SECRET RADIO STATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22256, 8 May 1934, Page 9

SECRET RADIO STATION

YOUTH’S INGENUITY ' APPEARANCE IN COURT. To the talent of a 20-year-old clerk, ■who, it was alleged, secretly worked a wireless transmitting set for 12 months, compliments were paid by magistrates and solicitors at Rotheram recently. The young man, William Lee, of Bfampton Bierlow, was summoned for using the set, without a license. It was explained that before anyone could receive a transmission license he must undergo a test in the Morse code by the Post Office, and Lee was not proficient. It was suggested that while operating his set Lee_ used an obsolete call sign to protect himself from detection. Defending counsel urged that it was a case of the exuberance of youth. The set built by Lee cost £2. . The Bench imposed a fine of £2.,* Explaining to an interviewer how he used his equipment. Lee stated that he used to send out periodical gramophone music concerts, and on occasions his father would play a piano accordion, which was also broadcast. They announced their programmes as coming from the • “ Night Rakers’ Club.” On some occasions Lee got school friends to give turns, and variety programmes were broadcast. After the gramophone which was useu broke down, Leo sent out only verbal and Morse messages. He communicated with 23 countries. In assembling the components in his transmitter he showed an inventive turn of mind. For example, the telegraph key made by him for Morse multiplies one movement five times. It consists of toy metal parts used to build models, a safety-razor blade, aqd a block of wood.