Radio Amateurs

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 17, 7 November 1930, Page 4

Radio Amateurs

Upper Hutt Society HE Upper Hutt Radio Society made "a very promising start on Friday last, when an evening’s entertainment was held in the Princess Hall, Upper ‘Hutt.’ A large number of the younger generation were present, and a keen interest in the proceedings was maintained, Prior to commencement, half an hour’s gramophone recital from. two. radio receivers of well-known makes was given. | On the’ stage were several sets of different types, including a BrowningDrake and a crystal set. During the evening’ the -Browning-Drake, in conjunction ‘with a horn’speaker, was used to demonstrate the progress made .by radio technique. The chimes of 2YA officially opened the nieeting, and then Mr. A. J. Me--Curdy, president of ‘the society, addressed a few words to the gathering. He spoke of the early history of radio saying how experiments dated as far back ‘as 600° B.C. He continued and outlined the: éxcellent aims and objects of the saciety, urging co-operation between listeners for their mutual benefit... In’ country districts where technital service is not readily to hand an. institution like this should flourish. It aims to: teach its members how to look after. their own sets, and to provide .free service for those who are not able to undertake this. He then introduced the next speaker, Mr. Colin’ W. Smith, of the "Radio Record;" who spoke for a few minutes onthe excellent work that ‘the amateur enthusiast had.done and was doing for radio.He referred to the great. achievement of the amateur when he made short-wave broadcasting possible. » He’ conveyed: to them best wishes for sticcess, , The néxt’ ‘speaker was Mr. Preston’ Billing, a very well-known Wellington radio engineer. Mr. Billing presented a. specially prepared. address on the elements of radio. He used a blackboard to sketch out some of the circuits, and interested listeners with comparisons of the machines on the stage. Mr. Billing’s address was listened to with great interest, and he evidently left quite a good impression on the minds of many of the younger folk, whom he urged.to.take up radio seriously, as there: was a great deal to be done. "In a few years," he said, "television will be with us, and it may be one of my young’ audience will discover how to make it a commercial proposition." At the conclusion of the address further items, both radio and gramophone, were presented. During the earlier part of thé evening power interference had spoilt reception of 2YA, but later it cleared: up, and the Australian and other New Zealand stations could be received. quite well. After this a vocal item was rendered and met with great approval, and the meeting concluded after a:few further demonstrations. Keen interest is being shown in its. activities.in Upper, Hutt, . and a strong society should result.