And All the World Wondered

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 36, 21 March 1930, Page 1

And All the World Wondered

AT zero hour on Wednesday last was staged the most remarkable ‘broadeast that has been enacted in the annals of radio. Six stations, the most distant separated by 10,000 miles, talking to one another as though connected by a telephone line, friends who had been separated for fifteen months chatting from continent to continent and exchanging. pleasantries, bore striking testimony. to the efficiency of radio broadcasting. Two days previously a small. band of explorers who had participated in ‘the most unusual expedition of the age, had made their appearance. in our southern city. They had come from the vast snowy wastes that had. up till their advent defied prolonged exploration. New Zealand welcomed theni-through her radio Australia and their homeland, America, welcomed them. Never has. there been accorded anyone such a welcome-probably not again for many years will ‘sueh:an event take place. It was wonderful-an awe-inspiring night that will live for ever in the memory of that vast: audience of ali nations and creeds. ° . .

$e . . : ’ EW ZEALAND listeners will ‘never forget’ the thrilling moments of last week. Those who heard the. two-way conversations between Dunedin and New York will remember the occasion and prize it, as one of their most valued experiences, The occasion of Rear-Admiral Byrd speaking to New York on his réeturn from the Antarctic had a dual significance which will never happeu again, and it completed in the most dramatic manner possible the important part which radio has played in the Antarctie expedition. | The speeches which were made in Dunedin and relayed to Wellingtun ‘were rebroadeast throughout Australia, America, Canada, England. and even in Germany. It was truly a most remarkable achievement, The number of people who listened in can be counted only in millions. Apart from the interest attached to Rear-Admiral Byrd’s share’:in the proceedings, the importance of the event, so far as. it was confined to connecting Dunedin. with New York for duplex radio telephony, was outstanding. It was, of course, the presence of Rear-Admiral Byrd which gave inspiration to the project and made the efforts worth while. The unlikelihood of there ever being any other incentive of a similar nature makes the one occasion more memorpble. , Extensive Preparations. Por weeks. past preparations have been in progress and tests have been made in anticipation of RearAdmiral Byrd broadcasting. The problem to be overcome was how to make connection with New York. The only way which appeared to be practicable was to use the Sydney shortwave station of Amalgamated Wireless (2MEB) to relay 2YA’s transmission to : \F, Sehenectady. This plan was tested out, and then an extension was made to Dunedin requiring the use of 500 miles of telephone line and submarine cable. The whole _sehezie bristled with technical difficulties, on top of which were the uneontrolable atmospheric conditions. Fortunately, at this time of the year, reception in America is satisfactory. though not at its best, the best season for overseas reception there being now on the wane. :

Listeners who heard the two-way conversations, although: for the most part laymen in all matters: pertaining to radio, could not help but wonder how it was possible for a New Zealand station to broadcast what was being said in the local studio and what was being said in America at the same ‘time, ' The layman pronounced it all as marvellous and the more he tried. to solve it all, the more confused he became. He heard 2YA speaking to New York, and he heard New York replying, That in itself was wonderful, but that was the simplest of the problems. It was when he heard the announcer at 2MH, then B8YA and then 4YA ali taking a share in the conversation and all being broadcast from the local stations, that the. "plot thickened." . It was, of. course, all made possible by the-use of relay lines connecting all the New Zealand stations, Excellent

relay lines had been made. available to the Broadcasting Company by the Post and Telegraph Department and made possible inter-communication betweeu the stations. Each station had its uwn listening post where the 2XAF’s transmission was received and relayed to the studio where it was superimposed on what was being broadcast from that station. Thus, the announcer at 2YA, sitting with headphones on, was able to listen

to 2XA¥F and answer him immediately, his. voice and .the .voice of, the announcer at 2XAF being broadcast and heard by all New Zealand listeners. Such is the speed of radio waves that although the voices of the speakers at 4YA went a round about way via Wellington. and Sydney to New York, while the reception from 2XAF was direct, the difference in time was, of course, imperceptible. * Receiving Instrument THE receiver in use at 3YA was a single control shortwave superheterodyne set built specially by the Broadeasting ‘Company’s chief: engineer for the purpose of shortwave rebroadcasts. The advantage of this type of receiver is that. it can be set on two stations, marked by two stops on the dial, so that a single short turn can: bring in either ‘station. The cap-

ability of the set was demonstrated by 3YA ‘during the test on Monday evening when 2ME and 2XAF were conversing. By the quick turn of the dial at the eonclusion of the remarks by each speaker the conversation from both stations. was. heard. ..Qtherwise,. two receiving sets would have had to be used and the reception by’ each, relayed to the station, superimposed on. the broadcast from 3YA.

