History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Albert Edward Grey/Notes

Albert Edward Grey - Transcriptions and notes

1900s

1909

1909 12

Young Bert wins award for Arithmetic

Cue Convent School. BREAK-UP AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. During the afternoon and evening of Tuesday last, there was an exhibition of fancy work and painting done by the pupils of the Cue Convent School during the year. Some very beautiful and artistic work, including paintings, crayon drawings, art needlework, etc., was displayed, and at 8 o'clock a short programme of songs, recitations, drills and dances was gone through by the pupils in a very creditable manner. Most of the items presented were repetitions of those given at the late concert, but they were enjoyed by the audience as well as if they were seeing them for the first time. The fan drill, by the kindergarten girls, handkerchief song by the junior girls, skirt dances, cymbal drill and club swinging were all loudly applauded, as were also the vocal solos by Misses Eileen Healey, Doris Jenkins and Eileen Prendiville, and the vocal duet, "Music and Her Sister Song," by Misses M. Chesson and E. Prendiville. Pianoforte duets were performed by Master P. and Miss L. McInnes, Misses Eileen Chesson and Rose Troy, and Misses E. Healey and M. Toohey; also an instrumental selection, "Alice, Where Art Thou," for violin and piano, was well rendered by Miss Mary and Master P. Troy. At the conclusion of the programme, the distribution of prizes took place. The Mayor (Mr. E. H. Threadgold) was unable to preside owing to an important municipal engagement. His Lordship, Bishop Kelly, presented the prizes, which were awarded as follows:— Standard I.—Highest marks at annual examination, Ita McInnes; 2nd prize, Ted Masters; Arithmetic, Gladys Gill; Writing, Eva Daniell; Geography, Lizzie Wright; Grammar, Annie Campbell; Spelling, Willie Cant; Tables, George Cant; General Improvement, Amy Shipway. Standard II.— Highest marks gained at annual examination, Isabel Bodgers; 2nd prize, Doris Jenkins; Arithmetic, Rose Troy; Grammar, Winnie Chesson; Geography, Lizzie McInnes; Reading, Gladys O'Leary. Standard III.— Highest marks gained at examination, Mary Healey, (silver medal); 2nd prize, Beatrice Ferguson; Arithmetic, Bernard Smith; Beading, Laurance Turner; Plan and map drawing, Mary Healey; General improvement, Myrtle Willis; Application to study, Elva Thompson. Standard IV.— Highest marks gained at examination, Winnie McCann, (silver medal); 2nd prize, Alice Chesson; Writing, Ettie Crockford; Arithmetic, Peter McInnes; Grammar and composition, Eileen Parnell; Reading, Ruby Parnell; Plain Sewing, Evelyn Shipway; Industry, James Cook; General improvement, Gordon Turner; Club swinging, Jack Campbell; Preparatory harmony, Nellie Toohey; Junior harmony, Winnie McCann. Standard V.—Highest marks gained at examination, Kathaleen Chesson; 2nd prize, Annie Cook; Intermediate Christian Doctrine, Eileen Chesson; Plain Sewing, Kathleen Chesson; Reading and recitation, Sybil Edmonds; Arithmetic, Bert Grey; Drawing, Ray Grey; Diligence, Maggie Belcher. Standard VI.—Highest marks gained at, examination, Alice Toohey, (silver medal,); 2nd prize, Pat Troy; Arithmetic, . . .

1910s

1912

1912 05

Bert, as a telegraph messenger with PMGD, passes exam to qualify to admission to higher position in general division

THE COMMONWEALTH GAZETTE. MELBOURNE, Saturday. Applications are invited until May 31 for an architectural draftsman and clerk in the office of the Superintendent of Public Buildings at Darwin, salary £310 without quarters. Appointments approved: Frederick Walter Barwick, as divisional returning-officer, Kalgoorlie, vice John W. Tepper (resigned). The successful candidates at the examination held on March 30 to enable telegraph messengers to qualify for promotion to a higher position in the general division are:— Burgoyne, Evelyn Melville, of Beverley; Castlemaine, Victor William, of Subiaco; Cream, Irwin Eves, of Geraldton; Duckham, John Henry, of Narrogin; Every, Arthur George, of Fremantle; Grey, Albert Edward, of Cue; Hurtable, Ernest William H., of Pinjarrah; Lysaght, John William P., of Kookynie; Mardon, George Edward, of Day Dawn; M'Carthy, Edward, of Barrabupp; Press, Basil William I., of Cottesloe; Regan, Norman John, of Geraldton; Serle, Leslie Joseph, of Armadale; Smith, Mary, of the G.P.O.; Taylor, Albert, of Ravensthorpe; Fredha, William Thomas, of Moora. The following postal vacancies will be open until May 26:— Clerk of the 4th class, for the stores branch, Perth; and junior assistant to the engineer, Perth.

1914

1914 04

Young Bert wins the booby prize at a Cue Institute Social night

Cue Institute Socials.— The euchre party and dance arranged by the ladies' entertainment committee of the Cue Miners' Institute took place at the A.W.A. Hall on Monday night last. There was a large attendance. The proceedings opened with the euchre tournament, Mr H. Robertson securing the gent's prize after playing off with Mr Syd. Grano, and Mrs Murrie secured the ladies' prize. The "booby" prizes fell to Mr Bert Grey and Miss Sexton. Dancing was then indulged in until midnight. Refreshments were provided by the ladies and were greatly appreciated. Mesdames. Rochester, Threadgold, F. B. Smith, Streuffert, and Miss R. Smith, the entertainment committee, had the arrangements in hand. Mr Arthur Chesson acted as M.C., and Mrs Slattery presided at the piano. It is the Committee's intention to hold another social in about six week's time. A general committee meeting of the Institute will be held on Friday night.

1915

1915 08

Bert passes his medical examination and ready for Perth

WAR ITEMS. RECRUITING AT GERALDTON. During the past week Sergt. Major Denslow, the recruiting officer, has had a very busy time, and the numbers coming forward in the district are better than almost at any other previous time. The following went down to Perth by last night's train, N. Brownrigg, F. Fellows, C. H. McEwan, E. Hall, M. Goudre, J. L. Stewart, H. D. Denyer, C. Perry, and A. Bain. The following have been accepted and have passed the medical examination, and will go down during the next few days: A. Lawle, G. Thompson, L. J. Townshend, J. Bell, W. J. Gould, F. Hollings, J. Smith, E. Rich, S. Bullock, J. A. Sullivan, D. Fogarty, A. Buckley, J. R. Horton, C. Giltrow, G. Cox, M. Teahan, D. Smith, Greenhalgh, M. R. Morrisey, A. E. Grey, F. W. Pascoe, A. G. Kirby. The following have given in their names, and are waiting for the medical examination: P. O'Connell, G. Rogers, J. Millsmore, E. Worthington, C. O. Caspbell, A. Wheeler, C. E. Berry and H. W. Jenkin. The men, who went away last night had a rousing send off from a large crowd, the usual musical accompaniments being provided by the engines, whilst detonators were exploded on the lines. The usual piping of the men to the station was missing last night. This feature of the proceedings on Tuesday and Friday nights has been much appreciated, particularly by the volunteers, and it is to be hoped that Piper Wayland will, whenever possible, play his rousing strains as the men step out bravely to the station. We understand that there is still a good deal of complaining amongst men who desire to volunteer with regard to delay in being seen by the medical examiners. As we have pointed out before, no difficulty should be placed in the way of men enlisting, particularly as many come long distances at their own expense to offer their services, and the arrangements should be such that men can be inspected when they come into town, no matter what day it is. Sergt Major Denslow can usually be found at the drill hall at any hour of the day, and if not there will be found at the Geraldton Hotel, and volunteers need not hesitate about calling upon him at any time, whether Sunday or week day.

