THE "HAM" AND RADIO GIVE SERVICE.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 31, 13 February 1931, Page 4

THE "HAM" AND RADIO GIVE SERVICE.

JN the biggest national disaster that has yet afflicted the Dominion the radio broadcasting service vindicated itself and ably served the people. With an eye upon possible national crises and emergencies the Government some four years ago atranged that station Z2YA should be of major power and audible over the widest possible area of the Dominion, In the- disaster of Tuesday last and throughout subsequent days 2YA and associated stations were able to render an appreciated service to the waiting multitudes and anxious hearts throughout the Dominion. In those hours all must have been thankful for radio in its prompt dissemination of news. [T was through radio that the first news of the disaster came. Particular credit in this connection is due to three amateur radio transmitting enthusiasts for their part in informing the Dominion of

the disaster and in providing definite avenues of communicativn between the stricken areas and the outside world. Without them many valuable hours must have been wasted ere any true story of the situation and the remedial measures necessary could have reached centres capable of giving aid. The high courage under continuing danger and steady devotion to duty throughout long hours of service displayed notably by Mr. Tyler, of Napier, Mr. Mills, of Hastings, and Mr. Hands, of Gisborne, are creditable in the extreme. The story. of their work outlined in a special article elsewhere is of epic character. Wireless has to its credit many tales of devotion to the duty of maintaining communication. This story adds another to the roll, These amateurs ably served their fellows in time of need and added honour to their craft. ' "THE news slowly acquired from these sources was concentrated upon the Secretary of the Postal Departinent in Wellington and thence promptly communicated to 2YA, broadcast by it and relaved by all. other stations which were in contact. Eagerly indeed was that news awaited at every loudspeaker throughout the Dominion tha." evening. Hours were extended to midnight to permit of every possible item of authentic information being collated and broadcast. In retrospect, the immensity of the disaster of which news thus slowly percolated through was not, and could not be, realised. New Zealand had become so accustomed to minor shakes that the possibility of a major ‘visitation had rarely been contemplated. Unfortunately, the later news. that has been so fully available and broadcast. has driven into the consciousness of all the terrible nature of the calamity. All accounts agree that the heroism of the sufferers has been remarkable. In the face of disaster money and position ceased to count. Fundamental humanity triumphed and the universal "desire was to help one another. The extent of that help already given.-has been wholly admirable. It is for the Dominion to see to it, in the cooler moments that follow the first recognition of disaster, that that spirit is not buried under the ceaseless tide of everyday affairs and the helping hand left unextended. Radio has played its part in disseminating the news to the people-in telling them of the events of the crash and the needs of the sufferers; it is for the people now to .- play their part. All the indications are that that task will be faced’ nobly. . so