History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VIR Rockhampton/Notes

3 VIR Rockhampton - Transcriptions and notes Key article copies Non-chronological material 1900s 1900 1900 01 1900 02 1900 03 1900 04 1900 05 1900 06 1900 07 1900 08 1900 09 1900 10 1900 11 1900 12 1901 1901 01 1901 02 1901 03 1901 04 1901 05 1901 06 1901 07 1901 08 1901 09 1901 10 1901 11 1901 12 1902 1902 01 1902 02 1902 03 1902 04 1902 05 1902 06 1902 07 1902 08 1902 09 1902 10 1902 11 1902 12 1903 1903 01 1903 02 1903 03 1903 04 1903 05 1903 06 1903 07 1903 08 1903 09 1903 10 1903 11 1903 12 1904 1904 01 1904 02 1904 03 1904 04 1904 05 1904 06 1904 07 1904 08 1904 09 1904 10 1904 11 1904 12 1905 1905 01 1905 02 1905 03 1905 04 1905 05 1905 06 1905 07 1905 08 1905 09 1905 10 1905 11 1905 12 1906 1906 01 1906 02 1906 03 1906 04 1906 05 1906 06 1906 07 1906 08 1906 09 1906 10 1906 11 1906 12 1907 1907 01 1907 02 1907 03 1907 04 1907 05 1907 06 1907 07 1907 08 1907 09 1907 10 1907 11 1907 12 1908 1908 01 1908 02 1908 03 1908 04 1908 05 1908 06 1908 07 1908 08 1908 09 1908 10 1908 11 1908 12 1909 1909 01 1909 02 1909 03 1909 04 1909 05 1909 06 1909 07 1909 08 1909 09 1909 10 1909 11 1909 12 1910s 1910 1910 01 1910 02 1910 03 1910 04 1910 05 1910 06 1910 07 1910 08 1910 09 1910 10 1910 11 1910 12 1911 1911 01 1911 02 1911 03 1911 04 1911 05 1911 06 1911 07 1911 08 1911 09 1911 10 1911 11 1911 12 1912 1912 01 1912 02 1912 03 1912 04 1912 05 1912 06 1912 07 1912 08 Balsillie provides a status report to Brisbane "Telegraph" on the implementation of the Australian Coastal Wireless Network in Queensland Wireless Stations. What Is Being Done. Mr. Balsillie (Commonwealth wireless expert), who has been in Brisbane for some days, will leave for the south tomorrow. Speaking about wireless matters this morning, the federal expert made reference to the progress of work at the Pinkenba station. "The engines," he said, "have had a trial run. The whole power plant has had a trial run on a temporary base. Certain results have to be obtained and under the present conditions, the results have been obtained, and, therefore, great improvements in results accurately may be anticipated when the station is completed. The gear for Pinkenba arrived there on the 28th May last, and it was expected that the station would have been ready when the mast was put up. However, it will be opened officially about the end of September, and probably will be ready for experimental and other purpose before that time." Interesting information also was communicated respecting the organisation of other wireless stations in Queensland. "Sites," remarked Mr. Balsillie, "are in the course of selection for wireless stations at Townsville, Rockhampton, and Cooktown." The gear for the proposed Rockhampton and Townsville stations already is waiting at Melbourne, and will be shipped from Melbourne and Sydney, as the case may require. Shortly after my arrival at Melbourne, I will proceed to Fremantle, West Australia, where a wireless station also is projected. En route, I will call at Adelaide for the purpose of opening up that station, and probably it will be opened on the 29th instant. The object of the wireless scheme is to provide a day and night service by radiotelegraphy for vessels at sea all round the Australian coast." At the present time, the Melbourne station covers Townsville, and the Sydney station covers a considerable distance beyond Public interest in the Pinkenba station would be increased greatly if, as has been suggested, the Postmaster-General (Hon. C. E. Fraser) visited Brisbane to perform the ceremony of officially opening the station.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article178644754 Wireless Stations. The Telegraph 12,406 Queensland, Australia 22 August 1912 5 January 2025 2 (SECOND EDITION) National Library of Australia 1912 09 Frazer updates Parliament that VIB complete and VIC, VIR, VIT proceeding FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. [By Telegraph.] MELBOURNE, September 19. In the House of Representatives to-day, Mr. Fraser, Hon. Minister, told Mr. Bamford (Q.) that the Brisbane wireless telegraph station having been completed, the work of erecting wireless stations at Cooktown, Rockhampton, and Townsville would be pushed on. It was expected that those stations would be finished by April next.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53275292 FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. Morning Bulletin 14,958 Queensland, Australia 21 September 1912 5 January 2025 5 National Library of Australia Balsille is bailed up by a Perth "Sunday Times" reporter and gives an off-the-cuff overview of the Coastal Wireless Network A Wireless Wizard — Five Stations for Western Australia. Under middle-age, clean shaven, pleasant-faced, pleasant-spoken, neither fat nor lordly but keen and business-like — that would fairly sum up a flashlight description of Mr. J. G. Balsillie, the man who bosses the Commonwealth wireless system, or the projected system. He doesn't waste time or words. Make an appointment, suggested the interviewer, if you are busy now. "Go right ahead here," he said, as he was ambushed in the corridor upstairs at the P.O. "You've had it all, I think, in 'The Sunday Times,' but ask me any questions, and take a note." With a subject of that sort, you have got to be primed full of interrogations. Well, we should like to know something as to the whole Commonwealth scheme of wireless stations. "That is very simple. We shall encircle the whole continent, and Papua and Tasmania, with a chain of stations that will be in continuous communication." Have you fixed the site of each station? "We have fixed the places. Say we begin at Port Moresby in Papua, the next station will be Thursday Island, then Cooktown, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Sydney, Gabo Island, Hobart, Melbourne, Mt. Gambier, Adelaide, Esperance or Albany, Fremantle, Geraldton, Roebourne, Wyndham and Port Darwin — eighteen stations altogether." All these stations will be for commercial purposes? "Certainly. They will have a complete day and night service throughout the Commonwealth, and within 1000 miles of the Australian coast in all directions." The latter will be for the benefit of shipping? "Yes, and meteorology. We shall be able to receive weather reports from at least 1000 miles out at sea, and probably 1500 miles." When will the other Westralian stations be begun? "The apparatus and gear for three of these have already been shipped from Melbourne. Geraldton will be the first station erected. Then the southern at Albany or Esperance; we haven't decided which yet; and next will be Roebourne. "Of course you know Port Darwin will connect with the Empire scheme either by way of Singapore or Colombo. At Port Darwin there will be two stations — a small one for com- (Start Photo Caption) MR. J. G. BALSILLIE, Director of the Commonwealth Wireless Department.(End Photo Caption) -mercial purposes only and a high-power station for communication with the world." The Fremantle station is one of the most powerful? "Yes, it is exactly the same as the Sydney station, and will have a radius of 1250 miles by day, and 1500 to 2000 by night." When do you take it over? "As soon as we are satisfied that the technical conditions of the contract have been complied with. It must have a day radius of 1250 miles." Will the tests be completed this week? "Ah! we cannot say. They may take three months — even 12 months." Then we may be without benefit of wireless? "No, we shall make arrangements to start commercial operating at once. The station will be opened for public business without delay." What are the rates? "Fourpence per word for shipping and sixpence per word overland, plus the ordinary inland telegraph charges." By the way, Mr. Balsillie, is the whole Commonwealth scheme to be on your own principle? "Fremantle and Pennant Hills are both on the Telefunken principle; all the rest will be on mine." Wireless ought to cheapen communication to the world. "The rates from Port Darwin have not yet been fixed. The Postmaster-General will decide the matter."