LONDON CALLS CHEVIOT

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1930, Page 9

LONDON CALLS CHEVIOT

A FAMILY CONVERSATION MR. FORBES SPEAKS BY WIRELESS VOICES HEARD AND RECOGNISED. By Telegraph.-—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. The first private conversation by wireless between Britain and New Zealand took place to-night, when the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, and Mrs. Forbes, spoke from London to members of their family at their home at Cheviot. The call came from GBP Rugby at 9.1'5 p.m. It was received by VLW Wellington, transmitted by the Cook Strait telephone through the Christchurch exchange, and through the Cheviot exchange to Mr. Forbes’ home, The return speech was transmitted by VLW to 2ME Sydney, from which it was picked up by GBP. After a little early difficulty the speakers at each end were able to hear and recognise the voices at the other end as easily as in an ordinary telephone conversation. Within the past few weeks many tests of the system have been made, and probably in less than a week, when it is perfected, the wireless telephone will be made available to the public.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE OONVERSATI

CLARITY OF THE RECEPTION.

Wellington, Last Night.

A small gathering at Parliament House to-night took part in conversations with the Prime Minister, Mr. G. W. Forbes, and his party at their .official quarters in London. For nearly an hour London and Wellington were in telephone. The occasion was unique for constant touch by means of wireless it marked what was probably a record long distance wireless telephone connection.

Although at times the voices faded the reception at each end was rernc-k--ably clear. On many occasions those at Wellington might have been speaking to someone on the opposite side of tl > street and sometimes the voice from London, coming through with great force, could be heard all over the room.

The final tests commenced at seven o’clock and. for some time Sydney and Wellington spoke together to gain the assurance of a good contact when tie time came to cut out all others and tap London. At last the way was clear and Sydney put through Wellington’s first “toll” call to London. Those in the room waited anxiously for several minutes and then the bell at the elbow of the Acting-Prime Minister rang. Mr. Ransom lifted the receiver and said: “Hullo, George, how are you?” As if from another planet but yet with the clarity of a nearby business caller the voice at the other end echoed, “Hullo, good morning.”