BREAK IN THE SOLITUDE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XL, Issue 13170, 2 September 1913, Page 7

BREAK IN THE SOLITUDE.

GISBORNITE AT THE MACQUARIES

(Special to Herald.)

WELLINGTON, this day. In conversation with a press representative, Mr A. Sawyer, of Gisborne, who has been m charge of the Mawson expedition's wireless station at Macquario Island, mentioned < a curious thing m connection with the visit of vessels to that lonely spot. "You cannot tell how upsetting it is after months of solitude to have a vessel call and to sec strange faces. I've been through it, and know those fellows won't be able to eat or sleep normally for a week after tho Tutanekai leaves. It also takes away all desire to smoke, and practically makes one sick for •*, few days, While you are there tho men may seem to have been all right, but a reaction sets m as soon as the vessel leaves, and they would have a bad time for a day or two until they settle once again into their stride."

Mr Sawyer said that although they were able to subsist on sea elephant's meat, it was not the best of fare as far as the general health was concerned, and several of the MawsoA party bad been "off color" at different times, owing to this rough diet. WIRELESS SYSTEM.

New Zealand's wireless system, which is a perfect one, is now practically complete. The new 30 kilowatt station at the Bluff has been undergoing tests for some weeks now, and so far these have proved satisfactory. These tests, however, will be continued over the next three months, time being an important factor m arriving at a correct estimate of the working efficiency of a set under all (manner of conditions. If those tests prove to be satisfactory, the new station will be formally taken over from the Australian Wireless Company m November. New Zealand will then have a station capable of sending messages for a, distance of 1200 miles m the day time, which should mean, under favorable ennditionsj a night radius of at least double that distance.

. Mr Sawyer was able to talk to Port Moresby (m Papua), a distance of 2800 miles, with a li kilowatt set undeT good conditions. For what distance, thou, will a 30 kilowatt set be able to -speak under siniilar oonditions?