NEWS BY WIRELESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1922, Page 5

NEWS BY WIRELESS.

AN IMPERIAL SERVICE. VISION OF THE FUTURE. NEWS IN THE HOME. ' By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received May 6, 5.5 p.m. London, May 5. Professor Eccles, vice-chairman of the Wireless Telegraphy Commission, read a paper before the Dominions’ and Indian section of the Society of Arts, on Imperial wireless communication. A keenlycontroversial discussion followed. Professor Eccles- lecture outlined the history of the developments leading up to the commission’s 2000-mile link report, which the Imperial Conference fully debated in 1921. Referring to the broadcasting of wireless, Professor Eccles suggested that when an Imperial news service was organised, every newspaper throughout the Empire, by means of an inexpensive receiving, apparatus, would be able to pick up the world’s news broadcasted

from London and other centres. Ultimately the settlers in the backblocks of New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and India would pick up the news in their own homes as quickly as it was receivable in the English provinces.

Lord Burnham, the chairman, did not think broadcasting news would be a serious menace as an alternative to the press. Broadcasted news was likely to prove ineffective until handled by the press, which would probably be equal to any emergency. Signor Marconi disagreed with the lecturers views relating to a limited effective wireless range. He was of opinion that no range was too great to be traversed by wireless by means of proper apparatus. If the effects of atmospherics were serious, as Mr. Eccles suggested, it would require a hundred intermediate stations between Britain and Australia, which was contrary to experience. He could not agree that the strength of long-distance signals varied a hundredfold.

Sir Godfrey Isaacs (managing director of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company) pointed out that Canada abstained from participation in an Imperial chain, and Australia, India and South Africa condemned the report, preferring direct communication, for which Australia had concluded a separate agreement. All the world’s wireless companies were convinced that long-distance communications were both, efficient and economical, with the result "that they combined in order to supply a direct service, Hniring up South America with the United States, France, Germany, and, if a necessary condition was forthcoming, with England. Japan -was also seeking direct communication. He protested strongly against the suggestion that the Crown had used the rights of various patents belonging to the Marconi Company. Colonel O’Mara, formrly chief engineer to the Poet Office, said he was disappointed that no Imperial organisation had been formed to carry out the Imperial chain. The Post Office was not a suitable organisation to handle it. Mr. Eccles, replying, pointed out that the official report to the Washington naval station showed that the strength of cross-Atlantic signals varies two hundredfold within a day. Sir Godfrey Isaacs’ statements were merely ex parte. It was news to him that the Dominions had withdrawn from the chain scheme. Probably Sir Godfrey Isaacs- wishes were parent to the thought. In regard to patents, he had merely set forth the considered opinion of the Crown’s highest legal authorities, which W been sent to Sir Isaacs months ago. —Aus.-N-Z. CaDie Assn.