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57734316 A Wireless Wizard—Five Stations for Western Australia Sunday Times (Perth) 767 Western Australia 29 September 1912 5 January 2025 6 (Second Section) National Library of Australia 1912 10 Wireless equipment for VIR en route from Melbourne WIRELESS APPARATUS FOR ROCKHAMPTON. Messrs. R. Hervey Allen and Co., local agents for Messrs. Broadbent Brothers and Co., federal forwarding agents, Melbourne, have been advised that three cases of wireless apparatus has been shipped to Rockhampton for delivery to the Postmaster to be stored. The apparatus is expected by the steamer Gabo.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53281708 WIRELESS APPARATUS FOR ROCKHAMPTON. Morning Bulletin 14,975 Queensland, Australia 11 October 1912 5 January 2025 4 National Library of Australia PMG has approved purchase of wireless equipment totalling £7890 from Shaw Maritime Company Preparations are being made by Mr. J. G. Balsillie, the Federal wireless expert, for the early erection of stations at Darwin, Cooktown, Rockhampton, and other points on the Australian coast. The Postmaster-General has approved of the expenditure of £7890 in the purchase of certain apparatus from the Maritime Wireless Company (Shaw system) Limited, Randwick, Sydney, and tenders are being invited for the supply of ten accumulator batteries, eleven generating plants, and 2000 feet of lead covered cable.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203313169 NEWS OF THE DAY. The Age 17,970 Victoria, Australia 21 October 1912 5 January 2025 8 National Library of Australia 1912 11 Arthur Stephen McDonald explains the need to use equipment originally designated for Townsville at Cooktown due to site selection difficulties at Townsville. Explains how Townsville is to cover region between Cooktown and Rockhampton Townsville Wireless Station. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS. In connection with the removal of the wireless plant material from Townsville to Cooktown, and the telegram of protest despatched by the Chamber of Commerce, the Deputy-Mayor (Alderman G. Murray) on Friday wired to the Minister for Home Affairs stating that the citizens heartily endorsed the Chamber of Commerce protest. They considered it absolutely necessary that Townsville should be a wireless station, being in the centre of the danger zone during the cyclonic season, and the principal town in North Queensland. Up till last evening no reply had been received from the Minister by either the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce or the Mayor. Mr A. S. McDonald, the officer of the Postal Department who is to superintend the erection of the wireless stations, arrived by the Bombala from Rockhampton on Friday. In conversation with a "T. D. Bulletin" representative, Mr McDonald said the material for the wireless station was being removed from Townsville to Cooktown. This did not mean that the station was to be erected at Cooktown instead of Townsville, for originally he had instructions to choose sites for wireless installations at Cooktown, Townsville and Rockhampton. A start would have been made at Townsville, but in view of the difficulty about the site the Cooktown station has now to be proceeded with. Three stations would be erected along the coast, and it would be necessary to have one somewhere midway between Cooktown and Rockhampton, though it need not necessarily be at Townsville. As to the present position, all he knew now was that he had to proceed to Cooktown and commence the erection of the station there. Mr McDonald said he had selected a site at Rockhampton which he believed there would be no difficulty in obtaining. The Cooktown site he had selected after visiting Townsville and that had been secured. The plant, Mr McDonald said, would go by the Suva on Saturday and the Kuranda on Monday. In connection with the site which Mr McDonald selected as the most suitable at Townsville, it may be stated that it is an area of 280ft. square on the sea front of the reclamation near the western breakwater. This practically takes the whole width of the reclamation, leaving only a narrow approach to the breakwater. In time to come the Harbor Board considers that wharves will be built along the western breakwater, in which case a wide road would be required to run along the back, on which railway lines will probably be run. If the whole of the present front of the reclamation was handed over to the Federal Government, it would be impossible to carry out such a scheme. That was the reason of the Board's refusal of the site. It may be stated also that the whole of the area has been reclaimed, and the cost stands at between £7000 and £8000 in the Board's books.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62557350 Townsville Wireless Station. Townsville Daily Bulletin XXIX, 9374 Queensland, Australia 9 November 1912 5 January 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1912 12 Scott arrives from Brisbane and commences preliminary work for establishment of VIR WIRELESS STATION AT ROCKHAMPTON. Work in connection with the establishment of a wireless telegraph station in Rockhampton under the direction of the Commonwealth Government will be commenced on Monday next. Mr. G. A. Scott, who erected the station at Brisbane, will supervise all the stationary work at Rockhampton. Mr. Scott, accompanied by two foremen, arrived from Brisbane this week and has for the last two or three days been completing the preliminary work. A site on Athelstane Range, opposite the Convent High School, has been selected for the station. Two reinforced concrete buildings will be erected. The pole, will be 160 ft. high. It will be of two laminated corrugated planks 21 in. square. Mr. Scott hopes to have the work completed in three months. The first connection will be with Brisbane; but through some delay in procuring a site at Townsville, it will be a little later before connection is established with the north. The Rockhampton station will be available for receiving messages from ships passing up and down the coast. The cost for ordinary public messages will be 10d. per word plus the ordinary land line charge.