Bert to join the Norseman contingent

WEST AUSTRALIAN EVENTS. . . . A fine body of recruits for Norseman's fifth contingent was sworn in (says our correspondent), by the Mayor, on Thursday afternoon. One of the contingent, Percy Holman, left for Kalgoorlie by last train, and will join the party there on Sunday. The other members are: A. E. Grey, A. J. S. Davis, E. A. Reynolds, J. S. Nettle, R. A. Waters, W. Watsin, R. Winthrop, A. Hume, W. P. Chandler, T. F. O'Brien, J. Brancher, Frank Townsend, James Townsend, Archie Tye, A. Laxton and A. Johns have also passed the medical test, and will leave for camp in a few days. The main body leave by tomorrow's train. The members of the contingent were entertained at a smoke social in the Criterion Theatre on Thursday night, when there was a large and enthusiastic attendance. The Mayor presided, and in proposing the toast of the contingent said he had known most of them for years, and the honour of Australia was safe in their hands. The toast was enthusiastically honoured, and was supported by Messrs. Mathers. R. L. Strongman and numerous other speakers. Mr. W. T. Williams mentioned that he had two boys already at Blackboy Hill, and though the second was only 18 when he wrote to his parents asking permission, they granted it, and told him though they were very sorry to part, they would have been disappointed had he not enlisted. Mr. Jack Nettle (who was selected by the members to take charge of this contingent), responded to the toast on their behalf and thanked those present for the kind things that had been said, and the manner in which they had been received, and he especially thanked members of the Rifle Club for the instruction given in shooting to the recruits. There was a lengthy programme of songs and recitations, contributed by Messrs. Rippon, Mathers, R. L. Strongman, Johns, R. A. Waters, Grey, Niven, Nimmo, Stewart, Kempton, David, and Finch.

1915 11

Bert noted as a signaller with the light horse in WW1

General News. . . . More Volunteers.— Still more of our young men of the district are answering to their country's call, and on Thursday's train, Messrs. Len Hotchin and A. G. Kershaw, two Day Dawn residents, left en route for Blackboy Hill. There was a large number of friends on the station, who gave them a hearty goodbye. On the same train were Messrs. Edgar Turley (Meekatharra) and Bert Grey (Cue), who have been home for a few days leave. The former has joined the engineers, and will shortly go to Sydney for training, while the latter is a signaller in the Light Horse.

1916

1916 01

Bert is a list of local volunteers for the front

Cue-Day Dawn Soldiers. The following is a list of those who have enlisted for the front from Cue and Day Dawn through Mr. J. Inglis (secretary of the Cue-Day Dawn Roads Board), who is the representa-tive of the Defence authorities in this district. Mr. Inglis states that possibly there are others who have joined the forces from this district, and he will be glad if the friends of same will forward their names to the Cue-Day Dawn Roads Board office or the "Murchison Times," to be included in the list:— Ashdown, W. Alger, F. Bray, R. Barber, J. Biswell, W. Cocking, Dan. Crawford, J. Creek, W. Campbell, R. Christensen, H. F. Cairns, D. Clues, H. Carter, C. H. Doherty, J. Doodt, D. Egoroff, — Flynn, Sergt. Fox, J. Franco, A. Fisher, A. (Mick) Gazely, W. H. Griffin, W. Harland, C. Hay, J. Huckstep, V. Hudson, W. Hamilton, E. A. Harvey, J. T. Treloar, S. B. Nenke, J. J. Powell, George Hearn, Fred. Brown, W. Hunter, G. Hunter J. G. Cocking E. A. Smith G. Avenell Jamieson, W. McDonald, J. Morris, A. Millett, G. H. Myers, "Curly " McDonald, H. Nevett, W. P. Plummer, R. Payne, W. H. Parkes, J. A. Reid, G. (Scotty) Robertson, W. Read, G. H Ross, C. Sexton, F. Smith, F. Sharp, — Shea, Tim Scott, R. Stone, L. J. Streatfield, F. Sexton, W. Stone, J. A. Twoomey, F. Tregurtha, S. Williamson, J. Whiting, L. G. M. Sheppard E. M. Turner A. E. Sainsbury J. Ramshaw W. Wray Charles Hughes G. E. Thompson O. E. Angwin W. J. Shipway W. Eddy T. Page, Bert Grey, A. E. Kershaw, A. Quacker, G. Brown, H. Stickland, E. Byrne, E. Todman, A. J. E. Clues, A. Thompson, Len Hotchin, F. Dixon, J. S. Lynam, C. McGillivray, J. Mitchell, J. P. Nasmith, R. L. Clues, J. H. Vines.

1916 10

Bert appears in casualty list as ill

WESTERN AUSTRALIA. THE ROLL OF HONOUR. 229th AND 230th CASUALTY LISTS. The 229th and 230th casualty lists, containing the names of Western Australian soldiers, together with those who enlisted in other States, but whose relatives reside in Western Australia, were released by the Censor on Saturday, and are published below. Where not otherwise stated, the names are those of private soldiers: 229th LIST. 5th MILITARY DISTRICT. . . . ILL. Driver C. H. Windsor (Boulder); W. T. R. Young (Perth) ; W. P. Fears (Osborne Park) ; L. G. Head (Nannine), second occasion ; Sapper A. E. Grey (Cue); Sapper H. G. Pollock (Queenscliffe, Victoria), dangerously, subsequently reported condition stationary; Sergeant T. S. Edwards (Scotland), dangerously, previously reported ill; W. S. Lavington (North Fremantle), second occasion; C. Davis (Fremantle); Major E. A. Le Souef (South Perth), second occasion; W. Ottay (Beenup).

1917

1917 01

Bert reported returned to duty

RETURNED TO DUTY. Spr. A. Calder, Needilup, previously reported wounded; Privates J. Henderson, Perth, previously reported wounded; . . . Private J. E. Kidd, N. Perth, previously reported ill; Spr. A. E. Grey, Cue, previously reported ill; Spr. J. Hadwin, Norseman, previously reported ill; Spr. T. Louie, E. Fremantle, previously, reported ill, second occasion; . . .

1919

1919 02

Lovely description of the Jordan Valley sent home by Bert and published in local newspaper

Through the Jordan Valley. A REALISTIC DESCRIPTION LETTER FROM A CUEITE. The following letter, received from Sapper A. E. Grey, of Cue, lately serving with the 10th Light Horse in Palestine, but now returned, gives a very realistic description of the Jordan Valley and its surroundings: — Ye Gods, we have almost finished circumnavigating the whole of Palestine. I think my last letter was from Jaffa. Anyway, this is from the Jordan Valley, so you can guess we have been travelling a little. The valley is a most wonderful piece of territory, and would take days to describe it in any detail, but here's a little outline. 'Tis 1000 feet below sea level and hot — hotter than Cue ever heard of. 'Tis flanked on both sides by mountains, most magnificent types of nature's rugged grandeur, with their valleys and gorges, some of which are seemingly depthless. Jericho can be seen in the near distance standing on an oasis, and just beyond the town one can follow the outline of the Morte Mer, till it gradually recedes into the distance, and seems to melt into the gap of the valley. 'Tis full-moon now, and it is beautiful at about 8 p.m. just as the moon's rays are being reflected off the lonely sea, and seems like a big burnished piece of oval brass, its out-line clear cut and narrowing down as it passes through the gap, whence it is no longer visible to us. We passed through the Holy City, and when looking back on the town from the Mount of Olives we thought and wondered. It looked peaceful as one's eye gradually came into line with Gethsemane, the old wall, the majestic overbearing dome of the Mosque of Omar, its jade and beautiful mosaic work on the dome catching the rays of the sun and sending them out to our vision in dancing shafts of glittering and sparkling rainbow lights. But on turning round one becomes still more dazzled to behold the seven golden domes of the Russian Church reflecting the sun in full glory of its own resplendency like big burnished copper balls; this being toned down by graceful spires and tapering slender lines of the marble and alabaster columns as they merge into more formed pieces and become a triumph of ancient architecture. Again, one wonders, Jerusalem seiged and beseiged, raised to the ground, taken by the Romans, the Greeks, the Turks, the Crusaders in possession of the Saracens for centuries, and now ours. And you think of the associations the Holy City holds for us of the Christian religion, and just a stone's throw away. He was betrayed. 'Tis the garden of Bethsemane. One is glad to have had a view of the grand old city from the Mount of Olives. It was worth all those burning, thirsting days at Romani, the sleepless nights at Mauhdaba, and the tiring ride to Rafa when we just dreamed of Jerusalem as a long way away. One can hardly realise it, that it is now ours — the great British Empire's. 'Tis no longer mere servito to a blaspheming Prussian overlord or to defiling Turks, but it is ours for the Great Religion that gives no creed to 'Might is Right.' On the way to Jericho one marvels at the ingenuity of the builders of the road, along which we had to go in half-sections. 'Tis very narrow, it twist and turns and travels around the frowning edges of cliffs. There are figures eight, hairpin bends, corkscrew turns, and the head of the column is sometimes on a level with the column half-a-mile back, all these turns being necessary to allow of a gradual descent of the mountains into the plains. The Romans were masters of road building. I've got some photos of the road, but they belittle the gigantic difficulties that had to be overcome. Parts of it are literally hewn through rock on the edge of the mountain, and then winding gradually down and around. About a mile from our present bivouac there is a Russian monastery built into the slopes of the Mount of Temptation. I went over it myself, and there are some wonderful paintings, many by old masters. I have enclosed a snap of the building, and it gives a fair idea of the mountainous country. The building is on the last ridge overlooking the Jordan Valley and Jericho.

