AN UP-TO-DATE MEASURE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9666, 3 December 1909, Page 4

AN UP-TO-DATE MEASURE.

The rapidity with which scientific invention comes into univeraal use is marvellous. Only the other day Marconi astonished the world with his discoveries in regard to wireless telegraphy, and to day power to compel shipowners under a penalty of £SO to equip New Zealand passenger vessels with wireless telegraphic installations is contained in the new Shipping Act now before Parliament. The Minister for Marine has explained that the clause will only become operative when it is decided to issue regulations under the authority of the Governor-in-Council. As soon as it is. possible to instal wireless stations in New Zealand and Australia —between which thera will be reciprocity—the Order-in-Couneil will be issued and passenger vessels will be equipped within a few months afterwards. A conference will be held in Melbourne this month to discuss a proposal for covering the whole of the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand with wireless telegraphy. The Premier is of opinion that it is important that New Zealand should wait for the latest developments in the system, and he has been assured by both Messrs Marconi and Tesler that it is beyond question that we are on the eve of a great development.