MQI

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Re: Macquarie Island   R.E.Rogers 14/4/00

       From a hand written list in a notebook which belonged to 
       W.T.Watkins (7AA) of Wireless Calls originally published by the 
       Wireless Institute of Victoria in 1914. (see AR Aug 1970 p10)

       MAL   Adelie Land
       MQI   Macquarie Island


       In the Year-Books of Wireless Telegraphy 1916 and 1919, Macquarie 
       Island Radio is listed with the call VIQ, normal range 300 miles 
       (same as Hobart VIH), hours 6pm to midnight.

       In the 1919 book, on page 977 is:

       Maquarie Island radio station was closed on October 14th, 1915.   
       Since it was opened by Sir Douglas Mawson it has done very good 
       work indeed and is one of the most notable researches in 
       meteorology of the day.   Since Sir Douglas Mawson sold the 
       establishment to the Australian Government the New Zealand 
       Government has contributed 500 pounds per annum toward its upkeep, 
       mainly the research into Antarctic conditions, and to link up with 
       the Imperial Antarctic Expedition still in the South.   It has 
       also proved a valuable aid in forecasting in dealing with westerly 
       storm areas.   Some valuable records from the island were lost in 
       the s.s.Endeavour, but there is much scope for research work upon 
       the records which remain.   The records were not entirely lost, 
       for they had been partly transmitted by wireless before the 
       originals were removed.


       In a letter to me from Wal Easterling (27/9/94), he says "Bill Sawyer
       was at Macquarie Island in 1912 and could work VIH with ease."