1920s

1920

1920 05

Bert acting as senior postal assistant to Postmaster at Leederville

FEDERAL GAZETTE NOTICES. MELBOURNE, Saturday. The following notices, concerning West Australia appear in the latest Commonwealth "Gazette":— R. G. Friel, Perth, accountant in the Commonwealth Sub-Treasury, to be Commissioner for Declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act. Postmaster-General's Department: An allowance, equal to the difference between the present salary and £220 per annum, is to be paid to each of the undermentioned officers from January 1, 1920, or such later date as he commenced to perform the duties of officer next to the postmaster, and to continue for such time not exceeding 12 months as he remains at the station, and to be reduced by the amount of any increment granted: A. R. Glendinning, clerical assistant, Claremont; E. J. Wansbrough, clerical assistant, Collie; E. J. Miller, clerical assistant, Meekatharra. An allowance equal to the difference between his salary and the minimum salary of senior postal assistant to be paid to A. E. Grey, postal assistant from July 1, 1919, and continue, such time not exceeding 18 months, as the officer performs the duties of officer next to postmaster at Leederville, and to be reduced by the amount of any increment granted.

1922

1922 02

Bert appointed as postal assistant representative

Postal Assistants' Association.— The election of officers to control the Postal Assistants Association for the year closed on the 23rd inst., when the following were declared elected:— President, Mr. W. J. Truscott; vice-president, Mr. C. Batty; hon. secretary, Mr. J. L. Robson (telegraph branch, G.P.O.); hon. treasurer, Mr. J. W. Balaam (box 14, G.P.O.); committee, postal assistants' representatives, Mr. A. E. Grey and Mr. J. Hand; postal assistants in charge representing Mr. J. J. Thomas; senior postal assistant, Miss Tildsley.

1923

1923 09

Bert addresses the Mount Lawley Radio Club on the subject of rectification by valves and crystals

Mount Lawley Radio Club.— The Mount Lawley Radio Club conducted its fortnightly meeting last night in Wallish's Hall, Grosvenor-road. After the usual business preliminaries and the election of several new members, Mr. A. E. Grey (who holds first-class proficiency certificates for Marconi, Telefunken, and Poulsen arc systems) delivered an interesting and informative lecture on rectification as carried out in valves and crystals. The lecturer illustrated his address by the use of carefully prepared diagrams showing the relationship of rectifying properties of various crystals. Valve amplification was also touched upon. The president of the club (Mr. B. M. Cavanagh) thanked the lecturer on behalf of the officers and members of the club for the interesting and attractive way in which the address had been delivered. Mr. Grey responded by saying that he had had much pleasure in accepting the invitation of the secretary (Mr. C. H. Snowden) to address the members of the club, and he hoped that other clubs would be formed in other districts to aid the amateur and experimenter to acquire a fuller knowledge of radio telegraphy and telephony.

1924

1924 02

Bert delivers a lecture to Subiaco Wireless Society on subject of tuned anode coupling

LOCAL WIRELESS CLUBS. SUBIACO. The members of the Subiaco Radio Society met again on Tuesday. It was unanimously agreed that Mr. Congdon be awarded the gold medal (donated by Mr. Thompson) for bringing along the most members to the club over a certain period. Two more new members were elected, and after the usual business of the club had been gone through Mr. Gray delivered a highly interesting lecture on tuned anode method of coupling, the greater part of his chat circling round the ST34 circuit of Scott-Taggarts. The members are promised some interesting lectures in the near future, including visits to well-known institutions.

1924 05

Bert, with other members of the Subiaco Radio Society, attend funeral of their young member W. A. Gilwhite

OBITUARY. The late Mr. W. A. Gilwhite. The funeral of the late Mr. Wilfrid Allen Gilwhite, late of Baker Bros., East Fremantle, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gilwhite, of 41 Lawler-street, Subiaco, took place on Tuesday afternoon, the 6th inst. Deceased, who was 18 years of age, was born in Upton Park, Essex, England. The cortege moved from the residence of his parents and proceeded to the Methodist portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery, and was very largely attended. The chief mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilwhite (father and mother), S. J. Gilwhite (brother), Misses D. and M. Gilwhite (sisters), Mrs. Sholl, Mr. W. A. Sivewright, Mr. F. Orris, Mr. J. Fawcett, Mr. A. Sholl, and Mr. W. Oliver. The pall-bearers were: Messrs. H. Matthews, H. Hymus, H. Trenaman, A. Lawrence, A. Sholl, B. Congdon, G. H. Jackson, and T. Henley. Amongst those present were: F. S. Andrews (representing Employers' Federation), E. Ledger (representing Iron Workers' Association), B. Congdon (representing Subiaco Radio Society), C. W. Henley (representing I.O. Rechabites), A. Mills (Subiaco Bowling Club), J. Cruickshank (representing Baker Bros.), T. Madigan (representing Millars' Timber and Trading Company), H. Moore (representing George Kent, Ltd.), T. Hull (representing employes G. Kent, Ltd.), R. Makutz and B. Hutchison (representing E. and R. Makutz), W. J. Berryman, R. W. Hawley, W. J. and W. E. Littlejohn, V. R. Trenaman, J. Bennett, Jones, C. Taylor, W. Richardson, M.L.A., J. Lawn, A. Shugg, H. Burton, E. C. Hull, A. S. and F. W. Munvard, J. G. Russell, M. S. Urquart, A. E. Grey, W. J. Farrington, W. L. Treen, S. W. Cameron, F. S. Jones, F. Gray, A. Henley, P. Miller, J. Lewis, S. J. Green, B. B. King, S. Meldrum, W. R. Kerr, T. W. Herrington, E. L. McKenzie, F. Goddard, F. Scott, Viv. Grey, Mesdames T. J. Green, Hewett, Grev. Downing, Bennett, Meldrum, Prosser, Burton, Randell, Tham, Cook, Foster, Lloyd, Corser, Hatty, Miss A. Sorenson, also members of the Bagot-road Methodist Ladies' Guild, Junior Girls' Club, Young Men's Club, Church Choir, Sunday School, and many others. Wreaths and floral tributes were received from the following: Bagot-road Methodist Young Men's Club, Ladies' Guild, Church Choir, Methodist Church trustees, Junior Girls' Club, Methodist Sunday School, Subiaco Radio Society, Subiaco Bowling Club, Baker Bros., Baker Bros.' employes, George Kent, Ltd., employes George Kent, Ltd., E. and R. Makutz, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Gilwhite and Laurel, Mr. and Mrs. Lawn and family, Miss Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. C. Cheffins, Mr. and Mrs. F. Scott and family, Mr. and Mrs. Anstey and family, Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison and family, Mr. and Mrs. Littlejohn and family, Mr, and Mrs. Corser and family, Mr. and Mrs. C. Taylor and family, Mr. and Mrs. Hymus and family, Mr. and Mrs. Warwicker and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. T. Hull, Mr. and Mrs. V. R. Trenaman, Mr. and Mrs. A. Sholl, Mr. and Mrs. W. Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Downing, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Randell, Mr. and Mrs. Henley, Mr. W. J. Berryman, Sister Sorenson, Mrs. C. H. Corser, Mrs. R. AIlison, Mrs. Kurth, and Miss Melthorpe, Mrs. Cook, and Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Moore, senr., and family, Mrs. Hatty and Eunice, Mrs. Oliver and family, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Horwood, Little Meg and June, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. King, Bruce and Keith, Master Nevin Miller, The Twins, Andy and Stanley, and many others. The Rev. F. R. French, assisted by Rev. C. A. Jenkins and Rev. M. R. Maley, officiated at the graveside. The Rechabite Lodge service was conducted by the Rev. W. C. Henley. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Donald J. Chipper and Son.