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53280392 WIRELESS STATION AT ROCKHAMPTON. Morning Bulletin 15,024 Queensland, Australia 7 December 1912 5 January 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1913 1913 01 Scott progressing well with the establishment of VIR Rockhampton WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. THE ROCKHAMPTON STATION. Good progress is now being made with the erection of the plant and buildings in connection with the wireless telegraphy station at Rockhampton on the site purchased by the Commonwealth Government some time ago, on The Range, opposite the Convent High School. The hauling of the huge mast, which will form the most conspicuous feature of the station, into position has just been commenced. A representative of the "Morning Bulletin," who visited the site yesterday, was afforded an opportunity of witnessing the work, and was courteously given some details concerning it by Mr. G. A. Scott, erectional engineer in charge. The mast referred to is no less than 100 ft. in length, and from top to bottom it is 21 in. square. It is composed of Oregon pine. Its core is made of five planks, each 15 in. by 3 in., and the lagging is composed of pieces 8 in. by 3 in. and 10 in. by 3 in. It is surmounted by a gaff 20 ft. long, to which the aerial wires are to be attached. The raising of this solid mass of timber into position is in itself an interesting operation to witness. Briefly the method adopted is as follows:— The wireless mast was laid in a horizontal position with one end resting on a concrete bed, walled in to a height of 4 ft. on two sides. Another mast, 60 ft. long and 21 in. square, was laid on top of this, and on this a third mast, 40 ft. long and about 12 in. square, was placed, the two smaller masts being used only for the purpose of erection. The smallest mast was then raised to an upright position. Banjo wires secure it to the second mast, and the second is secured to the wireless mast by the same means. The smallest mast is gradually lowered at right angles to the second mast, and as the latter moves, the wireless mast accordingly is also raised. A patent winch, strongly manned, is employed to haul the wireless mast into its upright position. At the base of the wireless mast there is a bed of solid concrete 6 ft. deep, with a surface 8 ft. square; and as soon as the mast is in position, the space between the walls above referred to will be filled in with concrete. Mr. F. Fraser is the foreman in charge of the mast. There are two small but very substantial buildings of reinforced concrete in course of erection on the ground. They are to be 13 ft. in height, and the walls of them are 12 in. thick. Inside the partitions are 9 in. thick. One building will contain the operating room, the transmitting room, and a motor room; and the other a room for a storage battery, the main engine room, and a living room for the officer in charge. Mr. J. Waite is the foreman in charge of the building works. The laying of the earth wires is well advanced, numerous trenches having been put down for them and the wires laid. Some idea of the plant may be gained from the fact that there are about seven miles of copper telephone wire used for this purpose alone. The aerial wires, which are suspended in two lots of four wires each from each end of the gaff on top of the mast, will take up another 5040 ft. of wire. It is proposed to put in four telegraph poles to act as slays for these wires. It is expected that the station will be completed by about Easter. It will be the third wireless station in Queensland, the other two being at Brisbane and Thursday Island. Other stations are in course of erection at Townsville and Cairns. These stations are estimated to be capable to receiving and transmitting messages reliably over a distance of 100 miles. What is the cost of erecting a station such as is being put up here it is difficult, to ascertain, but it is safe to say that it will run into something over £3000. At the present time it is finding employment for thirty-five men.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53287692 WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. Morning Bulletin 15064 Queensland, Australia 24 January 1913 9 April 2022 6 National Library of Australia 1913 02 1913 03 Approval of expenditure at VIR (et al) for steel wire rope & wire rigging rope is gazetted Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, Ex. Min. No. 55. 21st February, 1913. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved, in accordance with the provisions of No. 61 of the Treasury Regulations under section 71 of the Audit Acts 1901-1906, of the expenditure of £169 11s. in the purchase from N. Guthridge Limited, 525 Collins-street, Melbourne, Victoria, of a quantity of Bullivant's Patent Flexible Steel Wire Rope and Bullivant's Galvanized Wire Rigging Rope to Lloyds' requirements, for use in connexion with the Radiotelegraph Stations at Gabo Island, Victoria; Townsville, Rockhampton, and Cooktown, Queensland; Mount Gambier, South Australia; and Geraldton, Broome, Esperance, Roebourne, and Wyndham, Western Australia. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232456939 Government Gazette Notices Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 17 Australia, Australia 8 March 1913 5 January 2025 553 National Library of Australia Tenders called for supply of petrol to VIR (et al) Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, 26th March, 1913. TENDERS FOR SUPPLY OF PETROLEUM. TENDERS will be received at the office of the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Treasury Gardens, Melbourne, up to Noon on Tuesday, 15th April, 1913, for the supply of Petroleum as indicated hereunder, namely:— (a) 2,500 gallons of American, Russian, or Sumatra petroleum, to be supplied in tins, and delivered to the Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Mount Gambier, South Australia; (b) 2,500 gallons of American, Russian, or Sumatra petroleum, to be supplied in tins, and delivered to the Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Townsville, Queensland; (c) 2,500 gallons of American, Russian, or Sumatra petroleum, to be supplied in tins, and delivered to the Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Rockhampton, Queensland; (d) 2,500 gallons of American, Russian, or Sumatra petroleum, to be supplied in tins, and delivered to the Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Cooktown, Queensland; (e) 2,500 gallons of American, Russian, or Sumatra petroleum, to be supplied in tins, and delivered to the Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Geraldton, Western Australia. Tender forms and general conditions may be obtained at the office of the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Treasury Gardens, Melbourne, and at the General Post Offices Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart. Tenders must be indorsed "Tender for Petroleum," and be addressed to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Treasury Gardens, Melbourne; if sent by post the letter must be registered, and the postage thereon be prepaid. A deposit in accordance with clause 5 of the General Conditions of Contract must accompany each tender. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232457219 TENDERS FOR SUPPLY OF PETROLEUM. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 21 Australia, Australia 29 March 1913 5 January 2025 854 National Library of Australia 1913 04 Approval of sundry purchases from Breckels & Co of Rockhampton for VIR Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, Min. No. 104. 28th March, 1913. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved, in accordance with the provisions of No. 61 of the Treasury Regulations under section 71 of the Audit Acts 1901-1906, of the expenditure of £168 1s. 11d. in the purchase from W. Breckels & Co., Rockhampton, Queensland of sundry articles required for the use of the Postmaster-General's Department, in connexion with the erection of a Wireless Telegraph Station at Rockhampton, State of Queensland. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232457387 Government Gazette Notices Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 22 Australia, Australia 5 April 1913 5 January 2025 889 National Library of Australia Gazetted approval of purchase of 600 bags of cement from Denham Brothers Rockhampton for VIR Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, Ex. Min. No. 105. 28th March, 1913. