RADIO TELEPHONE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1930, Page 3

RADIO TELEPHONE

SERVICE OPENS!.

BETWEEN N.Z AND AUSTRALIA

By Telegraph—Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 25

The radio telephouy service between Australia and New Zealand was officially inaugurated to-day when Sir A. Ngata (Minister of Native Affairs), representing the people of New Zealand, spoke to Hon Mr Fenton, Act-ing-Prime Minister of Australia. The test was completely successful, and the service is now open to the public. Sir A. Ngata mentioned that, on the return of Mr Forbes the question of an exchange of Ministerial visits, would be considered. He added that both countries were at present experiencing a difficult time, but he thought that they would be able to pull through all right.

Hon. Mr Fenton, after referring to the commercial and social benefits that would follow the inauguration of the service, expressed his confidence in Australia’s ability to cope with her difficult circumstances, and lie said that he was satisfied that things would Before song assume normal proportions.

SYDNEY, November 25

Further wireless telephone conversations this afternoon were marked by very clear reception. Air Frisk and Afr AlacNamara (New Zealand P.O. Secretary) exchanged congratulation, and a number of citizens engaged in brief conversations, the general import, of which was an expression of pleasure that this added linK of communication would tend to bring the peoples of the Commonwealth and the Dominion into closer • touch, . and knit them together in the matters in which they are both vitally concerned. A loud speaker conveyed the New Zealand speakers’ remarks to an interested group of listeners.

AT THE N.Z. ENT?

THE FIRST BUSINESS CALLS

WELLINGTON, November 25

The Tasman radio phone was chiefly occupied with demonstration and invitation calls on its opening to-day, but eight paid communications were handled. Two were outward business calls from Wellington, and six private calls were received from Australia. At the public ceremony this afternoon, which was held in Kirkcaldie and Staines’, there was an attendance of about fifty. Each listener was provided with a separate ear phone, through which they heard the conversations with remarkable clarify.

Hon. Air Veitch, addressing those present said that Britain had achieved her greatness by extending her communications. That was in evidence by to-day’s event. In addition to promoting commerce, this service would help to promote peace and goodwill between nations. Speaking to Mr Frisk later, Mr Veitch said that the distance between the two countries was the only thing between them. The British people were proud of the fact that they could build together and face common difficulties. The ideals that had inspired the sons both of Australia and. New Zealand in the Great War would not be forgotten, hut would be an inspiration to establish a new Britannia on the southern seas.

Mr Frisk. Managing Director of the Amalgamated Wireless, speaking from Sydney, sent greetings to New Zealand. He said that Australia and New Zealand were isolated British communities in the Pacific Ocean. It was a great pleasure to take part in the inauguration of a service which bought the two countries together. It was hoped that a service was being done the two countries, assisting trade and commerce, enhancing social relations, and helping the press. He congratulated the officers of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department and expressed friendship and goodwill between the two outposts of the Empire. Mr G. McNamara, the Secretary of the Post , and ’Telegraph Department, in replying to Mr Frisk, said that he hoped that businessmen would appreciate that the telephone was something tjjiat had come toi stay, and that they would use it to the fullest extent. The New Zealand Department was grateful for the congratulations, and would he always ready to coon? rate with Anstra 1 ia.

Mr A. Gibbs, Chief Telegraph Engineer, New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department, talking to Mr Fisk said the Department was very pleased with the manner in which the apparatus had operated. It had given a. • first-class account of itself. It was hoped so to extend the system that 99 per cent, of the world’s telephones would lie placed at the service of the New Zealand subscribers. Several calls were put. through by business men present, although pleasantries. ’rather than business matters, were discussed.

AT AUSTRALIAN END

GREAT DUVEf QUA I ENTS FORESEEN.

SYDNEY, November 25

■ A gathering representative of official, professional and business circles met at. the Offices of the Amalgamated Wireless Oov.. for the inauguration of the wireless telonhone service between Australia and New Zealand. . Hon. Air Fenton, Acting-Prime Minister, spe"king from Canberra, exchanged felicitations with Sir A. Ne-nta, renrosanting. New Zealand, whose voice was remarkably clear and

familiar to those present who knew him.

Air E. T. Fisk, Managiiig-Di rector of Amalgamated Wireless, gave a siime of the development of telegraphic and wireless communication, leading to the position to-day, which gives any telephone user in Australia facilities for direct conversation with at least fifty million others in Britain, Kurone and America,

Air Kitto representing the Post-master-General's Department, briefly congratulated Mr Fisk on the success attending the opening of the service, the possible extensiion of which, he said, in the next few years, in view of the wonderful developments that had attended the communications within the lifetime of a number of those present, could hardly be visualised today