FAMOUS STATION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20232, 16 February 1934, Page 7

FAMOUS STATION.

Destroyed in Cashel Street Blaze. RADIO SOCIETY’S LOSS. The Radio Society of Christchurch was a heavy loser in the fire which gutted Royds-Howard’s building in Cashel Street early this morning. Among the losses was the transmitter of 3AC, the station which supplied the first broadcast service to Christchurch in the early days of radio. The plant had been rebuilt and included a new receiver, a modulator, valuable meters, the best scientific and radio library in the Dominion, and irreplaceable photographs. The plant, heavily written down, was valued at £l3O to £l4O on the stock sheet, and the insurances amounted to only £l2O. It would be impossible to effect replacements at this cost. Members of the society, which has occupied the rooms for the past three months, held their annual meeting there last night. Satisfaction was expressed at the success of the year’s working. This morning, bits of the transmitter, burnt almost beyond recognition, lay among the wreckage on the ground floor, having fallen through the burnt flooring of the first floor. A piano from the society’s rooms also had crashed through. It was recognisable only by the frame and odd bits of wire. On top of the building was mounted the high masts and aerial equipment of the station, but this had come toppling down. Television Gear. Other parts of value which were lost were those that were destined for use in a television transmitter and receiver, which society members were building. In addition to being the headquarters of the society, the rooms also served as a meeting-place for the Nev/ Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters and the Radio Institute. Station 3AC was opened on August 11, 1923, and provided Christchurch with its first radio entertainment. The station operated on the broadcast wavelengths until 3YA was built, and then transmitted on short wave. It was one ot the best-known stations in New Zealand. “ The Radio Society served as a recruiting ground for young radio enthusiasts, who were coached in theory and Morse code work, equipping them for a transmitter’s license. The president of the society is Mr F. A. O'Connell, who was re-elected at last night’s annual meeting.