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved, in accordance with the provisions of No. 61 of the Treasury Regulations under section 71 of the Audit Acts 1901-1906, of the expenditure of £170 in the purchase from Denham Bros. (Rockhampton), Limited, East-street, Rockhampton, Queensland, of 600 bags cement required for the use of the Postmaster-General's Department, in connexion with the erection of a Wireless Telegraph Station of Rockhampton, State of Queensland. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232457388 Government Gazette Notices Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 22 Australia, Australia 5 April 1913 5 January 2025 889 National Library of Australia Gazetted approval of purchase of hardwood from Skyring & Sons, Rockhampton for VIR Commonwealth of Australia, Postmaster-General's Department, Ex. Min. No. 106. 28th March, 1913. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved, in accordance with the provisions of No. 61 of the Treasury Regulations under section 71 of the Audit Acts 1901-1906, of the expenditure of £150 3s. 5d. in the purchase from H. A. Skyring & Sons Limited, East-street, Rockhampton, Queensland, of hardwood, pine, and cedar, required for the use of the Postmaster-General's Department, in connexion with the erection of a Wireless Telegraph Station at Rockhampton, State of Queensland. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232457392 Government Gazette Notices Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 22 Australia, Australia 5 April 1913 5 January 2025 889 National Library of Australia Gazetted approval of purchase of rigging wire from Waugh, Balmain for VIR Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, Ex. Min. No. 103. 28th March, 1913. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved, in accordance with the provisions of No. 61 of the Treasury Regulations under section 71 of the Audit Acts 1901-1906, of the expenditure of £109 4s. 10d. in the purchase from W. Waugh, 19 Weston-street, Balmain East, New South Wales, of 4 coils (about 11,900 feet) of Rigging Wire required for the use of the Postmaster General's Department in connexion with the erection of Radio-telegraph Stations at Rockhampton and Cooktown, Queensland; Mount Gambier, South Australia; Darwin, Northern Territory; Roebourne, Esperance, and Gerald-ton, Western Australia; and Flinders Island, Tasmania. C. E. FRAZER, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232457423 Government Gazette Notices Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 23 Australia, Australia 12 April 1913 5 January 2025 937 National Library of Australia Scott provides an update on implementation of VIR - awaiting delivery of power plant ROCKHAMPTON WIRELESS TELEGRAPH STATION. It is expected that the Commonwealth wireless telegraph station on The Range will shortly be completed for the transmission and receiving of messages. The work was practically finished about the middle of last month, but some delay has occurred in forwarding the electric power plant necessary for the transmission of messages. This may be expected at any time now. For about six weeks past the station has been receiving messages from other stations. The engineer in charge, Mr. G. Scott, in reply to an inquiry yesterday, stated that the station was receiving excellently, and messages from the stations at Wellington (New Zealand), Port Moresby (New Guinea), Adelaide, and Brisbane were frequently received.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53295887 ROCKHAMPTON WARELESS TELEGRAPH STATION. Morning Bulletin 15,136 Queensland, Australia 19 April 1913 5 January 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1913 05 Premature announcement of opening of VIR on 1 May FEDERAL NEWS. [By Telegraph] MELBOURNE, April 30. The new wireless stations at Geraldton and Rockhampton will be opened tomorrow.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53297243 FEDERAL NEWS. Morning Bulletin 15,146 Queensland, Australia 1 May 1913 5 January 2025 7 National Library of Australia Another premature announcement of opening of VIR on 7 May NEWS AND NOTES. . . . Our Wireless.— A statement in regard to wireless telegraphy in Australia was made available yesterday. This shows that at present stations are open for the despatch of public messages at Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane, Port Moresby, Thursday Island, and Mt. Gambier. The installation at Rockhampton and Geraldton, which have been completed, are at present being used intermittently, but the official openings will not take place until May 7. It is expected that during the present month the Cooktown, Townsville, Esperance, and Flinders Island stations will be completed, while those at present under construction at Port Darwin, Wyndham, Roebourne, and Broome should be ready for work in June.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article79841758 NEWS AND NOTES. The Daily News XXXII, 11,811 Western Australia 2 May 1913 5 January 2025 6 (THIRD EDITION) National Library of Australia Another announcement of opening of VIR on 16 May New Wireless Stations. The Geraldton (W.A.) wireless station was opened officially yesterday. Rockhampton (Q.) will be ready for business on Friday, and the stations at Cooktown (Q.) and Esperance (W.A.) will be opened next week.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241844343 New Wireless Stations. The Herald 11,706 Victoria, Australia 13 May 1913 5 January 2025 5 National Library of Australia It appears that VIR actually opened for business on 28 May 1913 ROCKHAMPTON WIRELESS STATION. The Rockhampton wireless telegraph station will open for the transaction of public business today. It will be available daily from eight o'clock in the morning until midnight. Persons desirous of sending radiotelegrams should hand them in at the central telegraph office, East-street, as in the case of sending an ordinary land line telegram. The charges will be:— Coast station charge, 6d. per word; ship station charge, 4d. per word — making 10d. per word, plus the ordinary land line charge. Lower rates will be charged for messages to Port Moresby (Papua), with which station Rockhampton will be in direct communication. Particulars of these may be obtained at the telegraph office. It is estimated that at present the Rockhampton station will be reliable for transmitting to and receiving messages from vessels at sea or other wireless stations for a radius of 1000 miles.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53300363 ROCKHAMPTON WIRELESS STATION. Morning Bulletin 15,169 Queensland, Australia 28 May 1913 5 January 2025 6 National Library of Australia Chamber of Commerce tp inspect the newly opened VIR CHAMBER Of COMMERCE. The monthly meeting of the Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning at the offices of the Secretary, Mr. A. F. Kent. There were present:— Messrs. W. L. Hobler (President), W. Burns, A. W. Kirby, H. Welch, J. R. Crane, M. Considine, P. B. Marles, E. S. Lucas, A. H. Paterson, R. E. Hartley, W. G. Thompson, and R. C. Boland. . . . The President also mentioned the matter of the opening of the wireless telegraphic station. It was a pity that important events like this were not taken more notice of. If they had suggested fifteen years ago that wireless telegraphy would be established at Rockhampton they would have been ridiculed. He had spoken to the Postmaster, Mr. H. P. Beach, but he said that the matter was entirely out of his hands and suggested that he (the President) should get into communication with the engineer-in-charge, Mr. Scott. If members agreed, he would place himself in communication with Mr. Scott and ask, him to arrange a time when members could be shown over the station.