MARCONI

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1937, Page 5

MARCONI

Lord Rutherford spoke eloquently of Marconi’s achievements in presenting him in 1932 with the Kelvin Medal which is awarded every three years as a mark of scientific distinction. “In an age of great scientific advance,” he said, “no development has excited more interest in the world at large than the application of electrical waves to signalling through the ether to all parts of the earth.” He spoke of Marconi as “a great pioneer who has done more than any other man to make possible this wonderful system of world-wide communication.” He added: “The world owes much to Marconi for his persistent faith in the possibilities of wireless, his niventability and power to overcome many obstacles in his path leading to the realisation of his early drcam in less than 20 years —a truly magnificent accomplishment.” Marconi was born at Bologna, Italy, in 1874. His father was Italian; his i mother Irish, a Miss Annie Jameson, j who went to Italy to marry against I her family’s wishes—and it was her determination which settled her son’s career. His father, a wealthy landed proprietor, wanted him to grow up as a country gentlemen and to study music. Young Marconi preferred to experiment with electrical apparatus in the attic. His father more than once threatened to throw it out of the ; window. His mother was on MarI coni’s side. Her persuasion won.