RADIO-DIRECTION FINDER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 246, 16 October 1937, Page 11

RADIO-DIRECTION FINDER

BEACON AT BARING HEAD THE OFFICIAL OPENING t [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. The first automatic radio directionfinder for shipping off New Zealand coasts, a radio beacon at Baring Head, was officially opened to-day by the Minister of Marine (Hon. P. Fraser). “All the Marine Department have had it in their minds and hearts for years to accomplish this service,” he said. Two masts, approximately 60ft. high, carry an aerial for the transmitting station situated near the base of Baring Head Lighthouse. The transmitter sends out messages in clear weather at half-hourly intervals. The signals, which last live minutes, are given twice. In fog signals are given out every six minutes and are of four minutes’ duration. The radio beacon has a wavelength which will not interfere with a broadcast listener. “The next radio beacon is to be installed at Cape Campbell and a third at Stephen’s Island, thus completing three rounds in a triangle,” said Mr. Fraser. “Auckland will be the next port to be so equipped. We should then have a safe approach to the two main ports. After that we shall extend the service to all points of New Zealand.”