EXPERTS' OPPOSITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19718, 18 August 1927, Page 9

EXPERTS' OPPOSITION.

PROBLEMS TO OVERCOME. AMATEUR RELAY PREMATURE. A. and N.Z.-Sun. LONDON, Aug. 16 Mr. Anthony Hankey. representing the Wireless Association of Britain, will shortly go to the Dominions in connection with Empire Broadcasting. It is intended that the visit should culminate in the formation of an Empire Broadcasting Association to deal with every aspect of the matter. Mr. Kellaway, director of Marconis, in a letter, says the problem is a technical one. " The Marconi Company is already considerably experienced in the use of'the short-wave and as keenly interested as anyone in the, successul inauguration of Empire broadcasting," says Mr. Kelleway. " but I am convinced it would be gravely prejudiced if the Broadcasting Corporation yielded to premature and illconsidered action. " The policy of the corporation, with which we are scientifically associated, is based on a fundamental desire to serve, the cause of Empire consolidation by Hie intelligent use of wireless. Nobody disputes the admirable sentiment behind the amateur relay scheme, but, I have grave misgivings concerning (he effect of the early expressions of wonder which will soon be repaid by disillusion and disappointment. * " On the other hand, when the engineers of the British Corporation, the American Corporation and Marconi Company complete their work we may confidently expect the ultimate solution of the prohlem throughout the world." The controversy has been carried a further stage by Mr. Hugh Pocock, editor of the Wireless World. Ho says : " I foresee a future Empire service provided by a high-power short-wave transmitter in England and rebroadcast through local stations in the Dominions and colonies. It is likely that each reception area will have to instal more than one short-wave received at points short distances apart, combining the results of the reception at the local transmitter Experitfhce shows that fading may be minimised by this method, which needs experimenting This necessitates the Dominions making their own arrangements, but in order to do so (hey must have trasmissions to listen to. It is imperative that a transmitter should bo established without delay, firstly, as an experiment, and gradually developing, with the Dominions' co-operation, until it is perfected. " There is more work to be done in the Dominions t-hr.n at the transmitting end." Mr. Gerald Marcuse is a well-known amateur wireless enthusiast, of Caterham, Surrey. He recently said ; " I do not think the Broadcasting Corporation's experiments with' the new apparatus of distant reception will be fruitful for some months. I am ready to start my own programmes immediately. The Post Office promised me permission by July 14, but does nof give any reason for the postponement. " Broadcasting Corporation officials will not say why they rejected my offer to relay their programmes 'overseas. I am willing to conduct my own service at my own expense for a year. " When permission is received I will broadcast all over the Empire from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays, extending the programme to ; week nights if it proves successful." The time mentioned would mean reception in New Zealand at about 5.30 a.m.