TALKS WITH LONDON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 427, 19 November 1930, Page 7

TALKS WITH LONDON

UNIQUE CONVERSATIONS

WIRELESS TELEPHONE USED

SPEAKERS AT WELLINGTON CLEAR RECEPTION OBTAINED [Per Press Association.; . WELLINGTON, Nov. 18. Another link in the chain of Empire communication was iorgeu this evening when a small gathering m i'arliameiu House, Wellington, took part in conversations with the Prime Minister, Hun. G. W. Forbes, and his party at their official quarters in London. ±'or nearly an hour London and Wellington were in constant touch by means oi the wire less telephone. The occasion was unique, for it marked what was probably a record long distance wireless telephone connection. Although at times the voices faded, reception at each end was remarkably ciear. On many occasions those at Wellington might have been speaking to someone on the opposite side of the street, and sometimes the voice from London, coming through with great force, could be heard all over the room. The final tests commenced at 7 o’clock and for some time Sydney and Wellington spoke together to gain an assurance of a good cuntact. When the time came to cut out all others and tap the heart of the Empire, at last the way was clear, and Sydney put through Wellington’s first “toll” call to London. Those in the room waited anxiusly for several minutes and then a bell at the elbow of the acting-Prime Minister rang.

Mr Ransom lifted the receiver and said: “Hullo, George, how re you?" As if from another planets, but yet with the clarity of a nearby business caller, a voie at the other end echoed: “Hullo, good morning.” Difficult at First. For a little while the conversation was carried out with difficulty, but Mr Ransom was able to tell the Prime Minister about a cable he hau received from Loondon that morning. Then communication became better and Mr Forbes informed his listener that he had just returned from Scotland anu that the weather had been very cold. Everyone in the party was well, lie said, and they were looking forward to leaving for New* Zealand. “What is the time over there?” Mr Ransom asked, and the reply came back: “Twenty minutes to nine in the morning.” The clock m the room, twelve hours ahead of London, showed the identical hour. A few brief moments of conversation then took place between Mr Forbes and Sir Apirana Ngata, who greeted his chief with: “Is that you, George? Tenakoe.” Reception was becoming increasingly better, and Mr Forbes' voice from London sounded round the room as he returned the greeting. He asked if everything was well in New Zealand, and he received the reply, “Keitepai. ” Sir Thomas Sidey then came to the telephone and Sir Apirana said: “Hullo Sidey, Attorney-General here.” Sir Apirana is acting in that capacity during the absence of Sir Thomas. A few personal questions were exchaiged. Mr F. D. Thomson, permanent head of the Prime Minister’s Department, asked what horse won the New Zealand few personal questions were exchanged, was Nightmarch. For nearly an hour the others in the room spoke to those of their family in London* An interesting few minutes’ conversation was held between Mr C. A. Berendsen, head of the External Affairs Department, who accompanied the Prime Minister and his two small sons. Mrs Ransom also spoke to Mrs Forbes and Sir Thomas Sidey and Lady Sidey to their son. Mr A E. Mulligan, secretary to Mr Ransom, anti Mr T. IL Aickin, secretary tv the Minister of Railways spoke to members of the party. Mr Forbes then returned to the telephone and he spoke briefly to the Minister of Agriculture, Hou. A. J- Murdoch, whom he told that he had visited Smithfield as well as other places identified with the market of New Cup and he was told that the winner fence, Ron. J. G. Cobbe, then spoke to Mr Forbes.

Mr J. McCombs, M.P. for Lyttelton, also spoke with the Prime Minister- It was almost 9.30 when the receiver was hung up and Mr Forbes was told that it was intended to put him on to his home at Cheviot. Wellington was then cut out and Mr Ransom congratulated Mr J. Robertson, assistant secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department and his staff upon the success of the tests. Mr Robertson said that his staff had worked hard and they had to be thankful that conditions had proved so good.