ARMY WIRELESS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 126, 30 May 1944, Page 6

ARMY WIRELESS

NEW ZEALAND SUCCESS

RELIABLE APPARATUS

"In the field of radio engineering New Zealand technicians have earned the approbation of our own and Allied defence Services in the production of a sturdy dependable unit for two-way communication in the field," said the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply and Munitions.

"The modern equipment available in the Dominion, and the advances made in Army systems of communication and signals, engaged the attention of New Zealand designers and radio engineers, before hostilities broke out in 1939. However, Army wireless equipment was wholly of standard British design, and little progress could be made, as, for a variety of reasons, the production of this equipment was not suited to New Zealand manufacture. When hostilities commenced the designer, manufacturers, the P. and T. Department, and Army Signals experimental establishment co-operated in the production of a prototype wireless set built to the design of one of our leading' manufacturing firms. The job was thoroughly tested and an initial firm order for 750 sets was placed, the purpose being to equip the motorised units of our own forces. In this work the New Zealand Corps of Signals gave valuable assistance. This model was known as Z.C.I Mark I, and the work was distributed amongst the prewar manufacturers of domestic receivers. "In October, 1943, this set, which had given most satisfactory service, was still further improved, and the new model is known as Z.C. Mark 11. Actually the reputation of the first set was so good that the Eastern Group Supply Council placed an order for 15,000 sets.. The sets are solidly and soundly constructed, and the aim has been to secure simplicity in operation and dependability under hard conditions. Conspicuous success has rewarded the efforts to obtain this, and the simplicity of design as comparedwith overseas models simplifies maintenance and repair in the field. DIFFICULT CONDITIONS MET. "The Mark I set was put through field tests by the Canadian Army Signals Corps, and its work was compared with a standard British tank set with advantage to the New Zealand product, which was rated superior in performance. There are other phases on which our radio technicians and manufacturers are to be highly complimented. Under the arduous conditions prevailing in jungle warfare grave deficiencies were revealed in sets manufactured overseas, while the Mark I, made in New Zealand and used by the Third Division, and also by the United States forces, has given exceptionally reliable service. In fact, the General Officer Commanding the Third Division has spoken in terms of the highest commendation of this splendid job. The Mark II set is expected to produce even better results. "Behind all this," said Mr. Sullivan, "there is a story of difficulties to be overcome, organisation to be built up, supplies to be procured, stores built, co-operation and co-ordination of activities, research, and industrial survey. Each phase bristled with problems but all the trials merely served to spur on the enthusiasts who were entrusted with the work. The value of the project is assessed at something over £4,000,000, and production schedules necessitated the technical experts, working 80 hours per week over long periods supervising the work of 54 factories and 1500 persons employed, and these normally work a 52- to 56-hour week. "This is but one of the many outstanding achievements for war accomplished by Dominion manufacturers and workers," said Mr. Sullivan. "For loyal and excellent service on the home front, for hardship and difficulty borne with remarkable fortitude and courage, the story of the men and women engaged in the radio industry is typical of the attitude of most of our people in these trying days, and as the Minister responsible for Supply and Munitions I pay tribute to the workmanship and skill, the loyalty and continued determination to succeed, of all engaged in this project."