Bert attends regular meeting of Subiaco Radio Society and is elected technical adviser and assistant hon. secretary

WIRELESS WAVES. RADIO NEWS AND NOTIONS. (By "ARIEL") . . . SUBIACO RADIO SOCIETY. The usual general fortnightly meeting of the Subiaco Radio Society was held on May 20, 1924. An interesting feature was the presentation to Mr. B. Congdon, of a gold medal, presented by Mr. Thom-son some time ago, for the member securing the greatest number of new members for the club. As Mr. Thomson was unable to attend the meeting, Mr. A. Grey had the pleasure of making the presentation. A letter was received by the secretary from Mr. and Mrs. Gilwhite and family, offering the set of their late son to the society for its use. This was accepted. The main feature of the evening was the election of officers for the ensuing year. Mr. Phipps was duly elected Hon. President, and Mr. B. Congdon; Hon. Secretary, with Mr. Grey as Technical Adviser and assistant hon. secretary.

1924 07

Bert first born wins major baby competition, includes brief biography

The Sunday Times. SEARCH FOR BONNIE BABIES. CONCLUSION of the COMPETITION. . . . RONALD EDWARD GREY. Champion Baby of W.A. and first prize in Class B. . . . The champion baby of Western Aus-tralia, Ronald Edward Grey, is a glo-rious little kiddie, according to the judges impossible to fault. When his photo was taken on April 11 he was 11½ months old, stood 31in. and weigh-ed 26lb. He first unaided, sat up at eight months, stood up at 10 months, and walked at 12 months. He will take the championship prize of £25 — which debars him from taking the £5 additional prize as winner in his class — and this sum will form a nice little start for a banking account to help him along life's journey later on. Little Ronald Grey, who was born in this State, is of purely Western Australian parentage. Both his mother and father are comparatively young, and Ronald is an only child. The father, Albert Edward ("Bert") Grey, who was born at Cue, is 27 years of age and a returned soldier. During the war he enlisted, at the age of 18, in the Light Horse and saw service in Egypt, where he contracted malaria, from which he suffers occasionally now. At present he is a telegraphist in the Post and Telegraph Department. Ronald's mother, Mary Grey, first saw the light of day at Toodyay, and she is a couple of years younger than her husband. The Greys are a small but happy family and so they should be with a glorious little chap who has earned the title of the Bonniest Baby in Western Australia to bless their hearth and home. . . . (Start Photo Caption) CHAMPION BABY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. RONALD EDWARD GREY, 55 Lawler-street, Subiaco, 14 months .... £25 . . . CLASS B. First-RONALD EDWARD GREY, 55 Lawler-st., Subiaco, 14 months. (End Photo Caption)

1925

1925 02

Bert station is the only one from WA being heard currently in Adelaide

On the Amateur's Wave Length. 5BD and 5BG were heard exchanging compliments the other evening on short — 000000025-watt, we presume. 2BK was heard working 6AKW during the early hours of Wednesday morning. Both stations were quite Q.S.A., although static and Q.R.M. were bad. 5BK and 5FT carried out several interesting tests last Sunday evening — 5BK with good punch and modulation, but 5FT with a bad A.C. hum and a voice which was not at times distinguishable. 5AH has built a new bench for his transmitter. Upon placing the old transmitter on the new bench it is understood he decided to build a new transmitter! 5AI has been very busy lately with inductances, condensers, transformers, &c., in fact, the whole works necessary for short-wave transmission. A considerable noise is promised when he starts up. The spark coil fiend has again been active lately, but so have the "loop brigade," and they are gradually narrowing down the area to that in which he persists in polluting the ether. We shall probably hear more of this anon. U6ARW was heard working A2BK during the evening on Wednesday last. He was complaining that a big "bottle" had gone soft on him. Wonder if it was a 250-watter? New Zealand fans are nightly on the air working Australian and U.S. stations. One wonders when they go to bed, or if they ever get any sleep at all. Radio, as far as amateurs are concerned, seems quite dead in Western Australia. The only one heard lately is A6BO, and only intermittently. U6AWT was heard on Wednesday evening working with various New South Wales stations, and the strength was terrific. His signals could be read two rooms away off the 'phones. Other U.S. stations have been logged, including U6CGO and (?) BRB, but none have the strength of 6AWT.

1925 05

Bert has a crystal set terminal stolen at the Exhibition, also regularly working below 200 metres

Exhibiton Report Several well known amateurs and traders were not represented in the exhibition. Regarding the amateurs, probably inducement in the shape of a more generous prize distribution would have brought them along, but why the whole of the traders did not take the offer of such an excellent op-portunity to display their wares seems hard to fathom. 6WF's programmes are still of a very high standard, and we note that some very good gramophone records are being selected for broadcasting. This reminds us that we have never heard better ones than those recorded by Galli-Curci, and now that this great artist will be singing here in person shortly it would be opportune to broadcast some of her more popular records. The Super Hetrodyne displayed on Messrs. Craig and Co.'s stand was quite a novelty, it being, we believe, the first of its kind in W.A. It has the reputation of being one of the most efficient types of receivers yet devised, and trans ocean distance is mere local DX to it. His Excellency's speech showed he is fully conversant with the great possibilities that lie ahead of radio in the developing of our remote districts, and which are at the present suffering from a paucity of means of communication, and also the pleasure and enjoyment that modern broadcasting brings in its wake. The exhibit of the Donnybrook Society was truly educational. The sets were not graced with elegant looking components, but with those that had been entirely home constructed from the raw materials of wood and brass, and in one instance an ornamental scroll in silver had been fitted. It says much for the skill of these amateurs that the results obtained are equally as good as those obtained with the best quality article imported from abroad. What we want to know anent the exhibition:— How the big sets were removed without demolishing the household premises? Who took the terminal off 6BO's crystal set? How many operators are required to operate the sets with 15 dials? To whom really belongs the credit of making the model of the valve? Why Subiaco didn't gather in all the recordbreaking low lossers owned by members? And why didn't you amateurs see to labelling your sets? Advertising was not allowed, but this was not applicable to information placards. Any amateur receiving NRRL, the transmitter of the American Relay League on board one of the battleships with the American fleet, is requested to forward us full details, as the Navy Department are anxious to receive the fullest information possible. It is believed that the installation of short-wave transmitters as permanent units on board warships is contemplated. Reception of NRRL has already been reported by South Australian amateurs. The wave length used for night transmissions is 50 metres, and an input power of 1000 watts. That radio societies meetings and functions are more than a meeting place for discussing super hets and oscillating crystals is amply proved by the Subiaco Society. A year ago it lost, through the decease of Wilford Gilwhite, one of their most active members, and to perpetuate his memory his parents presented his wireless set to the club. With commendable spirit the society has made up the set as the one for use by members, and a neat, silver tablet inscribed with their late comrade's name and other particulars has been fitted. Such action shows the spirit of comradeship is earnestly lived up to by the members of this club, and their action is very much appreciated. Eastern States radio periodicals were recently in a caustic mood over the failure (they say) of the W.A. transmitting fraternity to get enough gumption to come down below 200 metres. Their correspondents must have a very different low losser, as 6AM, 6AG, 6WP and 6BO have all been in communication with the other siders, and of course all short wave working, and in one case 6BO has been logged whilst working on 30 metres. 6AM has a nightly schedule and can be heard after broadcasting hours with either a five or a three. He has, by the way, an excellent method of sending. It is clear cut, and well worthy of imitation by some of our Eastern colleagues.

