First Trophy for Distance Reception Presented

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 42, 1 May 1931, Page 1

First Trophy for Distance Reception Presented

Pleasant Function at 2YB

A VERY pleasant ceremony took place at Z2YB on Wednesday, April 22, when the "Radio Record’ DX Cun was

Snts had been made for the presentation to be made by the North €aranaki Radio Society, who kindly consented to broadcast the cefemony. . _ Unfortunately conditions were not. the best, as not only was 2YB troubled with a nearby station on approximately the same frequency, but static was particularly bad. However, already enthusiasts. in many parts of New Zealand have reported reception of the ceremony. Many interested visitors were present in the studio at the invitation.of the Radio Society. . In making the presentation Mr. Payne, vice-president of the society, sketched the history of the Cup. He remarked that some time ago the "New Zealand Radio Record" had decided to present a cup, to be known as the "DX Cup," for competition among .New Zealand radio listeners striving to conquer distance. The winner of . the first period was a Taranaki man and a member of the North Taranaki Radio Society and to station 2YB had fallen the honour of making the first presentation of the "Radio Record’s" beautiful silver cup. "It affords me, as vice-president of the society, considerble pleasure in asking Mr. Ellis to come forward and receive the Cup," continued Mr. Payne. "The ‘Radio Record’ has reason to be pleased with the response to its offer. There were no fewer than 25 entrants, and Mr, Ellis’s accepted log of 89 stations was surely highly creditable. The log included 68 American, 10 Australian, 8 Canadian, 2 Japanese and one Chinese stations. It is the more creditable when one considers that absolute verification was insisted upon by the donors of the Cup. We are indeed proud to acknowledge Mr. Ellis as a member of this society. to its first winner, Mr. Spence R. Ellis, of Okato. Arrange-

Station Staff of 2YB Back row-F. Huggard; H. A. Lee; L. F. Binns, technical staff; W. HH.’ Quickfall, hon. sge.; W. R. Johns, announcer; 4 orney; S. A, Pruden, technieal, staff; H. Morey, accompanist. Middle row-Miss Larkin, children’s sessions; F. T. Davies, president and station director; Mrs. Larkin, Aunt Rene, children’s sessions; A.B. MacDonald, former musical director; E. Payne, vice-president and director of children’s sessions, Uncle Ted; Mrs. A. B. MacDonald, Aunt Gretchen; J, A. Pigott, technical director ; Mrs. Trott, _ former station secretary. ‘\ Front row-G. Fairbrother and Will Clark . (Ginger"), messengers. Absent-Miss Clark, station secretary, and, G. Champion, sports announcer. on Tarapakh Mews" Rbote

"Tt is interesting to note that the "second place was won by another Taranaki competitor, Mr. A. Greening, of Inglewood, with a total of 82 stations.

"In handing the Cup to Mr. Ellis, I trust 1 may express the hope that he will not rest on his lauréls but, in the interests of science, will set out to better his own record." In reply, Mr. Ellis thanked the North Taranaki Radio Society, for their kindness in arranging the function and took the opportunity of thanking them for. the very great interest and voluntary, amount of work done on behalf of listeners in Taranaki. . ‘Tl APPRECIATE very much the remarks of-Mr. Payne," said Mr. Ellis, "and can assure all that I am a competitor for the next DX contest, and will do my best to keep the ‘Radio Record’ Challenge Cup for Taranaki. I hope my friend competitors and 'DXers are listening, as I desire to congratulate Mr. Greening, of Inglewood, the runner-up, who made such a splendid effort and was only 8 verifications behind myself. "I desire to extend my congratulations to Mr. L. Peters, of Pahiatua, on being the first DXer to receive a verification from a European station. Recognition seems to be due to Mr. Guy Holmes, of Masterton, Mr. George Inglis, of Havelock North, and Mr. Cyril Blucher, of North Auckland, as these gentlemen with myself were the first to blaze the trail in forming a DX Club which is so popular among radio enthusiasts to-day. ; "In conclusion, I would like to thank particularly the ‘Radio Record,’ who made the Challenge Cup contest possible by- their donation of the Cup and the keen interest and courtesy extended to ‘competitors. During the Easter holidays I was in Hawke’s Bay and visited Mr. George Inglis, of (Concluded on page 2.)!

-- DX Cup Presentation ee ee (Continued from page 1.)

Havelock North, and I think his record of verifications is wonderful when one considers he has only a four-valve battery set. I desire to congratulate short-wavers on the formation of a Short Wave Club, and hope they will initiate.a similar competition for their ‘members. * Mr. Colin W.: Stith, who ‘was’ present representing the "Radio Reco1d," ‘then addressed a few words to the gathering. He briefly thanked the society for having arranged the very pleasant function and congratulated Mr. Ellis upon his splendid perform-

ance. He remarked that the North Taranaki Radio Society was doing wonderful work and merited every support. "Mr. Ellis has had a long. connection with DX work," remarked Mr, Smith, "On looking back through some old files of the ‘Radio Record,’ I notice many years ago Mr. Dilis won the first competition that the ‘Radio Record’ held for radio enthusiasts. A prize was offered for the most improved results obtained by installing a certain earth system, and Mr. Bilis was the winner." That ended the official proceedings, but quite a pleasant hour was spent by those who were present, and when Mr. Ellis was leaving he was wished the very best of luck. Taranaki surely wishes that this unique honour will be held in the district.