Preliminary Testing. THE final test before the big night when Rear-Admiral Byrd was to speak took place on Monday and was encouragingly successful. 2YA, 38YA and 4YA all took a share in conversing with 2XAF and 2ME. Those who spoke from 3YA were Mr. A. R. Harris and Mr. A. G. Henderson, of the United Press Association of New Zealand. These conversations were broadcast by all New Zealand stations and whetted the interest of listeners to hear the doings of the following evening. As reception was direct and conditions were favourable, the voice of the American announcer, Mr. A. B. Hitt, was particularly clear. When final arrangements were being made, including a roll-call of all stations taking fart, at 12.30 am. the following day, Mr. Witt stated that a sound film was to be made and that a copy would be sent to the Broadcasting Company. When the Moment Arrived. NE can well imagine the tension, even of listeners, as the radio zero-hour, 12.30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, approached. This was evident in the emotion betrayed by Mr. Adolph Ochs when he commenced i¢ speak, realising as he did the part: he played as one of the principals on an epoch-marking occasion. But all soon quickly settled down and the conversation was marked by the familiarity which exists between friends. Mr. J. Ball. of 2YA, was the first to speak for New Zealand. He: greeted 2MBE and then 2XAF.~ "I am pute ting you right through to 4YA,.Dunedin," he added. Mr. A. B. Hitt (2XAF):. All right. Thank you. _ Mr. Ball: We wish you the best of luck. ‘ From 400 miles further south at Dunedin, the voice of Mr. A. R. Harris came over the wire, greeting 2XAF. "How are you receiving us to-day?" asked Mr. Hitt. "Very strongly," replied Mr. Harris, "How are you receiving us?" '."Mueh better than yesterday," canie the reply from New York. Mr. Harris said the Broadcasting Company was very glad to be able to co-operate iu carrying out a two-way conversation with America and thanks were due to the Post and Telegraph Department for the assistance which had-been given: in placing telephone lines at the disposal of the company so that the New Zealand stations could. be linl.cd together and speech relayed from Dunedin to 2YA, Wel-

How ... Two Continents and Two Islands took part in a ‘broadcast that amazed the world. Ilustrating the vital part played by New Zealana

when ADMIRAL BYRD spoke to his home from DUNEDIN through WELLINGTON, SYDNEY — and NEW YORK

