ISOLATED "OUT-BACK."

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1923, Page 5

ISOLATED "OUT-BACK."

BROADCASTING FACILITY. TELEGRAPHY TOO EXPENSIVE. SYDNEY, This Day. An interesting suggestion to over-, come isolation effects at cen|res distant from populated areas was recently made by Mr A. Poynton, M.P. (former Postmaster-General). Mr Foynton's scheme provided for the installation of small wireless receiving and transmitting sets by pastoralists in "outback" regions and the broadcasting by the Commonwealth stations of wireless messages. Mr Poynton referred particularly to Central and Northern Australia, where the only means of direct communication was the great northern telegraph line, which only benefited those near it. The provision of telephone and telegraphic communication for settlers away from the line entailed so much expense that the Commonwealth was loth to undertake it. When Mr Wise was Postmaster-General the Government went so far as to send wireless experts to select sites for two powerful wireless stations in the Northern Territory having a range of 1000 miles. Pastoralists who were consulted agreed to co-operate in the installation of smaller sets, capable of sending and receiving messages at a distance of 200 miles, providing that the price of such installation was within reason. It was found, however, that the cost of installiug these wireless,sets on stations was prohibitive. "..Plants for receiving messages," added Mr Poynton, "can be procured at a reasonable price, but what is required is a cheap outfit for sending messages. If this suggestion could be put into effect it would greatly relieve the monotony of life in these localities, and would give the settler greater security in the knowledge that, in case of emergency, tliey could immediately 'call' assistance."