RADIO ON THE TASMAN

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1936, Page 3

RADIO ON THE TASMAN

Telephoning by radio to and from New Zealand during Tasman sea crossings by the liner “Awatca” maintained its popularity on the second round voyage, and the ten-shilling call is apparently established as a regular branch of radio business. During the first round trip from Wellington to Sydney, via Auekln&d, when the element of novelty might havp prompted many of the calls, the service was used on 68 occasions. On the Awatea’s second round trip completed by arrival at Wellington on Monday last there were 13 calls while she was proceeding from New Zealand to Australia and no fewer than 40 on the voyage from Sydney to Wellington. Interference from a distant station made conversation difficult on the first, day out (Friday),, therefore no calls were accepted, but on the second day 17 conversations took place, -while on Sunday, the day prior to arrival, .16 passengers called up New Zealand numbers and 7 New Zealand telephone .subscribers originated conversations with friends on shipboard. A total of 121 radio calls for the first two voyages is regarded by the Post Office as a very encourag ng beginning for what is bound to be .a growing service.