AMATEUR ACTIVITIES

Evening Star, Issue 22578, 20 February 1937, Page 4

AMATEUR ACTIVITIES

CHALLENGE TO CANTERBURY The Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters is fortunate in having three new calls—4BH and 4AI (both reallotted calls), and a third not yet to hand. Members are looking forward to a little more actmty on 80 metres now. The branch has decided to otter a challenge to the Canterbury branch, based on a competition over the air, as follows: Two “ fone ” stations on 80 metres. Two C.W. stations on 80 metres (not licensed more than 12 months). Four stations on 40, 20, and 10 metres. Two stations listening only. A local competition on the lines of the Hutt Valley, Wellington, contest will take place in the near future, the trophy being a shield presented by Mr A. McLaren. , .. ’ Four new members were enrolled, and the branch offers them a hearty welcome. NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED. Any reader of this column finding any interest in the transmitting side of radio, or any side for that matter, will 'bo welcomed at the meetings of the local branch. The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (N.Z.A.R.T.). is the parent body _ in the_ Dominion. There are some eight or nine hundred licensed amateurs in New Zealand, and most of these are members. As the amateur holds certain rights, to _ him dear, and to his country exceedingly valuable, and as there are certain interests which would snatch those rights from his grasp, the amateur with any vision, or pride in his hobby, holds it his duty to belong to the amalgamated body. Radio, from the amateur point of view, is a valuable instrument for peace between the nations. The amateur regards a German not as a German, but, strangely enough, as a “ D,” a Frenchman as an “ F,” an Englishman as a “ G,” an American as a “W ” men of the same flesh and blood and aspirations as himself, seated somewhere in the vast Dx, with an anxious oar to the still small voice of some farflung continent. In his own country he may be a king, or a millionaire, or a beggar; and where his hobby is illegal, as in Italy, a “ pirate.” To the, amateur he is a “ham” no less!

On the other hand, the amateur is a man trained in telegraphy and radio communication. He holds himself ever ready in times of disaster or war. Hams have saved lives in earthquake and flood, with no small danger and discomfort to themselves. _ The Hawke’s Bay earthquake, and a life saved in a mountaineering accident _in Western Otago are two instances in New Zealand.