— This suggestion was agreed to.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53300594 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Morning Bulletin 15,171 Queensland, Australia 30 May 1913 5 January 2025 10 National Library of Australia 1913 06 1913 07 Vacancy for Officer-in-Charge of VIR is gazetted (together with many other stations) Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES. APPLICATIONS will be received by the Public Service Commissioner from persons qualified for appointment to the positions specified below. Applicants outside the Public Service are eligible for appointment to the Administrative and Professional Divisions, but are not eligible for appointment to Clerical or General Division vacancies, unless they were in the service of a State on 1st January, 1901, or have retired from the service of the Commonwealth or of a State. Applicants who are officers of the Public Service of a State should state the date of their appointment to the Service, present position, and salary. Applicants from outside the Service should state their qualifications for the office they seek. Copies only of diplomas, references, testimonials, or certificates should be forwarded. If the originals are required they will be asked for. Full names and date and year of birth should be stated, and applications must be in applicant's handwriting. Applications should be addressed to the "Common-wealth Public Service Inspector" of the State in which the vacancy exists, and, in the case of officers of the Commonwealth Service, be forwarded through the Chief Officer of the Department to which the applicant belongs. Minimum and maximum salaries where shown indicate the limits of the class or grade in which the position is classified. Subject to the provisions of the Public Service Act appointments may be made at any salary within those limits. Successful appointees must comply with the life assurance provisions of the Public Service Act and Regulations. Officers of the Public Service should note that in any case where the minimum salary of a position in the Clerical Division is not the minimum salary of a Class, and the successful applicant is not eligible for the former by reason of not having received the salary of the next lower subdivision for twelve months, he will be granted an allowance equal to the difference between the salary for which he is eligible and the minimum salary of the position until he can be advanced by annual subdivisional increment to the latter salary. Officers who may be transferred without promotion or increase of salary as the result of an application for an advertised vacancy will be required to pay their own expenses of removal unless the transfer comes within the conditions prescribed in Public Service Regulation No. 54. . . . Postmaster-General's Department. RADIO-TELEGRAPH BRANCH. Queensland. Position - Officer in Charge, Class E. Locality - Rockhampton. Division and Salary per Annum - Professional, £216 to £240 District Allowance Scale I. Application Returnable - 2nd August.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232469698 NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 52 Australia, Australia 19 July 1913 6 January 2025 1723 National Library of Australia Advice of opening of VIE includes reference to VIR being already in operation NEWS OF THE DAY. . . . Another link in the chain of wireless stations which is gradually being placed round the coast of Australia was completed last week when the installation at Esperance on the Western Australian coast, was opened for the transaction of business. It is anticipated that within the next few weeks stations will also be in working order at Broome (W.A.), Townsville (Q.), Flinders Island (Bass Strait), and Wyndham (W.A.). Similar installations arc already in operation at Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Rockhampton, Cooktown, Thursday Island, Port Moresby, Roebourne, Geraldton, and Mount Gambier. These are all low power stations. So far, the only places at which high power stations have been erected are Pennant Hills (Sydney) and Fremantle, but one is now being built at Darwin, and it will probably be opened for business within a very few weeks. The average cost of the low power stations has been £4000 each, and of the high power stations about £15,000 each, so that the stations already built and building have involved an expenditure of £109,000. It is also proposed to establish stations at Woodlark Island and Samarai (Papua), Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and Albany and Carnarvon, in Western Australia. Applications close on Saturday next for the positions of officers in charge at Cooktown, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, Townsville, Darwin, Mount Gambier, Broome, Esperance, Geraldton, Roebourne, Wyndham and Flinders Island. The positions are open to persons outside the public service. The salaries range from £216 to £312. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197494720 NEWS OF THE DAY. The Age 18208 Victoria, Australia 28 July 1913 6 January 2025 8 National Library of Australia 1913 08 1913 09 Meredith exempted from provisions of the Public Service Act for 3 months to be appointed officer-in-charge VIR COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 12th September, 1913. THE following notifications respecting staff changes, &c., are made in accordance with the Common-wealth Public Service Act and Regulations:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Ex. Mins. Nos. 417, 418, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 429, 430. General. Exemptions from the Provisions of the Act. W. C. Kelly, E. H. Smellie, Engineer Operators, Thursday Island, and R. G. Cox, Engineer Operator, Erectional Gang, not exceeding twelve months from 13th, 29th, and 26th August, 1913, respectively. C. G. B. Meredith, Officer in Charge, Radiotelegraph Station, Rockhampton, not exceeding three months from 30th May, 1913.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232470380 COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 63 Australia, Australia 13 September 1913 6 January 2025 2646 National Library of Australia 1913 10 Vacuum Oil Co wins tender to supply kerosene to several coastal wireless stations including VIR Commonwealth of Australia. Postmaster-General's Department, 29th September, 1913. ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER FOR SUPPLY OF KEROSENE OIL FOR WIRELESS STATIONS. IT is hereby notified, for public information, that the tender of the Vacuum Oil Company Pty. Ltd., 90-92 William-street, Melbourne, has been accepted for the supply, to the Postmaster-General's Department, of American "White Rose" Kerosene Oil, water white, 150 deg. fire test, supplied in tins and delivered as follows, viz.:— Item 1. 2,500 gallons, Radiotelegraph Station, Mt. Gambier, South Australia, £130 4s. 2d. Item 2. 2,500 gallons, Radiotelegraph Station, Townsville, Queensland, £114 11s. 8d. Item 3. 2,500 gallons, Radiotelegraph Station, Rockhampton, Queensland, ,£114 11s. 8d. Item 4. 2,500 gallons, on wharf, Cooktown, Queensland, £125. Item 5. 2,500 gallons, Radiotelegraph Station, Geraldton, Western Australia, £145 16s. 8d. AGAR WYNNE, Postmaster-General.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232470611 ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER FOR SUPPLY OF KEROSENE OIL FOR WIRELESS STATIONS. