New Zealand Heard In The Solomons

Radio Record, 29 April 1938, Page 35

New Zealand Heard In The Solomons

"THERE are several New Zeajanders in the Solomon Islands, all planting copra, and all have radio sets operated by batteries. Frequently they hear Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin on the air," said Father J. M. Wall, S.M.,; on furlough from the Solomons, in an interview with the "Record" in Christchurch last week. Father Wall explained that his mission station was entirely cut off from communication with other countries, except from the mail service by sea, which was not so frequent as they could wish. Radio sets in the troPies were expensive things, as anything likely to rust through close proximity to the sea had to be eliminated. Best results in the Solomons are obtained on shortwave, and Australian, French, Italian, Russian and German stations are well received. It is interesting, too, to note that several New Zealand amateurs on shortwave are heard on Malaita Island. There are two amateurs in the Islands using telephonie sets. They are constantly experimenting, but conditions are against them climatically. "The first two years in the tropics are very trying. No, perhaps the first year is all right for the New Zealander, because he still has all the vitality of a colder country. The second year finds out all his physical weaknesses, and imposes a great strain on him, but by the third year he has become. acclimatised and is.as good as the next man," said Father Wall, He added that if anybody in New Zealand felt disposed to help the mission on the way to installing a ra‘dio receiving set a contribution’ sent to Father J. F. McHardy, 8.M., of St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, would be welcome.