Bert being hear in all states bar Qld, though mislogged there from W6BO

SOMETHING FOR LISTENERS-IN. . . . Recent reports from the East say that signals from one of our local transmitters in 6AM (Mr. P. Kennedy) can be heard all over the house on a low loss two-step. Judging from the way our telephone diaphragms rattle when he is on the air, we are not at all surprised if he isn't QRMing some of the BBC stations. 6AG is also said to come in with exceptional strength, and we have heard tales of 4000 volts on the plates shortly, so W.A. should soon be in the International DX. 6BO on 50 metres has been reported from all States, bar Queensland. He says he has one report from there, but it also states a time when he wasn't transmitting, and he won't have that his signals are running a week late. So he blames Yankee 6BO, who is frequently heard.

1925 06

Bert only operating 6BO spasmodically

WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK. . . . Short wave working during the past week has only been spasmodic, most of the locals being heard only now and again. 6AM is without question the best of the bunch, and his signals of late sound as though the high tension has taken an upward move. 6CJ is still very strong and has a good clear note which should have no difficulty in getting over East. 6BN is using three 5 watters with only 250 volts, and he certainly is getting out with it, and which should bring in a batch of DX cards. 6AG and 6WP have a night-ly pow-wow with a strength that should be heard in England. A few desultory transmissions from 6BO now and then proclaim him as still in commission. He states he is now on 55 metres and still raking in DX. South Australia reporting his signals strength 7 and the loudest of the locals.

Bert's transmissions being well heard

The short wavers have been fairly active during the week. Our local sixers have not been as energetic as usual, but recreation has to be sought now and then. The Easterners are going till all hours, and a remarkable feature is the influx of many new stations. Call signs apparently only recently issued are audible, and the call lists could very well do with monthly supplements, as the original lists are now more or less obsolete. Among the newcomers is 4BK, a Queensland and several Tasmanians, 7AA being the most prominent. The former is using a 5 watter and comes in at excellent strength. One of the Tassies is using some special kind of high tension, his note being remarkably pure and easy to read. 2YI was heard to remark that "he had at last worked with Perth." 6AG was the other conspirator. Working the West is now the ambition of the 'tothersiders, and it is certainly no mean DX. 6AM has been heard in Queensland and "clicked" with New Zealand. Short waves do not respect distance. 6CJ and 6BN were also heard, both having nice notes and good strength. They are right amongst the active band and should have no trouble in getting distant QSL's. 6BO and 6WP were heard having an hour's "wongi" the other evening at about 40 watts each. Unfortunately for 6WP his high tension took a short cut through his smoothing condensers and blew a few of his Phillips. Cossors are now performing duty as rectifiers, and signal strength is reported to be louder.

Bert's shortwave wavelength measured as 60 metres

EXPERIMENTERS' WAVE-LENGTHS. BAND TRANSMITTERS ARE WORKING. A correspondent writes: "I have recently been measuring the wave lengths used by some of the local transmitters with a new, shortwave meter I have secured, and the result may interest your readers. Here are my readings: 6BN, A. E. Stevens, 90 metres; 6AG, W. Coxan, 39 metres; 6AM, P. Kennedy, 84 metres; 6WP, W. Phipps, 70 metres; 6CJ, E. J. Darley, 75 metres; 6BO, A. E. Gray, 60 metres; 6AB, C. Cecil (Kalg.), 80 metres; 6HJ, H. Johnson, 78 metres.

Another report gives Bert's wavelength as 70 metres

A local daily in its wireless notes gives the wave-lengths of amateur transmitters as 300-400 metres, which is inaccurate and misleading. The regulations provide for a maximum of 250 metres, and without exception all of our local transmitters are down on the short wave band. The following are the most active:— 6AG (W. E. Coxon), 39 and 80 metres; 6BN (A.E. Stevens), 90 metres; 6BO (A. E. Grey), 70 metres; 6AM (P. Kennedy), 85 metres; 6WP (W. Phipps), 70 metres; 6CJ (E. J. Darley), 75 metres; 6AB (C. Cecil), 80 metres.

1925 07

Bert only operating on the weekends but East reports always strong

Short wave working has again been spasmodic but a little more activity is now noticeable. Locally things are fairly lively, and quite a number of transmitters are now in operation. 6AG and 6CJ are pre-eminent in strength, both putting out very clear notes. Their signals on a two-valve amplifier are absolutely deafening, and they are evidently bridging distance, as the reception of 6AG and 6AM is now quite common by New Zealand amateurs. We have not been able to track 6BN lately, but reports say a lone 5-watter is giving increased radiation. This station is noted for its remarkable performances on low power, and must come close to the miles per watt record. 6WP is installing a "sink" rectifier. Heard during the other evening he was not up to usual strength, but these sinks take some coaxing. A four coil Meissner is now the circuit, and 6WP is a little lower down the scale. 6BO only manages time to pound brass during the weekend, but reports from the East always come along with "Ur Sigs very Q.S.A here." Increased high voltage is contemplated, and it is hoped to get more than a flicker from the radiation meter. The other siders are still energetic, and a host of them can be heard working nightly. Quite a number of the Tassies are audible, and they appear to come in at much better strength than the mainland States. We heard some one say the other night — "Couldn't get any radiation because the washing was hanging on the counterpoise."

Bert has to be at work at 7am

SHORT WAVE WORKING. Experimenters Braving The Elements. The week's short wave working has been marked by a mild epidemic of activity. All the sixes have been going, mostly early in the morning, and cold early mornings, too. 6AG has been the most prominent and stuck to his schedule like the seasoned warrior of all night sittings he is, and richly deserves any records that come his way. 6BN also braved the elements, but was faint-hearted towards the end of the week. 6WP got up one morning, but unluckily mistook the wrong one, sauntered out to his shack during a raging thunderstorm. He was heard to mutter something about things not being too favorable, but said he would give it a try. Anyway, on pulling over his earthing switch long, skinny blue sparks started to dart down from the aerial side, and the things not being too favorable his opinion was this time more forcibly expressed. 6WP recounts how he listened in for exactly one second, and it was the most hideous pandemonium of static he has ever heard, or ever wants to. 6BO says he had to be at work every morning at seven, and reckons that was bad enough without making the alarm oscillate an hour earlier. We never heard 6CJ, and expect he slept through it all. Anyhow the signals he is now putting out should make him Q.S.O. with the Yanks. By the way, how do you make your A.C. sound like a good smoothed D.C.? We are all anxious for the secret. 6AM still manages time to work the Othersiders, who report him as the only active six. Several new transmitting licences are mooted, and operations are expected to commence at an early date.

Bert needs to replace a blown valve

Our weekly budget of short-wave working is almost non est this week. Devotion to 3LO and bringing them in for the edification of those who say it can't be done is the cause. But we would like to swop 6CJ our two 50-watt bottles for that beautiful clear note of his. It sounds as if he is getting his H.T. supply from two Morris's in series, and he is certainly the second loudest of the locate, 6AG being accorded pride of place. By the way, we understand when 6AG presses his key the house lights complain, by dimming, that they lack juice. What are you using, Wally — kilowatts? We see, in our burnt-out 'phones, a solution, after all. 6BO hasn't replaced his valve yet; reckons he is waiting till they make them without filaments. 6WP and 6BN are busy on conference work, and have forgotten they have a transmitter. Eastern Staters still pour in, and many Yanks are audible on 40 metres.

1925 08

Bert being reported as heard in Queensland, also replacing his burnt out 50 watt tube with a Phillips ZII of 20 watts

WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK. . . . A Queensland journal reports the reception of 6AG, 6AM, 6BO, 6JB and 6WP. . . . 6BO replaces his burnt out 50 watter with a Phillips ZII 20 watts. Reports so far show a radiation of nil, but he reckons it goes good as a power valve for the low frequency amplifier.