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 66 Australia, Australia 4 October 1913 6 January 2025 2738 National Library of Australia 1913 11 Overview of the coastal wireless network in the Australasian, a little behind the times with VIR still under construction OCCASIONAL PAPERS. WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. By A.E.P. There are very few people who do not appreciate the immense value of wireless telegraphy, as a protector of life, and as a means of maintaining social and business telegraphic communication with remote places and ships at sea, where the ordinary wire telegraph cannot be availed of. By this wonderful means of signalling, vessels at sea and able to keep in constant touch with other ships and land stations, so that the dangers and risks to life and property are greatly reduced. The early history of wireless-telegraphy, for which a number of eminent scientists are responsible, and the discoveries leading up to its practical commercial utility by Mr. Marconi, are of much technical interest; but, as far as the general public are concerned, this new mode of signalling originated with Mr. Marconi, whose name is now a byword in every country. Since the first Marconi experiments of a practical nature, the science has made remarkably rapid progress. Where in those days distances of a few hundred miles were justly considered marvellous, so extensive have been the discoveries and improvements, that it is now common practice to reckon the distance in thousands of miles. Naturally, with such progress, many so-called systems have been patented, all using slightly different methods, but attaining the same end. The principle remains the same in all methods, i.e., the production of oscillations in an open and elevated radiating circuit, and the consequent propagation into space of electromagnetic waves, which travel through the surrounding medium (known as the ether) at a speed of about 186,000 miles per second (the speed of light). These waves travel out in all directions, and gradually get weaker as the distance from their source increases. All receptive wires in the path of the waves are struck, and so convey minute electric currents to the receiving apparatus, which cause the signals to be heard in a telephone receiver, or reproduced on a tape. The distances obtained are fast increasing, the latest achievement being that of the new navy station, at Arlington, U.S.A., which has only recently been completed, and in subsequent tests covered a distance of 5,600 miles. The ordinary installation on board ship is often capable of transmitting distances up to 2,000 miles, and receiving at considerably greater ranges. It is interesting to note that the distances covered at night are often more than twice those in the day. Greater transmission is also possible over sea than over land. Wireless telegraphy is now recognised by all the leading governments of the world as a necessary asset, particularly from a defence point of view. Almost every country of any importance at all can now boast of its wireless stations, and in this respect much might be said of the successful stations erected and in course of erection by the Commonwealth Government, under the supervision and system of Mr. Balsillie, radio-engineer for the Government. When the chain is completed, there will be wireless stations all round the coast of Australia, including one at Port Darwin, of extra high power, which it is expected will exchange signals with the British station at Singapore, and so form a link in the great empire chain of stations as proposed by the Home Government. High-power stations of the Telefunken system have been erected at Sydney and Fremantle, and low-power stations of the Balsillie system at Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane, Mount Gambier, Thursday Island, Port Moresby, and are in course of erection at Rockhampton, Cooktown, Esperance, Townsville, Port Darwin, and Flinders Island, the latter three stations being almost completed. Melbourne is the controlling station, and, although only of low power, has achieved splendid results. It is frequently to be heard working with Hobart, Adelaide, Macquarie Island, Sydney, Brisbane, Port Moresby, and at times with boats at extraordinary distances. From the results achieved by these Balsillie (Government) stations, it is evident that the system is quite as efficient as any of the present day. On the completion, of the Port Darwin and other northern stations, the fear of an invading force landing in the Northern Territory unknown to the rest of Australia, will vanish, because with the aid of the wireless the news may be flashed to all the important points of Australia, and so allow of preparation to combat the enemy. The Commonwealth weather bureau has received such important data through the wireless station at Adelie Land (Dr. Mawson's expedition). Weather reports are transmitted from this Antarctic station to Macquarie Island, and are repeated on from there to Hobart and Melbourne. Arrangements have also been made for ships at sea to transmit to land stations their midday and midnight positions, together with the prevailing weather conditions.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143300066 OCCASIONAL PAPERS The Australasian XCV, 2,484 Victoria, Australia 8 November 1913 6 January 2025 52 National Library of Australia Meredith further exempted from provisions of the Public Service Act for 3 months to be appointed officer-in-charge VIR COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Melbourne, 28th November, 1913. THE following notifications respecting staff changes, &c., are made in accordance with the Common-wealth Public Service Act and Regulations:— . . . POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Ex. Mins. Nos. 569, 570, 571, 573, 574, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 583, 584, T.646, T.647, T.668. GENERAL. Exemption from the Provisions of the Act. C. G. B. MEREDITH, Officer in charge, Radio-telegraph Station, Rockhampton, not exceeding three months from 30th August, 1913.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232471293 COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 79 Australia, Australia 29 November 1913 6 January 2025 3120 National Library of Australia 1913 12 1914 1914 01 1914 02 1914 03 1914 04 1914 05 1914 06 Charles Hill now officer-in-charge of VIR PERSONAL NEWS. . . . Hill-Garrat. The wedding of Mr. Charles Hill, son of the Rev. W. A. Hill, Norwich, England, and officer in charge of the Rockhampton wireless telegraph station, to Miss Gladys Garrat, daughter of Mr. H. Garrat, of Sydney, was celebrated at St. Paul's Cathedral on the 29th of May. The Ven. Archdeacon G. H. Rogers officiated. The bride, who was given away by her mother, was attired in a pretty grey crepe-de-chene dress with a hat to match. After the ceremony the bridal party adjourned to Stenlake's Cafe Elite, where the wedding breakfast was served. The tables were prettily decorated with vases of white and pink roses. The bride and bridegroom left later for Emu Park, where the honeymoon was spent.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53336467 PERSONAL NEWS. Morning Bulletin 15,482 Queensland, Australia 6 June 1914 6 January 2025 8 National Library of Australia VIR station reclassified, Officer-in-charge VIR position reclassified Melbourne, 18th June, 1914. . . . Postmaster-General's Department, Ex. Mins. Nos. 324, 325, 326, 330, 331, 332, 333, 335, T.243, T.252, T.257, T.261, T.266. GENERAL. Classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations. THE classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations throughout the Commonwealth to be as indicated in the following Schedule:— Postmaster-General's Department. Classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations. Classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations throughout the Commonwealth, showing division into classes and grades, and the rates of salary applicable to each grade — Division. Professional Professional Professional. Class. D E E. Grade of Station. A B C. Annual Salary. £. 