International Fraternity Chapter in Christchurch

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 35, 8 March 1935, Page 44

International Fraternity Chapter in Christchurch

(SHRISTCHURCH has recently been the scene of the formation of a New Zealand Chapter of the International Radio League, and its introduction. into this country marks a further step in the rapid progress of Amateur Radio activities. Messrs, W. A. Penton, ZL3AN, of 3YA, Gebbies Pass, and TT. L, Danks, ZL3BK, were the convenors of the movement, being under instructions from the international headquarters in the United -States. An executive has been formed, consisting of some of the leading amateur transmitterg in Christchurch, and the membership is steadily increasing throughout the country. . Se ‘The I.R.F. is the only body in the world whose branches are international and in the very near future jts membership will include.every country where there are amateur radio transmitters. The amateur, being but a small. part. of the radio world. has found that his rights and privileges have been curtailed persistently at international conferences,. and it is with | the object of putting ‘.forward some consolidated opposition to any ‘further . encroachments. . on | their rights that’..the’ LR.F.. ‘has been formed, so that it will be able to represent amateur radio.as an international

body of enthusiasts at the next conference, and any subsequent ones. The objects of. the I.R.F. are, briefly, . those of doing everything that can be done to. further good ~- fellowship and better working conditions for amateur operators throughout the whole world. Its membership is open to any licensed amateur operator over the age of 21. who can satisfy the Chapter that he has operated his station in an efficient and workmanlike manner. Its subscription is small and carries with jt a monthly paper, known as "The Lightning Jerker." published in the United States, and reduced rates on many of. the: leading "Ham": magazines. . Its membership form is most searching,,and any amateur who can qualify to: become a member can feel ‘justly proud of the fact. as its membership in the States numbers but 500 out of some 50.000 licensed operators. Being international, the I.R.F.-is able to offer further inducements in the way of assisting operators with making suitable schedules with DX countries, and this has already been in operation with several amateurs,in an endeavour to link up New Zealand with South Afrien. The New Zealand. headquarters are’ also forming a special technical service available to members -and. ‘with the technical resources -of the: States at their back, it will he very hard-to find a problem which will not be satisfaetorily answered, ~ --~-=