Tristan and Chelmsford

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 53, 19 July 1929, Page 30

Tristan and Chelmsford

TRISTAN DA CUNHA, known as the world’s loneliest island, is now _e abled to listen to 5SW (London). In January last the "African World" presénted the inhabitants of the island with a shortwave set subscribed for b its readers. This was taken out by the Rey. A. G. Partridge-in January last when he left to take up the duties of chaplain of this isolated parish. A letter from Mr. ‘3. A. Bradley, wireless office: of the steamer Duchess of Atholl states :- "We. did everything possible to initiate the Rev. Partridge into the mysteries’ of ‘shortwave reception. At Montevideo I unpacked the receiver and fitted it in the wireless room. Between, Montevideo and Tristan reception of 5SW was constant each nightoften at good loudspeaker strength and always at good ’phone strength. We were fortunate c.ough at Tristan to find a 50ft. mast erected by the Quest, and by adding a small spar to the chimner of the padre’s house we were soon able to rig an excellent aerial. "After connecting up the set many shortwave morse stations were heard at_a strength equal to that experienced on the ship. I have not the slightest doubt that the islanders listened" to 53W as soon as he started up. that’ evening. ‘ ; "Any future shipments sent to Tristan please address to fhe ‘padre’ and not ‘To the inhabitants of Tristan de Cunha.’ This is on account: of their method of distributing’ stores. We painted out your form of address, Otherwise it would have meant so many ounces of sal-ammoniac, so many jars, so many porous pots tu each family. ° "The space available is very small. The ‘Vicarage’ living room, two bedrooms and kitchen, couid be contained in a decent-sized living-room of an ordinary house.’* _