AMATEUR TRANSMITTERS

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 15

AMATEUR TRANSMITTERS

ANNUAL DINNER Because it allows members to meet socially for a few hours and exchange experiences of recent months, the annual dinner of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters is always well attended. The’ function is of value to the association, as it brings together widelyscattered members, who thus become better acquainted with one _ another. This year’s “ beano,” as it is known in the vernacular of amateur radio operators themselves, was held on Saturday night in Lake’s Restaurant. There was a large muster of members, including some from Oaraaru, Balclutha, and Gore, while the Southland branch was represented by an Invercargill delegation. The local president (Mr G. Applegarth) presided. An apology for absence was received from the Postmaster-General (tho Hon, F. Jones), who was detained on business in Auckland.

After dinner, a short toast list wag honoured. 'Following the Royal toast, Mr R. Stroud proposed the toast of the “ Post and Telegraph Department,” stating that the association was grateful to tho local radio inspectors for their sympathy and assistance in matters concerning amateur operating. Referring to tho phono work carried out by the members, he said it was desired to extend the work to the 20-metro band, and when the department was prepared to grant the concession, it would allow amateurs tho privilege of working in that channel. He also mentioned the activities of tho Radio Emergency Corps, which, under its new commanding officer, would bo even more efficient than at present. An appeal for the co-opera-tion of the department in amateur affairs was made.

Tho radio inspector (Mr F. J. O’Grady) returned thanks, and said that members had shown how well they could work on 10-metre phone. It now remained to sec how they would do on 20 metre - ’, and he advised them to continue their efforts to have that concession granted. Mr A. R. Harris, deputy radio inspector also replied, and in reference to tho administration of the regulations by tho department, said its officers always tried to give every assistance to the amateurs. Considering the large membership in Otago, surprisingly few complaints were received by the department.

Before asking Mr G. Howard to propose the toast of “The Visjtors,” the Chairman remarked that this was the century year so far as communication was concerned, the first message having been set out in 1837 over a distance of 601't. Telegraphic work had been discovered and developed since then. Mr Howard then proposed the toast, which was replied to by Mr H. Ninnis, manager of 4YA, and Mr G. Hazlett {president)) and Mr H. Sutton

(vice-president), both of whom spoke on behalf of the Southland branch. The toast of “ ‘ Hams ’ Across the Sea ” was proposed by Mr H. Boddy, who mentioned the names of four former Otago members who were meeting with success overseas—Messrs J. Callander, G. Samson, G. H. Chonles, and J. H Faulkner. The toast of “ The Ladies ” was proposed by Mr W. R. Hamilton, and replied to by Mr K. Shore.

Later in the evening a Morse code copying contest was held, the following being the winners:—Mr A. Grubb (Gore) 1, Mr E. Cameron 2, Mr D. A. C. Shepard 3. Items were given by the following:— Daphne Harris (sword dance), Mr H. R. Isaacs (songs), Mr and Mrs J Strachan. Gore (niano duets), Mr H. Sutton, Invercargill (sword display).