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CHATHAM ISLANDS RADIO. No additions or alterations have been carried out at this station, which has performed satisfactory service during the year. Chatham Islands Radio is engaged chiefly in the fixed service with Wellington Radio, but also works ship stations in the vicinity. AWARUA RADIO. The valve transmitter at Awarua Radio has been reconstructed, permitting the emission of increased power, and two new receivers have been added to the station equipment. During the season communication was maintained regularly with the whaling-vessels in the Ross Sea, and also with the Byrd Expedition during its sojourn in the Antarctic. The British official press news transmitted from Rugby (England) continues to be successfully received. Observations have also been made since August last on the experimental radio-telephone transmissions from Rugby to Sydney. On the occasion of the earthquake of the 17th June Awarua Radio assisted materially in the disposal of telegrams for the West Coast, and handled a considerable amount of traffic from ships in Greymouth Harbour. Efficient service was rendered by this station in the reception and distribution of the distress messages sent out by the s.s. " Manuka " on the night of 16th December last, when the vessel struck a reef during its voyage between Bluff and Dunedin and became a total wreck. Fortunately there was no loss of life. APIA RADIO. The Apia station is controlled by the External Affairs Department, for which the Post and Telegraph Department acts in a consultative capacity. The removal and modernization of the station were completed on the Bth October, from which date the new station was opened for traffic. The station is now situated in the Apia Township, and occupies an area of approximately three acres. Messages for transmission are accepted both at the radio-station and at the local post-office. The transmitting equipment now consists of a 100-watt C.W.-I.C.W. set for medium-wave working, and a 1-| kw. I.C.W. short-wave transmitter. A 5 kw. medium-wave spark set is held for emergency purposes. The aerial equipment comprises a 120 ft. steel mast with four-wire fan-type aerials. In addition to being in a more convenient locality, it is anticipated that the removal of the station will result in a very considerable saving in annual charges. A SOS call from the steamer " Norwich City " was received by this station at 1.50 a.m. on the 30th November. Atmospheric conditions were bad, and it was with difficulty that Apia Radio received the position of the vessel, which was ashore on Garden Island, in the Phoenix Group, 600 miles north of Apia. No vessels within 1,000 miles of the wrecked vessel could be raised, and it was decided to despatch to the wreck the s.s. " Trongate," which was loading at Apia. The " Trongate " made all speed to the wreck, and found the " Norwich City "tobe a total loss. Eleven of the crew were drowned in trying to make shore after the vessel struck ; the remainder were rescued by the " Trongate." As far as is known, Apia Radio was the only station to receive the distress call, and the timely action taken by the staff of that station undoubtedly averted a much more serious loss of life. RAROTONGA RADIO. The Rarotonga station is controlled by the Cook Islands Department, for which the Post and Telegraph Department acts in a consultative capacity. The station continues to function in an efficient manner, only routine maintenance having been necessary during the year. A new short-wave transmitter, of an output power of 500 watts, is under order for this station, and when installed will permit direct communication with New Zealand. At present New Zealand traffic is transmitted through the Apia Station. LOWER-POWER STATIONS. The various low-power radio-stations in New Zealand and the Pacific islands have continued to give satisfactory service. A new station was opened at Mauke, in the Cook Islands Group, on the 11th June, 1929, since when uninterrupted service has been given. The rate for messages from New Zealand is Is. 3d. a word. BROADCASTING. On the 31st March, 1930, there was a total of 53,4-07 radio receiving licenses throughout the Dominion. Of this total, 21,968 licenses were held in the Wellington District, 17,201 in the Auckland District, 9,371 in Canterbury, and 4,867 in Otago. Included in the total are 215 licenses issued free to blind persons. The increase in the number of licenses is very gratifying, and the additional revenue is enabling the Radio Broadcasting Co. to extend their activities, to the advantage of licensees. That there is still room for further extension is admitted, and no doubt development in this connection may be expected.

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