Or Pacific Radio Amateurs

Conducted By Ex Zk-1-Ac/Vr-2-Ak.

lOM Bari, VR2BZ, we have an interest ing report on his latest Tokelau Edition and some other news of rest. His photographic blocks could be prepared in time for this issue will appear next month. The RNZAF derland left Lauthala Bay, Fiji, a k later than forecast and Bari sared on the air eventually from unono for about one hour on the ing of December 14, making 13 con -5 on 20-metres, six on phone, ructions had been received in Apia to use the ZM7 prefix this time. A iion is being made in Wellington re ing a Tokelau prefix and it is learnt Hcially that ZK3 is a future ibility, as these islands have the ! status as the Cooks and Niue— L/2. am a DX point of view therefore, the mber expedition was probably dis inting to the cardsters, as the call this time was VR2BZ/A on CW, and IBZ portable Tokelau Islands” on e. Bari remarks “It had most of chaps baffled I think, because there not sufficient time for me to spread word about the change”, nd conditions were quite different time, and W stations were hardly )le on 20, but VK’s were coming igh well, a couple of the SSB boys included amongst those worked, contact was with Stan, VR2AS, Bari’s home rig, which is located next to Stan’s. Only DX station ioned is PY2CK, Santo, Brazil, ly two nights were spent at Nuku atoll and on the second of these the people put on a big entertainment the visiting Catholic Bishop who lied from Apia in the aircraft. This, the fact that he was ready for some after the flying of the previous day, out further hamming for this trip. , ZM6AS, was also in the Tokelaus bout the same time, travelling per sual chartered vessel “Manu’a Tele”, hough he had his gear with him he ot get on the air at all. He was work it each of the three atolls by day, in the evening, there being no >rages, “Manu’a Tele” put to sea cruised slowly up to the next atoll g the night, laying off until dawn, srseas Hams probably do not iciate the conditions prevailing in 'okelaus. An overnight stop is never at any of the atolls unless the ier prevents completion of cargo ing in one day. The ship Master’s concern is to get clear of these :rous atolls at the earliest moment.

RNZAF Sunderland aircraft has Ings only in Nukunono lagoon, the »1 of the three atolls ,and the air returns there each night after ig daylight flights to the others, iircrew thus do have nights ashore, isually only at Nukunono. > aboard “Manu’a Tele” this trip two other ZM6 Hams on official ess to the Group. So had there been 3 ashore a great deal of Ham ty may have eventuated. 1 reports that next RNZAF flight

is scheduled probably for February, but he does not expect to be aboard as his period of service with RNZAF in Fiji will be completed by then. It is possible however, that Jerry Ayres, VR2AB, a recent arrival, may be aboard with a ZC-1 rig.

Other news from Bari: Keith, ex- VR2CS, formerly with ZJV broadcasting station in Suva, is expected back from Australia to join the staff of Fiji Broad casting Commission’s VRH—and is ex pected to be active on the Ham bands again. Bari and Stan, VR2AS, erected new beams in December—Stan now has a Vest Pocket, and Bari’s is a full-sized 20-metre beam.

From Papeete we hear that Roland d’Assignies, late FOSAD of Rapa, is de parting on a tour of W Ham-shacks, enroute home to France. No word of his future plans.

From our Balboa correspondent we hear that Bud Devine, an American who has been resident several years in the Galapagos, is now licensed and active on 10, 15, and 20 metres as HCBGI. Best time to catch him: 2300-0100 GMT.

No late news from Christmas Island (Pacific) but we understand that KP6AK is still active on Palmyra using a TBS-20 riff.

For a new angle on BCL troubles a despatch from London dated December 19 is interesting. James Raddings, of Ryde, Isle of Wight, complained recently of mystery voices. Fortunately before his relatives “put him away” he was able to note down the name and address of one of the voices. It turned out to be a Ham, Tony Fowler, of Ryde, whose phone sigs were modulating poor James’ hearing aid!

fl Mr. L. M. Browne, veteran radio eommumeations officer, has retired alter 40 years of service in the Fiii communications held. Mr. Brown at Natukiwai, Rewa, and P ‘ & T - department “*** the age of 16. He served with the Government in various parts of the Colony and joined Wireless (A’sia) Ltd. in 1928, when that company took over the Colony’s radio communica tions. During World War II Mr Browne was engineer in charge of an overseas communication equin ment. Mr. and Mrs. Browne, now on leave m Australia and New Zea land, have not yet decided where they will settle.