lington, which would transmit to 2M¥,. _ the short wave station in Sydney. * The Roll Call. FQDR Mr. Harris had read from a newspaper for a minute in order that, 2XAF'might make adjustments in tuning, the American speakers were announced and the stations were invited to call the roll. announced itself, then 2ME was called, then 2YA, and then 4YA (the Chicago announcer overlooked 1¥YA and 3YA). "What time is it?" New York asked of, Sydney, adding, "It is 7.34 a.m. on ‘Tuesday, March 11, here; a delightful ‘spring day. .What season of the year is it there?" |. ‘ 2MH’S reply. was not heard. "Fullo, 2YA! What time is it?’ "12.35 am. on Wednesday, March 412," replied 2YA. — "Mr. Ochs will now speak." .. "That you, Commander Byrd?" said @ new voice, neglecting in the excitement of the occasion to address the gentleman concerned by his new and full title, Rear-Admiral. " "8¥es, sir," a strong voice replied. ' "§ recognise your voice perfectly," said Mr. Adolph Ochs, owner of the "New York Times." ~"T am delighted to hear your voice," ‘echoed Rear-Admiral Byrd, and fur‘ther pleasantries followed. "FT want to tell you that I could hear ‘everything you said in your broadcasts, ‘You don’t know how much the boys enjoyed them. It is simply great to hear your cheerful voice now." Welcoming Rear-Admiral: Byrd. Me. OCHS went.on to welcome RearAdmiral Byrd back to civilisation from the Antarctic, and to congratulate him on the complete success of the enterprise. "You have taken 2 place among the immortals," said Mr. Ochs. "The ‘New York Times’ had confidence that you would do what you undertook. In Russell Owen’s story we had the greatest narrative of adventure in the history of journalism. "You have to your credit the greatest success in broadcasting, operating over 10,000 miles. A royal welcome awaits you and your crew. When we think of the preparations and arrangements made and the dangers, perils, and hardships undergone, and when we think of your safe return with the enterprise fully accomplished, our wonder never ceases, and our admiration knows no bounds. Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd is a national hero. You appear among those whose voice has been heard over half the globe, You are hearing to-morrow to-day." Admiral Byrd: I heard every word, and am entirely overwhelmed. We realise what your support meant and all the things that were done to make the expedition possible. . Mr. Ochs: I want. to say that you showed that Dicky Byrd is the gréatest flyer. Conversation then began with Mr. Russell Owen, Mr. Ochs saying he was delighted to hear his voice again, and was proud to know that he was associated. with the "New York Times." "We on the ‘New York Times’ want to say. how glad we are that you are ‘pack safe and sound," said Mr. Ochs. "tT hear you have lost 40lb. of flesh. How are you feeling?" . "I am feeling well," was the re- , ply. . "I only lost 20lb., and with the i New Zealand milk they are feeding me : on, I will rapidly get the ‘weight back again." "You don’t know how glad I. _- a= --

am.:.to hear you, Mr. Ochs," was Mr, Owen’s next remark, Mr. Arthur Sulzberger, vice-president of the "New York Times," spoke to Mr. Owen, and'-also stated that the day was Mr. QOchs’s birthday. "Tam. tickled to-death to be able to send congratulations in this way," said Rear-Admiral Byrd to Mr. Ochs, : and he emphasised that every man in the expedition also joined in sending congratulations. , Mr. Qchs: Listen, Dick. This is, I think,. the .biggest -hook-up and party line ever attempted. Rear-Admiral Byrd: Is that so? Mr. Ochs: It is almost overwhelming to hear your voice and to think that you have. passed over the North Pole and the. South Pole, and with your men have accomplished the great tasks came through safe when ice

you at Little America. We are pleased. that you are now among friends. Admiral Byrd: I heard that fine. $ What has, been said to-night has so overwhelmed me that I am lost for words. We feel we don’t deserve all you say, but. we are human enough to like it all the same. We do not realise you felt like that up there, and we like to know it. We can thank you adequately when we get back. ; Mr. Mark ©. Rice, of the General Blectric Company :."Good morning, Admiral Byrd." And he proceeded to extend a welcome and his congratulations.. . "Thank you very much," said Admiral Byrd. "You cannot imagine what your broadcasts meant to us on the ice." Mr. Russell Owen: It’s nice to hear your voice again. Mr. Rice said more people were lis-tening-in to the broadcast than had ever listened-in before. Mr. Ochs came to the microphon again and discoursed about the pros perity in U.S.A. "T am pleased to hear that," said Admiral Byrd. . Mr. Hmanuel Cohen, of the Paramount News Reel, familiarly addressed as "Mammy," was the next speaker, and then Admiral Byrd’s private secretary, Mr. ©. Lofgren, spoke. At this. stage it was intimated by 2XA¥F that atmospheric conditions were getting bad, and it would be desirable to close down. All stations then "signed off" and the world-wide broadcast was at 4m end. N.Z. Stations keep on the Air. EW Zedland stations, however, kept on the air to hear Mr, H. L. Tapley, O.M.G.,..New Zealand agent for the expedition. He said that he was glad to have the oportunity of speaking on the oceasion of the safe arrival from the South-Pole of Rear-Admiral Byrd and his party. -It was a great pleasure in-,

