History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Robert John Beatson/Notes

1925 06
Bob already involved in Wooloowin Radio Club, designated to lead one side of a debate the following month "CLUB ACTIVITIES. . . . WOOLOOWIN RADIO CLUB, BRISBANE. Another very satisfactory meeting was held at the club's headquarters on 25th instant. Following on recent correspondence from the Ipswich Radio Society, it is expected that the members of the Wooloowin Club will visit that centre on Saturday, July 4, to make the acquaintance of the Ipswich enthusiasts. Matters in connection with the issue of a club-badge are well in hand, and the technical committee announced that it hoped to put 4WN on the air in a fortnight's time. A social evening to augment the club funds has been approved for Thursday evening, July 16, and Messrs. Jiear, Love, and Anderson have been appointed a committee to further the arrangements. During the evening Mr. J. P. Love gave an excellent discourse on 'B Batteries,' and subsequently a keen discussion took place. Mr. Love was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. On Thursday, July 9, six members of the club, under the leadership of Messrs. Ryan and Beatson, will meet in debate. Thursday, July 2, will be an informal night for general wireless discussion. Inquiries from friends and intending members should be addressed to the hon. secretary (Mr. H. A. Jiear), Lisson Grove, Wooloowin."

1925 07
As previous, the debate takes place "CLUB ACTIVITIES. . . . WOOLOOWIN RADIO CLUB. The usual Thursday meeting of the Wooloowin Radio Club attracted a large attendance of members. One new member was enrolled. Correspondence was received from the Ipswich Radio Society, and at that club's request the visit of the Wooloowin Club to Ipswich was postponed till the return of their president; on July 23. The secretary announced that at the instance of the Wooloowin Radio Club and the Queensland Wireless Institute arrangements had been made to stage a big 'all club night,' in August, when the wireless film, 'The Wizardry of Wireless,' and associated attractions will be screened. The Wooloowin Club is to hold a social and dance on July 23, and invitations are being forwarded to all nearby radio clubs. Arrangements are well in hand for the annual meeting of the club, to be held early in August, and radio enthusiasts of the district are cordially invited to attend. This year the Wooloowin Radio Club will again stage a cup exhibition at the forthcoming Windsor show. It is hoped that this event will increase the interest of the Windsor townspeople in their district club, which by the show date will be of more than twelve months standing. The remainder of the evening was devoted to a keen debate between teams consisting of Messrs. C. Ryan, V. Homan, and J. Faber, R. Beatson, and H. Stephenson. Next Thursday an examination evening will be held. All inquiries on cup matters should be addressed to the secretary. Mr. H. A. Jiear, Lisson Grove, Wooloowin."

As previous, another report in the Brisbane Daily Standard includes the great Vern Kenna in the debating team, and notes that Beatson's team lost "WOOLOOWIN RADIO CLUB. The monthly business meeting of the Wooloowin Radio Club was held last Thursday night. Among the correspondence received was a letter from the Ipswich Radio Society, with reference to the proposed visit of this club, stating that it would not be suitable to receive members on the date mentioned on account of the absence of the president. It was decided to postpone the visit till the return of their president on July 23. The secretary reported that the Wireless Institute at the instance of the Wooloowin Club had decided to hold an all clubs night in August next, when the wireless film, 'The Wizardry of Wireless,' and supporting attractions would be shown. The social committee reported that arrangements had been made to hold a social and dance in the Guild Hall, Wooloowin, on July 23. Invitations will be forwarded to all nearby radio clubs. Arrangements have been made to stage an exhibit at the forthcoming Windsor Show, the same as last year, by which it is hoped the interest of the people of the district in this club will be aroused. The annual meeting will take place early in August. One new member was enrolled. The remainder of the evening was devoted to a debate between teams, consisting of Messrs. C. Ryan, V. Kenna, B. Homan, and W. Faber, R. Beatson, and H. Stephenson, which was won by the former by a substantial majority."

