WIRELESS TELEPHONY WITH AUSTRALIA.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 21, 5 December 1930, Page 4

WIRELESS TELEPHONY WITH AUSTRALIA.

HE opening of the short-wave wireless telephone service with Australia last week marks the inauguration of a service that is certain to be most beneficial to New Zealand. Since April last, Australia has been in the fortunate position of being in direct telephone touch with Great Britain, some twenty-two countries in Europe, the United States of ‘America, the Dominion of Canada, Mexico and Cuba. This service from its inception appealed to the popular imagination, and supplied an outstanding need to the commercial community. It has been largely availed of in addition for political purposes, notably in connection with the recent conversations between the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. H. Scullin, and his lieutenants in the Commonwealth during his absence at the Imperial Conference. Those conversations have duly impressed the significance of the innovation upon the popular imagination, with the result that to-day in Australia wireless telephony is accepted as an ordinary routine service throughout the community. New Zealand has not hitherto had the opportunity of becoming blase on such a subject. Last week’s innovation for the first time brought New Zealand up to date in this field, and the opening conversations across the Tasman between banking, commercial and Press leaders, as well as the political heads of the sister Governments, have emphasised the definite need of the link now established. The clarity of the voices as transmitted across the 1200-mile gap was notable, and marks a state of perfection in this field which is extraordinary. Congratulations are due to the Post and Telegraph Department of the Dominion for their promptitude in effecting this service immedtately the efficiency of the service between Australia and Great Britain was established by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited. By this link having now been established, New Zealand is placed in direct touch with the majority of the telephones of the world. That is a big statement to make, but it is literally accurate in that from Great Britain direct land-line links are available to the whole of Europe and with the United States, by reason of the Trans-Atlantic Telephone Service, Conversations with the United States from Australia have not been uncommon. Only last week tourists on the "Malolo" spoke from Sydney to their home in Atlantic City. To-day it is possible

for New Zealand to speak with New York. The novelty of this event thrills to-day; to-morrow it is an accepted commonplace. In recording this advance, tribute is due to the technical and _.. business genius of Mr. E. T. Fisk, managing director of Amalgamat Wireless, Limited. It is only twelve years since Mr. Fisk, in his home in Sydney, received the first direct wireless message’ from Great ! Britain-a message from Mr. W. M. Hughes, then Prime Minister of Australia, at the time in Great Britain, and a further message from Sir Joseph Cook, then High Commissioner of the Commonwealth. In the brief intervening space tremendous advances have been made. To-day beam services carry more than half the Press and commercial traffic between Australia and Great Britain. Wireless telephony services are operated with Great Britain and New Zealand. Another with Java will shortly be established. In addition to these overseas activities, numerous coastal services contribute to the everyday efficiency of Australian life, both in the broadcasting and commercial field. The latest achievement focuses attention upon the technical skill that has built up these services, and as we benefit by this development it is fitting that at least passing mention shguld be made of the talent to which it is due. The treasure of 18 not yet exhausted. Television lies in wait for the future. Of its coming there can be no doubt, and when that day dawns, the wonders of the present will fade before an even greater wonder in *"* more perfect use of the miracle of electricity.