaining the full check of signals on the chronometers. The actual time signals always registered a good, clear, and deliberate dash. 1 also compared these signals with those of Melbourne and found them to Synchronise to one-fifth of a second. As you are aware, at the time it was imperative to obtain a check on tho ship’s chronometers, and it is therefore gratifying to know that at such a distance’ the wireless time signals provided by the Wellington Observatory ensures such a check.’’ Report from the chief officer of the s.s. Athenic, of May 9, 1921, on the reception of the wireless time signals:—"As you will see, .the ship was 2900 miles from Wellington on April 26 and the signals were received quite clearly on the ship. Just a few lines to lot you know, as promised, how Wellington W.T. time signals worked. ’ We were very lucky, heard signals on April 15, 19, 22, and 26 quite clearly, and on April 26 we also got the Colon W.T. <signals coming through. On April 26 we were 2900 miles from Wellington, and ‘A’ chronometer was only 0.3 of a second out on tho rate I obtained- before sailing. Signals were very clear." Report from the Commonwealth and Dominion Line, May 9: —"Wo advise that we have recently received the undermentioned report from masters of our steamers:—S.S. Port Piric received message in lat. 36 deg. 10 min., long. 174 deg. west or about 600 miles from Wellington. S.S. Port Curtis received message in lat. 3-1 deg. 45- min.J long. 179 deg. E„ or about 450 miles from Wellington. With respect to the last-mentioned steamer, the master also reports that his wireless operator heard the message three nights previous to the one recorded above, but was unable to communicate with the officer on watch 'before signals were over. We estimate steamer would then bd about 1250 miles from Wellington.’’

Report from tho New Zealand manager, Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Ltd., April 23, 1921:—“With reference to your recent conversation with the writer regarding tho distances our operators receive the time signals sent out by Wellington Radio, I attach hereto copies of the reports obtained from two of our operators at present in port. The wireless operator of the s.s. Tofua informs mo that whilst the vessel was on the San Francisco run time signals were received from Wellington right up to the Equator on each voyage.’’ Report from the operator of R.M.S. Marama, of April 22,' 1921:—"In reply to your query re reception of the time signals sent' by Wellington Radio. I wish to advise you that on this trip from San Francisco, chronometers were checked with Wellington Radio when ship was dTeWronn miles north of Papeete. The distance ns worked out by the second officer of the ship is 3300 odd miles. Invariably this station’s time signals are picked up by us about this distance.’’ Report from the operator of s.s. Marama, April 23, 1921:—“Whilst on the s.s. Makambo, in the New Hebrides, during the second voyage, wireless time signals were readable .with ’phones on the table, using No. 103 valves. Signals were coming in strength 8 on crystals. Distances between two and three thousand miles.’’