Bert attends the WIA annual dinner associated with the WIA federal conference in Perth

WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK. . . . Amongst the gathering at the annual radio dinner we noticed Mr. A. McCallum, M.L.A. (Minister for Works), Professor Ross, radio inspector Scott, Mr. P. Kennedy (deputy State Engineer), Messrs. Knapton, Truman, Thompson, and a host of the well-known amateurs, including 6BB, 6MU, 6WP, 6AG, 6WP, 6BO, 6BN, and 6CJ. It was indeed a representative gathering, and a glowing tribute to the importance attached to the local amateur movement.

Bert included in list of WA transmitters

LOCAL TRANSMITTERS. The Latest Call List. The following is the latest call list of the local transmitters. Each week we will give portions of the Australian list, and when completed it will prove useful for Q.S.L. purposes:— . . . 6BO.— Grey, A. E., Archdeacon-street, Nedlands.

Bert testing with newbie 6MU

WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK. . . . Several new local transmitters are on the air, and 6MU, using a 201A valve and a 150 volts from a small motor generator, is putting out a good strong and clear note. He was heard carrying out tests with 6BO the other evening, the latter by some means, having got down to 65 metres.

1925 09

Bert testing duplex with 6CJ

WIRELESS WEEK by WEEK. . . . 6BO and 6CJ were heard indulging in a little 'phone talk during the week and eavesdropping, we understand duplex work was being tried out, but 6BO complained about the awful QRM from his generator. Put it out in the back yard O.M. 6CJ's speech was the acme of clearness and puts the automatic in the shade.

Bert noted saying his output depends on the quality of rectifier solution; on holidays doing much transmitting

SHORT WAVE ACTIVITIES. The Week's Operations. Writing of the week's short wave activities is now an easy matter inasmuch as there is no apparent lack of interest, and anyone who has a transmitter, and so long as it oscillates, can be heard freely indulging in short wave work. There is a renewed activity on the 80-90 metre band, and quite a number of transmitters are back there again, after a little detour down among the 20's. In the consequent search after vanished radiation, though it is bad enough higher up, one can generally get some radiation to show. When dealing with short waves however, radiation actually shown on the metre appears to be of little account, and Australia can be spanned without the needle showing the slightest flicker. Locally the sixes are very active, and 6CJ is still the leader. The note still retaining its pure DC character, and is very strong. When this station tells the Eastern gang he is using rectified AC they invariably come back with, "How do you do it OM?" During a 'phone conversation with 6BO the other evening 6CJ was heard to say his radiation has been as high as 1½ amps., but varies with the quality of the solution in the rectifiers. This station is easily our best 6 and no difficulty is experienced maintaining communication with any portion of Eastern Australia. 6WP has again been key pounding down about 30 metres. A yet unconfirmed report says one of the G's has heard him. 6MU has dismantled his generator to see how it works, and also where all the voltage has gone. 6BN is doing wonderful work with a 5 watter, and 300 volts, and is QSO with the East and sigs very QSA. 6AG is too busy looking after broadcasting and 6WF's intricate gear. Come on, Wally, put on an op. Your station has earned W.A. its wireless reputation, so keep it up. 6BO is on holidays, and that means that his transmitter is kept busy working quite a number of other siders. Our old friend 6AM is heard very little these days. Like 6AG he is also very busy, but generally finds time to do a little transmitting. Nothing has been heard of 6AB, 6AC, 6AK, 6BB, 6BW or 6HJ. Where are you all? Our receiver goes from 60 to 130, some come right down there. If you want a mention of the Eastern amateurs a newcomer in 2IJ is coming in at tremendous strength, and as loud as KEL. Others heard were 2VI, 2GW, 2ZN, 7PF, 3OT, Z1AF, 7DX, 3LM, and a host of others.

Bert, as Technical Adviser to Subiaco Radio Society, eulogises 6WP for presentation

LOCAL WIRELESS CLUBS. SUBIACO. A very enthusiastic meeting was held by the Subiaco Radio Society at their meeting rooms at the Fire Station, Rokeby-road, on Wednesday last. The hon. president (Mr. W. Phipps) presided over a good attendance, and several new members were elected. A good deal of discussion centred around the building of a club transmitter, and a motion was carried that a 5-watt set be installed. A committee was formed to arrange for the building of the transmitter and a 500 volt transformer is to be purchased. Valve rectifiers will be installed in conjunction with a radiotron 5 watter. Short waves will be used, and it is hoped the society will shortly be able to carry out transmission with the Eastern States. During the evening a presentation was made to Mr. W. Phipps. The technical adviser (Mr. A. E. Grey) eulogised Mr. Phipps' work, and said that the strong and virile position of the Subiaco society at the present time was in a large measure due to Mr. Phipps' untiring efforts and zeal to further the interests of the club. It is significant whilst most other clubs are suffering from lack of attendance, Subiaco still holds attractions, so that members' interest does not flag. The transmitting committee will meet at Mr. Powell's Rooms, Rokeby-road, on Friday evening at 8 p.m. The next meeting of the society will be held on Wednesday, the 22nd inst., when arrangements will be finalised regarding the transmitter, and also details fixed for the holding of a junk sale.

Bert appointed one of the judges in Perth Sunday Times Wireless Competition

OUR WIRELESS COMPETITION. Open to all Radio Enthusiasts. For purposes of stimulating interest in the science of wireless, and jointly helping to foster enthusiasm in the keeping up of an efficient experimental station that will not only be an asset to the amateur movement but a pride to the owner, "The Sunday Times" is holding a competition that will embrace all radio enthusiasts. Owing to the sharp line of demarcation between amateurs and broadcast listeners, the competition will be so conducted that these two types do not clash. A first prize of £5 will be awarded in each case. It is proposed to time the closing of entries so that the amateur in the country districts and remotest portions of the State will have time to participate. The closing date will be Saturday, October 3, and the results will be announced in our issue of Sunday, October 11. The judges will be as follow:— Mr. W. Coxon (6AG), Mr. A. E. Grey (6BO), and Mr. J. Sutherland, assistant engineer 6WF, and their decision must be accepted as final. The following are the rules and conditions for each class:— BEST AMATEUR STATION. Prize, some useful accessory or accessories to the value of £5. (An order to that value will be given on any of our advertisers selected by the winner.) (1) Both receiving and transmitting stations eligible. (2) Wholly purchased complete commercial sets debarred. (3) Bought components and fitted up by the amateur does not apply to Rule 2. (4) Two photos, one giving the complete layout of the station and the other the internal wiring of the set or sets are required. (5) Satisfactory evidence must be given that a log-book is being kept and that anything in the nature of experimental work is being tabulated and recorded and a copy of one day's entries in the log will be required. (6) Special points will be allotted for ingenuity in construction or for any device that in the opinion of the judges is an aid to efficiency. (7) DX records and the logging of distant stations will be considered, subject to verification. (8) Differentiation will be drawn between one valve and multi sets, and the single valve or crystal will be on the same plane for purposes of judging, as a seven-valver efficiency will be the keynote. (9) A short description of about 300 words should accompany the photos and entry form, and also a rough circuit diagram. (10) Persons wholly engaged in commercial or professional wireless activities are not eligible. BROADCAST LISTENERS. Prize, some useful accessory or accessories to the value of £5. (An order to that value will be given on any of our advertisers selected by the winner.) Rule 1: This grade is open to those who define themselves purely as broadcast listeners. The differentiation between amateurs and B.C.L.'s will rest with the competitors themselves, who will decide as to which grade they are best fitted to compete in. Rules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (as given above) will also apply in this class. ENTRY COUPON. I herewith desire to submit my station for entrance in "The Sunday Times" Competition in the *broadcast or amateur section. Receiver used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. of valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *Score out word which does not apply.