336 — 372 264 — 312 216 — 240 (a) An officer in charge of a Station shall receive the salary of such subdivision of his class, within the limits of the grade of the Station, as may be determined by the Commissioner. (b) When required by altering conditions of business, the Commissioner may raise or lower the grade of any Station within a class. The Wireless Telegraph Stations at Broome, Brisbane, Darwin (Low Power), Melbourne, Port Moresby, Perth, Thursday Island, and Townsville, to be in Grade B of the Classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations. The Wireless Telegraph Stations at Adelaide, Cooktown, Esperance, Flinders Island, Geraldton, Hobart, Mt. Gambier, Rockhampton, Roebourne, Sydney, and Wyndham, to be in Grade C of the Classification of Wireless Telegraph Stations. Transfers. Julian Leslie, Telegraphist, 4th Class, unattached, salary £210, to be Officer in Charge, Class E, Wireless Telegraph Station, Roebourne, with salary of £216, from 1st January, 1914. Francis James Burgoyne, Officer in Charge, 4th Class, Clerical Division, Wireless Telegraph station, Adelaide, salary £235, to be transferred to the Professional Division, with salary of £240, from 1st January, 1914. William Tamillas Stephen Crawford, Officer in Charge, 4th Class, Clerical Division, Wireless Telegraph Station, Hobart, salary £235, to be transferred to the Professional Division, with salary of £240, from 1st January, 1914. Appointments on Probation without Examination. The undermentioned persons, who are not officers of the Public Service, have been appointed on probation, without examination, to positions of Officer in Charge, Class E, at the Wireless Telegraph Stations indicated, to take effect from the date of commencing duty:— Name, Station, Annual Salary. Arthur Montague Howlett, Esperance, £216. Henry Freeman Coffey, Mount Gambier, £216. William George Clarke, Townsville, £264. Sydney Trim, Wyndham, £216. Harry William King, Broome, £264. John Joseph Howe, Cooktown, £210. John Michael Martin, Darwin, £264. Charles E. Tapp, who is not an officer of the Public Service, has been appointed on probation, without examination, as Officer in Charge, Class E, Wireless Telegraph Station, Thursday island, with salary of £264, from date of commencing duty. New Offices Created. Officer in Charge, Class E, Wireless Telegraph Station, Broome, Cooktown, Darwin, Esperance, Geraldton, Mt. Gambier, Roebourne, Townsville, Wyndham, Rockhampton, and Flinders Island. Central Staff.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232367576 ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Commonwealth Of Australia Gazette 36 Australia, Australia 20 June 1914 6 January 2025 1072 National Library of Australia 1914 07 Port Alma Harbour Board decides to ask the Federal Government to keep VIR open at night HARBOUR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Rockhampton Harbour Board was held yesterday. There were present:— Messrs. G. B. Hopper, R. S. Archer, C. E. Crocker, J. J. McEvoy, J. Morrison, R. E. Hartley, and P. A. Nelson. . . . Port Alma Railway. The subcommittee reported having met on the 1st and 14th instant and having appointed two of its members to discuss with the General Traffic Manager and representatives of the shipping companies the question of facilities for passengers via Port Alma. The subcommittee recommended that a special passenger train should bring passengers from all the steamers of the two coastal lines calling at Port Alma without waiting for the cargo on condition that the shipping companies undertook to pay railway freight on at least forty tons of cargo by each steamer, the Board to agree to make up any loss caused to the railway by this arrangement. The Board's sanction of this, however, should not be held to affect the general question of the Board's liability for the cost of working the railway. The subcommittee also recommended that application be made to the Commonwealth Government to keep the wireless telegraph station open at night to receive messages from steamers coming to Port Alma.— The Chairman, in moving the reception and adoption of the report, and that the action of the subcommittee be confirmed, said that for the information of members he wished to say that under the old order of things, while there was not a contract, there was an agreement between the late Commissioner for Railways and the late Traffic Manager at Rockhampton whereby it was agreed that, provided fifty tons of cargo came forward, there should be two trains; if there was only thirty or thirty-five tons of cargo there should be only train, and the passengers would have to wait until the cargo was handled before they were brought to Rockhampton. Mr. Archer and himself had thrashed the matter out with Mr. Chambers and the representatives of the steamship companies, and they had struck a happy medium by saying forty tons. That would put them in a position of engaging a passenger train and running a passenger train the moment the passengers arrived. The Traffic Manager signalled that this arrangement would cost £100 a year; but, figuring it out another way, estimated that it would come out even. Even if it cost the district £100 he thought it would be ???? best to relieve the annoyance to passengers. Mr. Archer seconded the motion. The Chairman: I think that this move will find favour with the travelling public. Mr. Nelson: I think the subcommittee has done very well. Mr. McEvoy: It has worked very sensibly. The Chairman: The Traffic Manager has done what he could for us. The motion is carried.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53324245 HARBOUR BOARD. Morning Bulletin 15,515 Queensland, Australia 16 July 1914 7 January 2025 9 National Library of Australia 1914 08 1914 09 Port Alma Harbour Board receives holding reply from PMGD re request to keep VIR open at night HARBOUR BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Rockhampton Harbour Board was held yesterday. There were present:— Messrs. G. B. Hopper (Chairman), C. E. Crocker, R. E. Hurtley, J. J. McEvoy, P. A. Nelson, R. S. Archer, S. Williams, R. Donaldson, J. Morrison, and P. A. .Nelson. . . . Correspondence. . . . The Secretary to the Postmaster-General's Department notified that the Board would be advised in due course, through the federal member for the district, in respect to the request that the wireless telegraph station at Rockhampton should be kept open at night.— The Chairman re-marked that he did not see why an im-portant community like this should be debarred from using the wireless station at night when Townsville enjoyed the privilege.— The letter was received.