deed to the citizens of New Zealand p- that Admiral Byrd had brought back from the ice every member of his party,, They endured great hardship, and had achieved all that they had set. out" to do. On : behalf of the people of New Zealand, he congratulated Admiral Byrd on his achievement, « "Admiral Byrd," continued Mr. Tap- _ ley, "if he had time, would like to visit ‘ every nart of New Zealand, before go-: ing home, but that, of course, is impossible. He hopes -he may .be privileged some_day later to return to New Zealand and visit the different centres. Listeners will feel that Admiral Byrd is to be congratulated most heartily on his great achievement, and the people of New Zealand will be glad in the g@nowledge that.all the party are well, 7 looking somewhat thin owing ‘to the food conditions. The Admiral, though somewhat tired, is looking well and is grateful to you for listening "to him, and is pleased to have the opportunity of talking. I will try to get him to say a few words to you." Admiral Byrd was thén introduced to listeners. ; "People of New Zealand," said he, "T am all taken by surprise.’ It was not on the programme that I should give a speech. I came down to talk to New York. But I want to congratulate most heartily this station on the wonderful thing they have done in making a world’s record in communication. I appreciate the chance of speaking because the invitation came from my friend, Mr. Tapley, our représentative in New Zealand. "My own people could not have done better, or have worked more efficiently than he has done, and I must say he has treated us very well. When we eame to New Zealand we did not anticipate receiving so muth kindness from any people, and naturally my _ shipmates and myself find it impossible to express adequately our appreciation." .° F The New Zealand Government and the people of New Zealand, continued the Admiral, had contributed to the success: of the expedition. He would . gay to the listeners in Australia that the present expedition of Sir Douglas Mawson, who was a very great man and a great explorer, would bring great results and would benefit Australia and the world as a whole. . — _ "T have the honour of calling him my friend," said Admiral Byrd. ‘It . ts the same with Sir Hubert Wilkins." "We carried the flag of New Zealand on our Polar flight," said the Admiral, | Mand flew the New Zealand flag when we sailed up the Otago harbour. Once tvery year when the expedition meets in New York we are going to fiy the flag as a’mark of appreciation for Néw Zealand’s wonderful hospitality. Good night."

Press Comment. _ (COMMENTING on the achivement, the Dunedin "Hyening Star’ states: "The Byrd broadcast is described as epoch-making. Never before, it is claimed, have so many stations been linked together, and never before have America, Australia and New Zealand co-operated so successfully. It was a record-breaking performance for the countries of the Pac: .c, and one that places New Zealand cn the map so far as wireless achievements are concerned. . Officials of the General Hlectric Company in America stated that reception there was better than it had ever been previously and Rear-Admiral Byrd and his party were equally enthusiastic. A Christchurch Daily. HE following telegram was despatched this morning by Mr. A. R. Harris (general manager of the Radio Broadeasting Company) to Mr. G. McNamara (secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department, Wellington) :- "Heartiest thanks for your splendid co-operation in making possible last night’s successful broadeast of a twoway conversation between Rear-Ad-miral Byrd and other members of the expedition, speaking from 4YA, Dunedin,- through 2YA, Wellington, to friends in America." 7 Mr. Harris told. a_ reporter this morning that the Dunedin station is not powerful enough to be rebroad- cast by Sydney and it was necessary to provide a land line and submarine cable to Wellington to enable the more powerful station in that city to broadcast to Sydney, where voices were picked up and rebroadcast to America. Other lines were also provided by the department from Wellington t Auckland, Wellington to Christchurch, and Christchurch to-Dunedin for arranging and checking details, and in case one locality offered better reception than others in respect to short wave signals from 2XAF Schnectady. He also expressed appreciation of the action of Mr. Fisk and -his staff, of Amalgamated Wireless, Sydney, in arranging for 2MHB, Sydney, to re-broadcast yoices from New Zealand. The work of the Broadcasting Company’s staffs in the four centres was greatly appreciated also. Every member of the staffs had worked unsparingly, and it was their enthusiasm that made the unique broadcast ‘ the success it waa.