YOUNG FARMERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1940, Page 7

YOUNG FARMERS

MASTERTON CLUB MEETING. ADDRESS ON RADIO. There was an attendance of 24 at the monthly meeting of the Masterton -jSSmirmat, Young Farmers’ Club, Mr J- S. Mackay being in the c h a i r - W w Apologies for absence were received from the advisory President, Mr M. Blatchford, and from Messrs D. McGregor and W. James. The club’s birthday party is to take place on November 14 in the Savage Club rooms. A suggestion was made that the memmembers make a weekend trip to Mt. Holdsworth during November. If weather permits, the third weekend in the month will probably be decided on. The speaker for the evening was Mr N. R. Cunningham, of Masterton, whose subject was “The Principles of Radio," Mr Cunningham outlined the workings of a modern radio set, and also some of the peculiarities of broadcast and short wave transmission. Radio, he said, had advanced in 20 years up to the same standard as motor cars which were first heard of in 1898 or thereabouts. Radio had become a necessity, and sets were to be found in almost every home. He explained the working of beam radio, used 1 by ships and aircraft in foggy weather to find their positions, and also as a guide to a port or aerodrome. A peculiarity of short wave was that it had such extreme speed that 50 miles or so away from a short wave station, the transmission might only just be heard, and yet at 5000 miles, it would be very clear and loud. This was due, he said, to a metallic iron clad layer of air some miles above the earth, which reflected the waves, and made them so clear at extreme distances. Motorists driving over the Rimutaka Range found dead spots on the road, and yet perhaps a few yards away the radio could be heard quite clearly. This was due to metallic substances in the ground which absorbed radio waves. After answering questions, Mr Cunningham was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting address. Supper was served.