RADIO AMATEURS

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1935, Page 9

RADIO AMATEURS

FIRST “HAMFEST” AT HAWERA. SOCIETY’S INAUGURAL YEARS ENDS What is known among amateur radio men as a “hamfest” was held by the Hawera Radio Society on Tuesday evening to mark the successful conclusion of the first year’s activities. The president of the society, Dr. T. M. Fitzgerald, presided, associated with him being Dr. W, F. Buist, and Messrs. W. Little (radio inspector) and T. W. Ward, Tariki, There was an attendance of over 30, including visitors from Tariki, Stratford and Eltham. Radio had become a necessary part of communal life, said Mr. C. J. Roberts in . proposing the toast of the society. He paid a tribute to the genius of Marconi, regarded at bne time as, a crank. He commended the operations of the club in times of emergency. Radio he said, was playing an important part in fostering international relationships. ‘At the end of its first year the society was in a very happy position, said Dr. Fitzgerald in reply, and it was proud of being acknowledged as one of the best clubs in New Zealand. The time had been pleasantly and profitably passed by members and it was hoped to extend activities during the year. He had pleasure in presenting to the committee a cup to be competed for upon certain conditions.

He was pleased to propose the toast of the Emergency Radio Corps, coupled with the name of Mr. .Ward, said Dr. Buist. Radio was an intensely interesting study and one, he said, that he had for years followed closely over the air in conjunction with Mr. Ward. Radio developments in recent years were amazing, particularly the improvements in the radio valve. The enormous amount of work done by amateurs throughout the world had contributed largely to the success of radio. The importance of the radio corps and the value of its work could not be overestimated. Its work in Taranaki had already been fruitful. When aviation came more into its own members of the corps would find their training stand them in good stead. .Congratulations to the Hawera society upon the success of its first year’s operations and its encouragement of young members in something well worth while were offered by Mr. Ward. On behalf of the emergency corps he wished the society success. The emergency corps had two portable receivers and transmitters, he said, and with these the corps was able to cover long distances. The corps also had a portable zone station, more powerful than the smaller portables, ahd one of the amateur’s stations was used as a base station. The corps had outpost stations at New Plymouth and Eltham and one was under construction for Hawera. The reason for the corps was ,its use in cases of emergency. Mr. Ward recalled the wonderful work done at the time of the Napier earthquake. Since then the movement

had spread all over New Zealand. He foresaw the time when in Taranaki there would be two sections of the corps. The association had done a great deal in sponsoring the advancements made by individuals, said Mr. J. W. E. Mitchell in proposing the toast of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters. It was the existence of the association that prevented the curtailment of many of the activities of amateurs. The association was responsible for the carrying out of much extensive work. Mr. L. White, Eltham, replied. The close fellowship among amateur radio enthusiasts was referred to by Dr. Fitzgerald in extending a welcome to members of other Taranaki clubs. Mr. Ward briefly replied. A tribute to the Post and Telegraph Department for its willingness to assist radio enthusiasts and to do its part in the development of radio broadcasting was paid by Mr. A. Hampton. The department was sympathy with the establishment of transmitting stations and radio clubs, said Mr. Little in reply. Dealing with interference with radio reception, he said that the problem was exercising the minds of departmental officials, and engineers were doing their best to cope with what was a very difficult matter. Where apparatus was proved to interfere largely with reception, recent legislation gave the department authority to compel the owners to instal equipment to minimise the interference. He was pleased to be present that evening, for he knew that the present happy state of the society was due to the enthusiasm and keenness of members and to the fine example set by their president. Other toasts honoured were: The Artists (Mr. F. Christieson-Mr. B. Malone) and the Press (Mr. J. Gabhie). Items were given by Messrs. B. Malone, C. J. Roberts (songs) and Mr. W. Barleyman (piano solos), Mr. Barleyman, who played the accompaniments, also played for community singing led by Mr. Malone.