1929 01
In review of 1928 amateur radio activities by Australian Radio Transmitters' League, 4BB acknowledged for 28 MHz activities "Amateur Wireless. Transmitters' League Review of 1928 Activities. In a review of the activities of the Australian Radio Transmitters' League in 1928 specially written for the radio columns of 'The Telegraph,' Major Leo J. Feenaghty (Federal Secretary) refers to the amalgamation of the league with the Wireless Institute of Australia in an effort to bring about co-operation among all amateur transmitters and experimenters. Major Feenaghty writes:— The year was one of varied interests and activities for the Australian Radio Transmitters' League. At the beginning of 1928 there were two States which had inaugurated the league movement 'of, by, and for the amateur' — namely, Queensland (ever pioneers in advancement) and New South Wales. Before Father Time had spun his wheel more than a few rounds the Victorians joined in, and later Western Australia threw in its lot with the league. With great foresight the Western Australians named their league the A.R.T.L. (Western Australian division), and within a few weeks the Q.R.T.L., the N.S.W.R.T.L., and the V.R.T.L. became the A.R.T.L. and respective divisions. Thus four of the six radio districts had definitely thrown in their lot with the league movement. TRIBUTE TO QUEENSLAND. Following this move, Federal headquarters were established, and it is a tribute to Queensland that this State, by a unanimous vote, was selected as the first Federal headquarters of the league. Mr. M. M. O'Brien, the originator of the league idea, and president of the Queensland division, was selected as the first Federal president. Mr. O'Brien is the owner and operator of experimental station VK4MM. The training he received in the Australian Corps of Signallers, in which he holds the commission of lieutenant, stands him in good stead. Major Leo J. Feenaghty, of experimental station VK4LJ, was elected Federal secretary-treasurer, and Mr. C. J. Grant, B.A., B.Com., was made the third member. The closet co-operation was maintained among all divisions, and twice weekly the league H.O. station, VK4LJ, kept schedules with the Victorian and Western Australian divisions. On one notable occasion the Federal committee at VK4LJ controlled by radio a meeting of the Victorian division at VK3JR, contact being maintained for nearly three hours during which much urgent, and important business was transacted. The amendment of the wireless regulations caused great activity in the ranks of the A.R.T.L. and the requests of the league were incorporated in a most complete and comprehensive document which was presented to the Federal authorities. The membership of the Queensland division (then the Q.R.T.L.) at the beginning of 1928 was 28, and at the close of the year 40 transmitters were in the ranks, with three more awaiting admission. AMALGAMATION SCHEME. Realising that the needs of the transmitter could not be best served by two bodies the A.R.T.L. approached the Wireless Institute of Australia with a proposal for a total merger. To enable a full discussion of this proposal to be held the Federal secretary (Major Feenaghty) visited Melbourne to confer with W.I.A. headquarters. The conference was successful and a satisfactory scheme for amalgamation was drawn up. So far as Queensland is concerned the result will be that the A.R.T.L. will take control of A.R.T.L.-W.I.A. combine under the name of the Wireless Institute of Australia (Queensland division). Membership will be open to all transmitters and those holding equivalent qualifications, while all interested in the scientific side of the science of radio will be eligible for associate membership. Those who find fulfilment of their desires in listening to broadcasting only and are not keenly interested In the higher frequencies will be sufficiently catered for by the local radio clubs since the re-established institute is to be a scientific association essentially. 'THE Q.T.C.' The official organ of the league, 'The Q.T.C.,' which is published by the Queensland division under the editorship of Major Feenaghty, continues to thrive. Its mailing list covers every continent and 13 countries, while the list of foreign correspondents reads like the membership roll of the League of Nations. From India, Burmah, Czechoslovakia, Japan, the United States of America, England, and all over Australasia views and notes are received, all of which are incorporated in what may with all justification be called the most phenomenally successful amateur venture in Australia. The publication is the product of gratuitous amateur labour right throughout, and arrangements are now in hand to have it printed before long. NOTEWORTHY RECORDS. Several noteworthy records have been established by A.R.T.L. members on the 10 metre wave band, an A.R.T.L. man, Mr. S. C. Austin (Perth) being the first to work across Australia on this traffically high frequency when he established contact with Max B. Howden, of Melbourne. Several Queensland members have worked distant stations on this wave band, principally VK4BB, VK4AW, and VK4NW. A test on 85 metres was conducted in September, and the pennant winner for Australia was VK3WH owned and operated by the Traffic Manager of the Victorian Division. The Queensland Pennant was awarded to Arthur E. Walz (VK4AW). NEW WAVE BANDS. All members at present are experimenting on the new frequency bands allowed by the Washington Conference. Instead of using 32 metres as heretofore Australians now operate on 41-42 metres. Already America has been worked on the new band and further records are awaited. Any inquiries regarding the A.R.T.L. or the forthcoming amalgamation should be addressed to the Federal Secretary, Major Leo. J. Feenaghty, Desmond Chambers, Adelaide Street, Brisbane."

1929 07
4BB one of the four lecturers for the AOCP course run by the WIAQ "Wireless Institute. Course of Instruction. The Coming Conference. By 'LISTENER.' The Queensland division of the Wireless Institute of Australia has inaugurated a course of instruction for those desirous of sitting for the amateurs' transmitting license. Four members of the division — Messrs. M. M. O'Brien, A. E. Walz, R. J. Beatson, and C. H. Gold — are serving as lecturers. For the time being the classes are being conducted at the residence of Mr. W. A. Young, Granville Street, West End, on Monday evenings. Fourteen persons at present are attending the lectures, and several others have signified their intention of taking the course, which will cover the theory and practice of radio transmission, together with tuition in Morse code. It is anticipated that the course will extend over a period of 16 weeks. The lectures will be typed and copies will be given to each candidate as soon as possible after the lectures have been delivered. The typed copies will form a valuable addition to the amateur literature of Australia. These books will be issued to any country candidate at a fee. The division is reserving all rights in connection with these typed lectures. Each Tuesday evening station VK4CG is transmitting slow morse on 77 metres for the benefit of candidates. At the end of the course candidates will be advised whether the lecturers consider that they are competent enough to submit themselves for examination, and arrangements will be made with the Radio Inspector for the holding of the examination. If candidates desire to submit themselves for examination even though the lecturers hold the opinion that they are not quite up to the mark no obstacle will be placed in their way, and they will be included with others to go before, the Radio Inspector. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Major L. J. Feenaghty, organising secretary of the annual conference of the Wireless Institute of Australia, which is to be held in Brisbane during September, says that the agenda paper, on which will appear many matters of the utmost importance to the amateurs of Australia, is nearing completion. Word had been received, that Tasmania will be unable to send a delegate, and therefore a Victorian representative has been asked to act as a proxy for the Tasmanian division of the institute. The delegates will be entertained at a round of social functions by the members of the Queensland division, a civic reception will be accorded to them, and they will be driven round the beauty spots of Brisbane during the several days they will be here. Everything, said Major Feenaghty, points to a most successful conference. It would be a unique conference, inasmuch that it would be the first occasion that one had been held by the Institute in Queensland. Members of the Queensland division were gratified that Brisbane had been chosen as the meeting place for this year. Some of the most prominent amateur transmitting men of the Commonwealth would be in attendance at the conference and the discussions promised to be of a most interesting nature."