Bert features prominently in the Sunday Times: antenna came down, 6BO has worked NZ

MATTERS LOCALLY. Activity of Operators. Locally, matters are still as active as ever. We heard 6CJ was having trouble, but certainly did not sound like it the other night; in fact, he was louder, and if possible his note purer than even. 6AG has been well into the fray, and was heard working almost any night, generally having a wongi with one of the sevens. 6AM, one of our consistent old-timers, is again proving himself, and is active enough to merit being called Young Peter. 6BO complains about his aerial having to come down, and says it is at present lying on the ground. He anticipates getting a mast up during the week, and should make a big noise now that there are two 30-watters on the job. 6WP is more variable than ever, and takes a mind reader and a contortionist to copy him. Say, Bill, note down about 65, keep it there, and you will Q.S.O., the same as the rest of us. 6BN reckons his transmitter deserves a holiday after his record breaking NZ Dx, but will soon be into the ring again. This station, for the power used, must be one of the most efficient in the whole of Australasia. 6MU is now away on vacation, and is going up country to see why the cockies like listening to 3LO better than 6WF (programmes my lad!). He intends taking the eternal low-losser with him. That is, if he can get a bogie for transportation. 6VK is down about 70, but we have not heard him. The same with 6AB. Eastwards they don't appear to sleep, and a few C.Q.'s from a 6 generally stirs up a nest of twos, threes, and sevens, even though it be 12 p. Some of them, anyway, wangle the key from under the blankets. As we heard 3YN say to 6BO, "Stand by whilst I turn in." The talk (with 3YN apparently well abed) went on. There appears to be increasing activity, and quite a number of new stations have appeared, and most of them heard here at good strength. 7PF, our delegate friend, was V.S.O. with us during the week, and about a dozen others. With the advent of further tests with South Africa, the sixes are shining up their gear to help getting that last tenth of an amp, that might make all the difference. But if a decent schedule is arranged there should be no difficulty, especially with 6AG, 6CJ, 6BO, and 6AM, all of whom have worked New Zealand. Locally, we re-port as follows, 6AG has again got into commission, and of course, gets over as usual. 6BO is getting out very well and since alterations to the aerial has worked 18 stations, including Z3AE. 6MU is now coming in at excellent strength, and should be QSO with the East, these 201A's are some transmitting valves. The variable 6WP is down about 60 with lots of radiation, and considering straight AC is used, he has a very pure note. 6BN finds no difficulty in raising either a two, three, five or a seven, and is pretty active. 6AM was heard working the fives. 6CJ is still the same, as loud and clear as ever, and we had to politely ask him to reduce power the other evening in the interests of our phones and ears. We heard 6AB calling for a second, but a call failed to raise him, so it may have been a pirate. Eastwards they have been having a little rain and some of them are a little weaker. Damp weather soon brings out aerial insulation defects. 5LF using a 201A comes in like a 50 watter and 7PX is also doing good work with the 201A's. 2CX, 3LM and 2WS were not up to their usual strength and 3LM has developed a peculiar spacing wave. 3PX is a newcomer, who is pushing out a good strong and pure signal, and likewise 2ZN. During portion of the week we noticed fading was particularly bad, and hardly any station could be called steady. The cloudy weather is probably to blame. Amongst others, heard were 5CA, 7CS, 7GD, 3OT, and ZUL.

Bert off-air while new mast is erected

RADIOGRAMS By AERIAL. . . . 6BO notifies that he will be off the air whilst a new mast goes up. The neighboring tree that previously per-formed the duty as an aerial support, has to give way to make room for modern home building. 6BO says the respite will be handy, as he has about 40 QSL cards to go over.

6BO gets one of his new masts up, and a new addition to the family

RANDOM JOTTINGS. NOTES FROM HERE AND THERE. Sympathy is extended to Mr. "Jock" Sunderland upon the loss of his 90 ft. mast during the recent blow. He found it across his neighbour's fence and fowl run. What annoyed him most was that a neighbouring aerial hastily built out of scrap timber and looking as though it would go at any time, had withstood the strain of the storm. A meeting of the Research Bureau of the Institute is being called for Friday, October 2. 6BO has one of his new masts up. He appears to be waiting for the gales to pass over before he finishes the job. Domestic matters have also interfered with his attention to the wireless "shack." Congratulations, 6BO, upon the addition to the family. Announcer Harold Wells has spent a week on the Eastern wheat belt with his motor cycle — a well earned holiday. The American Radio Relay League requests amateurs to endeavor to pick up signals from NKF, Bellevue D.C. Time signals are sent daily during September on 81.5 metres at 6.5 a.m. Eastern-American time. Patients recovering from an anaesthetic are responsible for some odd sayings. It is stated that a well-known Subiaco experimenter who recently underwent a minor operation, on returning to consciousness murmured: "Is that 6WF calling?" A good story is told concerning the Research Bureau's "static" investigation. A man who has just been bitten with the wireless "bug" telephoned a friend on Friday, and asked if he knew definitely "what time 6WF were going to broadcast the 'static.' "

1925 10

Bert the subject of some ham humour

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . 6BO's sigs have been heard up Singapore way. 6AG and 6AM are only moderately active, saving up the aerial amps for the South African tests. 6BN is reported from the country as having 100 per cent modulation. Transmitting Personalities.— 6AG: "Have a look at the bathroom light and see if I'm on 80. 6CJ: "Look out, 6BO, you've got one foot on the high tension supply and the other is mixed up with the 250 A.C." 6WP: "What's my wave length now? It hasn't been altered for five seconds." 6BN: "Wish those guys would send better and give a man a chance to find out their wave lengths." 6AM: "Yes, righto, al-ways pleased to test." 6HS: "Can do a cheaper line on bargain days." 6BO: "Why put redundant dots in your Morse." 6MU: "Who inspired the design of your Q.S.L. card?"

Bert amongst a group intending to use lower wavelengths

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . The South African tests have faded into insignificance now. Who wants to wongi with someone a few thou-sand miles when 6AG can converse with Abdul, a mere 7500 miles off? Two new transmitters come on the air, 6GL (Mr. G. Lorden) and 6KB [sic, 6KX] (Mr. H. Simmons). Both have been fairly active and give promise of becoming some of our most consistent workers in the DX field. 6WP, 6AG, 6MU, and 6BN, 6BO and 6CJ are hankering after the title of I.W.W.'s (international wireless workers. Hence excursions are proposed down to the 40 metre band. 6AG has already gained first honors. Who's next? We tip either 6CJ or 6MU.

Bert visits upwardly mobile co-worker 6AM Peter Kennedy, very busy at work

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . 6AM entertained 6BO and opened the latter's eyes as to what a silent background in reception means. You hear the signal and nothing else, not even an "atmo." Distant transmitters using a watt or so congratulate 6AM on his F.B. receiver, and we hasten to add ours. 6BN is mildly active, whilst 6WP is exploring on 40 metres with an amp. radiation. 6BO does a little now and then but reckons he has no spare time now.

1925 11

Bert undertaking little DX work

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . Locally things are not at all lively, 6AG is away, whilst 6BO is indifferent to DX work.

