Story of 'Quake Heard by Radio in U.S.A.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 36, 20 March 1931, Page 7

Story of 'Quake Heard by Radio in U.S.A.

P THE following paragraph, published by the "New York Times" within twenty-four hours of the recent terrible earthquake, provides a forcible illustration of the distance annihilating quali"ties of radio: "Perry W. Hsten, radio amateur, said to-day he had received a message that 100 persons had been killed at Napier, New Zealand, by an earthquake. "Tisten, operator of short-wave station WS8BOX, said the message was received from short-wave station ZL3CM, in New Zealand, under perfect reception conditions. He talked with the New Zealand station from 1.30 until 2 this morning, signing off when the New Zealand operator said he wished to get in touch with nearby stations to summon aid. "The earthquake rocked many towns along the entire North Island district, Esten was informed, causing most serious damage at Napier. Here 59 oil tanks on the water front were set ablaze, the flames spreading inland and sweeping over the city. Doctors and nurses, said the radio message, were being rushed to the scene by water."