WIRELESS WOULD NOT WORK

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 141, 17 June 1913, Page 6

WIRELESS WOULD NOT WORK

OFFICERS .EXPLAIN

I. [Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, June 16. In regard to a. complaint by the oaptain of the Niwaru that he failed to get in touch with the Wellington wireless station to give advice about the Maori's mishap, the local wireless officials explain that at 3.35 aim. on Saturday they heard the Niwaru calling, and they endeavored to get her; but the atmospheric conditions were apparently so bad that they were unsuccessful. At 4.10 the steamer, again called, and the local station immediateiy replied, but without effect. • At 4.13 and 4.55 the station again endeavored to get in touch with the vessel, but failed both times. H.M.'S. New Zealand sent wireless messages at 3.13 and 4.55 stating that she had heard the Niwaru calling, and offered to assist in getting into touch, with the steamer. Finally the message came through at 6.16 a.m., and was distributed by the local station. Why thfe message was not sent through to Lyttelton was that there was no vessel there capable of receiving a wireless telegram, and, further, the Maori had advised that she expected to' get the eight o'clock express, which meant that the message would have been too late.