1925 12

Bert acts as WA Radio Inspector in the absence of George Archibald Scott, provides information on AOCP exam questions

WIRELESS NEWS AND NOTES. (By "Electron.") . . . LICENCE EXAMINATIONS. At the request of several readers who are desirous of preparing for the examination for an amateur's transmitting licence, the following copy of a typical set of papers is published as a guide for those who intend studying for this examination. The time allowed for the first paper is two hours, and comprises the following questions:— (1) Draw diagram of a two-valve transmitter adapted for C.W., buzzer modulated C.W. (I.C.W.) and telephony. Show source of primary power and apparatus for obtaining requisite H.T. supply and include aerial ammeter, plate milliameter and filament voltmeter in the circuit, 25 marks. (2) Draw diagram of a three-valve, receiver suitable for C.W. signals, 15 marks. (3) Explain the construction and functions of both high and low frequency chokes, 15 marks. (4) Define R.F. currents, electromagnets, grid leak, wavemeter and variometer, 10 marks. (5) State the chemical action which takes place in an accumulator when discharging. What makes an accumulator gas on completion of discharge, and how to get rid of alight sulphating in an accumulator? 15 marks. All these are compulsory, whilst any two of the following four questions may be answered:— What is meant by choke control method of modulation? 10 marks. What effect would the application of A.C. to the plate of a transmitting valve have and why? 10 marks. What is direct and indirect coupling in a receiving set? 10 marks. What is a synchronous rectifier? 10 marks. The second paper embraces traffic routine and the time allowed is one hour. All the questions are compulsory and comprise:— (1) Illustrate a test transmission with an experimenter in another State, also show a log entry of the test. 20 marks. (2) Give the meaning of the following signals, "QRP," etc., etc. 20 marks. (3) What do certain Morse signals indicate, 20 marks. (4) State what you know of the rules made by the department in order to avoid interference with other stations. 20 marks. (5) What is the international distress signal and maritime warning signal, also what action would you take if you heard either of these signals whilst engaged in making a test? 20 marks. Through the courtesy of Mr. A. E. Grey, who is acting as Radio Inspector during the absence of Inspector Scott, the above information has been obtained, but readers must observe the questions vary at each sitting. The fundamental principles of wireless telegraphy and telephony are, however, maintained. It was my intention to give a series of articles dealing with these examinations, but this is now impossible. However, prospective candidates will find the show articles which appear in these columns each Saturday very helpful in their studies. A valuable asset in the library would be a copy of the "Handbook on Valve Transmitters," by W. James, whilst, if possible, a copy of the P.M.G.'s Handbook would be helpful in preparing for the traffic routine paper.

6BO stated to be operating on 70 metres wavelength

ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. . . . "Condenser," Darlington, would like to receive information regarding the follow-ing:— (1) Would it be possible to tune be-low 80 metres with a .0003 mfd variable condenser, using coils of 2 and 4 turns, each of copper wire, 3/16 of an inch in diameter. The natural wavelength of the aerial, including lead-in, is about 230 metres. (2) Would the aerial do or should it be shorten-ed to receive local amateurs. (3) What wave-lengths do they work on, also their times of transmitting. (4) Would an aerial 100ft. long and 30ft. high be suitable for receiving Eastern States' broadcasting. Answer: (1) For receiving on short wavelengths, i.e., up to 80 metres, the aerial should not be more than 50ft. long. The .0003 mfd condenser would be O.K., but the coils would not suit. You do not state their diameter, but would advise 8 turns of No. 18 d.c.c. wire for aerial and 12 turns of No. 16 for the secondary (2) Answered by No. 1. (3) 6AG, W. E. Coxon, 30 and 90 metres, 6BN, A. E. Stevens, 90 metres; 6BO, A. E. Gray, 70 metres; 6AM, F. Kennedy, 85 metres; 6WP, W. Phipps, 70 metres; 6CJ, E. J. Darley, 75 metres; and 6AB, O. Cecil, 90 metres. These wave-lengths may vary, as these transmitters are continually experimenting. (4) Yes.

Bert quite inactive, but wavelength now 27 metres

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . The short wave fraternity have been so inactive during the week that we can't chronicle the transmission of one local station on the 90 metre band. With the exception of 6AG and 6BO none are audible on the forties. The former station, is carrying out inter-national working quite as frequently as of yore and sufficiently to be QSO with the Eastern States. We expect great things from Mr. Coxon and his very efficient plant in the future, and we won't be the least surprised to learn that he has worked every portion of the globe where amateurs exist. There is no question about the superiority of the 40 meter band for extreme long distance work, but there are many pitfalls to be surmounted before the 90 metre worker can get down to this desired band. We suggest that 6AG should give a lecture before the affiliated society members on the peculiarities of very short wave transmission. . . . There is an exodus of local amateur transmitters down to 40 metres. Several are now operating on this wave, but 6BO is the lowest on 27 metres.

Radio Inspector Scott returns from holidays and Bert returns to normal duties

MERELY ATOMS. FROM HERE AND THERE. Asia, the last continent to hear station KDKA's international short wave relay system, has reported reception of the station's programmes. A programme relayed by the station was picked up in Yokohama. Europe, South America, Australia, and Africa have successfully reported reception of the station's programmes. Arrangements are being made for having the Japanese station re-broadcast programmes relayed on the short wave by KDKA. It is claimed for the supersonic heterodyne that stations separated by 15 kilocycles only, can be isolated. The investigation concerning atmospherics will again receive the attention of the Research Bureau of the Wireless Institute on Friday evening at 8 p.m. Wireless valves will carry an extra duty in the new year. Now is the time to make yourself a Christmas present. The radio inspector (Mr. G. Scott) is back on the job again, after a few weeks' holiday. He was relieved by 6BO during the holiday period. It has been suggested that 6WF might broadcast a programme from Cottesloe. Country listeners could then hear the waves breaking, on the shore, the laughter and merriment of the bathers, and if a band was provided a musical programme could be included.

Bert achieving numerous international contacts on 35 metres

LOW POWER INTERNATIONAL DX. A6BO (Mr. A. E. Grey) is now ably assisting 6AG to place W.A. on the radio map, and whilst his achievements are not compared to Mr. Coxon's excellent work, nevertheless some very creditable international working has been carried out, using an input power of only 25 watts. Prior to last week the transmitter was operating on a wavelength of 27.5 metres, but this appeared to be a bit on the low side, as no stations were worked. An excursion was made further up the wave band to 35 metres. With this change the first foreign amateur was worked, when 1AU Philippine Islands was contacted with, 8LBT, French IndoChina, soon followed and then the U.S.S. "Helena" (N.G.Y.) located at Canton, China was talked to. PI1HR, and PI1NF also provided bilateral communication. Most of these stations report 6BO's signals as strength 6, and N.G.Y. said "Fine business" when 6BO said he was only using 25 watts. QSB was reported as good and wave very steady. The Hartley circuit is used in the transmitter, which has two Phillips 30 watters in parallel as oscillators. The high tension is supplied by a 600 volt motor generator, and an aerial radiation of .5 amp is obtained. The receiver comprises the well-known Reinartz circuit, with a Marconi QX valve as a rectifier. Photographs of the station will appear in a subsequent issue.

Bert works Saigon

Notes. 6BO and 6AG have both worked F1 8LBT, who is Senor Lambert, 146 Zia Rue, Lefebre, Saigon, Indo-China. By the way he is a very courteous gentleman, as he addressed 6BO, when he gained touch with him, as "My dear Old Man" and 6AG equally as affectionately with "My Dear Friend."

6BO heard in Jopore, India, tries to work Palestine 6ZK but is not successful

RADIOGRAMS. By AERIAL. . . . 6BO has received a card from Jopore, India, reporting reception of his signals whilst working PI1AC. Strength was given as R4. . . . 6AG (Mr. W. E. Coxon) was successful in gaining touch with an amateur in Palestine during the week. To our knowledge this is the first occasion on which any Australian amateur has communicated with the above mentioned country. 6AG had no trouble in working and his signals were reported as very Q.S.A. The Palestinian whose call was 6ZK, had a very strong and pure D.C. note, and was easily readable locally. He was heard calling Australia a night or so later on, and signifying he had some traffic to dispose of. 6BO endeavored to contact, but was unsuccessful.

1940s

1941

1941 03

Bert, as PMGD Senior Radio Inspector, is contact point to apply for permits to use radiating apparatus

BAN ON RADIATION. The Wireless Transmitting Apparatus (Possession) Order will come into force on April 1. Under this order no person without a permit may have in his possession wireless transmitting apparatus or certain other types of apparatus which could be used as transmitters if they are capable of developing power exceeding 10 watts on a frequency exceeding 10,000 cycles per second. Apparatus concerned are diathermy or other electro-medical apparatus in which valves or spark coils are used (not including normal modern types of violet-ray, ultra-violet ray, infra-red ray, X-ray apparatus or medical shocking coils); high frequency furnaces, eddy-current heating apparatus or high-frequency testing oscillators. Application forms are available from the Senior Radio Inspector Mr. A. E. Grey, Wireless Branch, Second Floor, G.P.O., Perth.