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53329592 HARBOUR BOARD. Morning Bulletin 15,569 Queensland, Australia 17 September 1914 7 January 2025 3 National Library of Australia 1914 10 1914 11 1914 12 1915 1915 01 1915 02 1915 03 1915 04 1915 05 1915 06 1915 07 1915 08 1915 09 1915 10 1915 11 1915 12 1916 1916 01 1916 02 1916 03 1916 04 1916 05 1916 06 1916 07 1916 08 1916 09 1916 10 1916 11 1916 12 1917 1917 01 1917 02 1917 03 1917 04 1917 05 1917 06 1917 07 1917 08 1917 09 1917 10 1917 11 1917 12 1918 1918 01 1918 02 1918 03 1918 04 1918 05 1918 06 1918 07 1918 08 1918 09 1918 10 1918 11 1918 12 1919 1919 01 1919 02 1919 03 1919 04 1919 05 1919 06 1919 07 1919 08 1919 09 1919 10 1919 11 1919 12 1920s 1920 1920 01 1920 02 1920 03 1920 04 1920 05 1920 06 1920 07 1920 08 1920 09 1920 10 1920 11 1920 12 1921 1921 01 1921 02 1921 03 1921 04 1921 05 1921 06 1921 07 1921 08 1921 09 1921 10 1921 11 1921 12 1922 1922 01 1922 02 1922 03 1922 04 1922 05 1922 06 1922 07 1922 08 1922 09 1922 10 1922 11 1922 12 1923 1923 01 1923 02 1923 03 1923 04 1923 05 1923 06 1923 07 1923 08 1923 09 1923 10 1923 11 1923 12 1924 1924 01 1924 02 1924 03 1924 04 4KR J. K. Richardson planning to test with 4DO Harold Hobler Barcaldine and General Budget . . . Mr. K. Richardson, Ascot, is still meeting with success in his wireless experiments. During the past week some very satisfactory tests have been carried out. He has distinctly heard 2GR — Mr J. Marks, of Ritz Flats, Rose Bay, Sydney, every night, and last Sunday at 3.30 p.m. he heard Mr. Marshall, of Armidale, testing 2CR Tamworth — Mr. L. V. G. Todd. On Saturday Broadcasting Ltd., Sydney, gave an excellent programme of dance music supplied by the Bungawam Band. The reception was so loud at Ascot that the applause and cries of "Encore" after each item were distinctly heard. Last Tuesday Broadcasters also gave an entertaining programme from 8 to 10, and so distinct was the music that it could be danced to 100 yards from the speaker. During the last week Mr. Richardson has been testing Morse Code every night with 4CK — Mr. Norris, of Toowoomba, and the tests have been very satisfactory. They are now testing telephony. During the week Farmer's Ltd., Sydney, have been heard broadcasting "Lilac Nights" from His Majesty's Theatre, while 3GM, Victoria, was very distinctly heard on Tuesday night. Next week Mr. Richardson will conduct a test with Mr. Hobler, Rockhampton. It is interesting to note that all these experimenters, with the exception, of course, of Broadcasters Ltd. and Farmer's, are amateurs, and the success of the tests is most gratifying.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article79304742 Barcaldine and General Budget The Western Champion XLV, 1692 Queensland, Australia 21 June 1924 29 November 2024 16 National Library of Australia 1924 05 1924 06 1924 07 1924 08 1924 09 4DO details his reception of KGO WIRELESS NOTES. By "Aerial." . . . Mr. Hobler, of Lennox-street sends in his report as promised, and here it is:— "Herewith is my DX report for the last couple of months, including a detailed report of programme received from KGO on 27/8/24. In exactly two months 53 amateur stations were logged, situated in all Australian States (save W.A.), and New Zealand and America. Broadcaster's Ltd., and farmer's Broadcasting Company situated 800 miles away from here by air, can be heard any night on one valve and the former has been heard in daylight on a similar number. With two valves (no audio) Broadcaster's Ltd. (2BL), can be beard 12 ft. from loud speaker. KGO, 6000 miles, heard repeatedly on one valve and in daylight, and was heard several times when using 1 K.W. Here is what I heard from this station on 27/8/24:— Music on 1 valve at 5.58 p.m. (daylight). Then at 6.1 p.m.— " Speech, by Henry Halstead." Music followed this up to 6.7 p.m. when there was some more speech. 6.12 p.m.— This speech, "Pacific Coast Station KGO, General Electric Company, Oakland, California, playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St Francis, San Francisco, orchestra." Nothing on wave after this until 6.15 pm., when music was again played. 6.18 p.m.— Music followed by speech and music again at 6.29 p.m. 6.32 p.m.— This speech, "KGO broadcasting. Playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco." Music immediately after this speech, followed by more speech. 6.45 p.m.— Music by one instrument, then orchestra, San Francisco. Music followed after this, then speech, and music again. 7 p.m.— "San Francisco," followed by harsh speech. This was the concluding speech which is always said about 1 a.m. American Pacific time which agrees to 7 p.m. East Coast Australian time. The concluding speech, which has often been heard, runs like this — "Pacific Coast Station KGO, General Electric Company, Oakland, California. This concludes the broadcast programme by Henry Halstead's Orchestra, playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco, KGO signing off at 1.01 a.m. Pacific time. Good morning." Only one valve was used throughout for this reception. I had a witness who also heard both speech and music through one headphone. At times the clock has been heard striking and the clapping of the dancers is often very clear. If any person doubts any of the receptions carried out by this station (4DO), I would be pleased to prove it to them by letting them hear for themselves. About 40 people have witnessed the reception of concerts from Sydney and practically every station heard has confirmed my reports, which were sent for that purpose." Another report comes from Archer. Even this small township has an aerial. It is from Mr. M. J. Platen, who writes that while listening-in on Sunday, August 16th, he heard KGO at about 6 p.m., using a one valve home constructed receiver. The circuit used is the May circuit and no reaction was employed. He says that if any reader of these notes, wishing to try the circuit, would write to him, he would forward them the diagram. This amateur complains of the very bad howling on about 350 metres and asks if amateurs would loosen the reactance coil. On Sunday and Monday August 31st and September 1st. he complains of the interference being awful. Now then enthusiasts don't forget about that reactance coil. If you do, trouble is likely to result. (That is the spirit Mr. Platen. Keep the good work going. Thanks for your offer about the circuit. If you will send me a report of your reception of KGO I will try and get it confirmed for you, and if it is correct will publish it in these columns). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54286609 WIRELESS NOTES. Morning Bulletin 18,605 Queensland, Australia 13 September 1924 29 November 2024 6 National Library of Australia 1924 10 1924 11 1924 12 1925 1925 01 1925 02 1925 03 1925 04 1925 05 1925 06 1925 07 1925 08 1925 09 1925 10 1925 11 1925 12 1926 1926 01 1926 02 1926 03 1926 04 1926 05 1926 06 1926 07 1926 08 1926 09 1926 10 1926 11 1926 12 1927 1927 01 1927 02 1927 03 1927 04 1927 05 1927 06 1927 07 1927 08 1927 09 1927 10 1927 11 1927 12 1928 1928 01 1928 02 1928 03 1928 04 1928 05 1928 06 1928 07 1928 08 1928 09 1928 10 1928 11 1928 12 1929 1929 01 1929 02 1929 03 1929 04 1929 05 1929 06 1929 07 1929 08 1929 09 1929 10 1929 11 1929 12 1930s 1930 1930 01 1930 02 1930 03 1930 04 1930 05 1930 06 1930 07 1930 08 1930 09 1930 10 1930 11 1930 12 1931 1931 01 1931 02 1931 03 1931 04 1931 05 1931 06 1931 07 1931 08 1931 09 1931 10 1931 11 1931 12 1932 1932 01 1932 02 1932 03 1932 04 1932 05 1932 06 1932 07 1932 08 1932 09 1932 10 1932 11 1932 12 1933 1933 01 1933 02 1933 03 1933 04 1933 05 1933 06 1933 07 1933 08 1933 09 1933 10 1933 11 1933 12 1934 1934 01 1934 02 1934 03 1934 04 1934 05 1934 06 1934 07 1934 08 1934 09 1934 10 1934 11 1934 12 1935 1935 01 1935 02 1935 03 1935 04 1935 05 1935 06 1935 07 1935 08 1935 09 1935 10 1935 11 1935 12 1936 1936 01 1936 02 1936 03 1936 04 1936 05 1936 06 1936 07 1936 08 1936 09 1936 10 1936 11 1936 12 1937 1937 01 1937 02 1937 03 1937 04 1937 05 1937 06 1937 07 1937 08 1937 09 1937 10 1937 11 1937 12 1938 1938 01 1938 02 1938 03 1938 04 1938 05 1938 06 1938 07 1938 08 1938 09 1938 10 1938 11 1938 12 1939 1939 01 1939 02 1939 03 1939 04 1939 05 1939 06 1939 07 1939 08 1939 09 1939 10 1939 11 1939 12