HARBOUR WIRELESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19124, 16 September 1925, Page 10

HARBOUR WIRELESS.

EQUIPMENT FOR TE AWHINA. A STATION AT TIRITIRI. CONSIDERATION BY BOARD. A proposal is being considered by the Auckland Harbour Board to fit the tug To Awhina with wireless in order to increase its efficiency when called upon to participate in the rescue of vessels in distress. It is also proposed to erect a wireless station at Tiritiri to provide better facilities for reporting and communicating with shipping. Reporting to yesterday's meeting of the Harbour Board, the engineer and harbourmaster stated that whilo it was not a function of the tug to attend distressed vessels outside harbour limits, it was, nevertheless, an emergency that might occur at any time. For work of this description a wireless outfit was absolutely necessary, aud the lack of it had, in the past, materially militated against the success of the tug's operations. Reliable apparatus was now available at reasonable cost, and an installation suitable for the To Awhina, and haviiig a range of 100 to 150 miles, would cost about. £250 installed. The set would be portable and could, if necessary, be transferred to a dredger or other plant called upon to leave the harbour. Operators would bo drawn from the harbourmaster's signalmen, who would require to take a course in wireless operating. As to the advisability of installing wireless on Tiritiri, the report stated thai, considerable and increasing inconvenience was experienced Jrom breakdowns in the submarine cable, which was the only direct communication available to the signal station at Tiritiri. The cabie belonged to the Post and Telegraph Department and was now very old. Almost every storm found a fault :n the line, and it was often three or four days before communication was re-established. This caused very great inconvenience in reporting shipping. Under the circumstances it was desirable to instal wireless telephonic communication between the station at Tiritiri and the King's Wharf signal station. The installation at theie two points would cost approximately £550, while for about £SO extra the signalmen's cottages could be wired up and electric light installed.

It was stated that certain negotiations would be necessary with the Government before the proposals could be effected. Tho two matters were referred to the board in committee.