1929 12
The recently renamed WIA (Qld) holds public meeting, 4BB is appointed publicity director "WIRELESS INSTITUTE. NEW SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT. The Wireless Institute of Australia (Queensland Division) called a public meeting of those interested in wireless to further the interests of the institute, and a band of amateur wireless enthusiasts assembled in the State Service Union rooms, Elizabeth-street, last night. The president of the institute (Mr. M. O'Brien) was in the chair. The secretary (Mr. L. J. Feenaghty) said that the object of the meeting was to inaugurate a new system of government of the institute by a council and sections, to put into effect a more comprehensive set of rules governing the institute, and to elect members of the council and sectional representatives. Each section, he said, would be governed by a president and a secretary. He also mentioned that it was the intention of the institute to embark upon a publicity campaign to attract members and public interest. It was intended to hold lectures, meetings, &c. The meeting decided to initiate a country section. Pending consideration by that section, Mr. A. E. Walz (VK4AW) was elected to represent the country section on the council, pro tem. On the motions of Mr. W. Young and O. E. Alder, it was decided that, in order to encourage country members, 'This meeting takes a ballot of town members to reduce the fees of country members from 20/ to 15/,' and also 'That the council agrees to act as buying agent to purchase gear for country members at the best terms.' The new council was elected as follows:— President, Messrs. M. O'Brien (VK4MM); secretary, L. Feenaghty (VK4LJ); technical director, R. Browne (VK4RB); publicity director, R. Beatson (VK4BB); key section representative, W. Young (VK4WA); country section representative, A. E. Walz (VK4AW), pro tem.; and associate members' section representative, G. Payne. The selection of a representative for the 'phone section was postponed until the section met. In the key section Messrs. W. A. Young and G. Oxlade were appointed president and secretary respectively, and in the associate members' section Messrs. G. Payne and R. Rose were elected president and secretary pro tem, respectively. The various sections will meet monthly, the country fortnightly, and a general meeting will be held monthly."

1930 04
At WIAQ annual meeting, 4BB continues as publicity director "SPLENDID ZEAL. WIRELESS AMATEURS. AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE. The outstanding feature of the annual meeting of the Queensland division of the Wireless Institute of Australia, held last night in the Public Service House rooms, was the enthusiasm of the members, and their desire to assist associates to a higher degree of efficiency. Several speakers asserted that Queensland amateurs had attained a standard which bore favourable comparison with those in other parts of the world. The annual report revealed a membership of 28 town members, two honorary members, 12 country members (including the first lady transmitter in Queensland, Miss D. Harris [sic, Harriss] Longreach), three junior members, and 41 associate members. Reference was made to the work of outstanding merit performed by the two honorary members, Messrs. Leighton Gibson (VK4AN), and Andrew Couper (VK4BW), who three years ago maintained communications between Southern and Northern Queensland, when floods had isolated the North. The sixth annual convention of the Wireless Institute of Australia was held in Brisbane in September, 1929, when business of a Federal nature was decided. During the year the rules of the division were amended to bring them into conformity with those of other divisions. Appreciative reference was made to the generosity of Mr. J. B. Chandler, who donated apparatus for the official station (VK4WI), at Wooloowin, and to Mr. J. H. Hills, of Philips' Lamps, for a similar donation. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. Trophies won during the year were presented by the president as follows: — VK4CG cup, for best all-round station, to Mr. R. J. Browne (VK4RB); VK4LJ cup, for 250 metre telephony, to Mr. T. W. Starkie (4NW); VK4PN cup, for 20 metre work, to Rev. R. J. Delbrldge (VK4RJ); Hutchinson trophy, for experimental work, to Messrs. W. A. Young (VK4WA) and C. H. Gold (VK4CG). ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr. M. M. O'Brien (VK4MM); secretary and treasurer, Major L. J. Feenaghty (VK4LJ); assistant secretary, Mr. A. E. Walz (VK4AW); technical director, Mr. R. J. Browne (VK4RB); publicity director, Mr. R. J. Beatson (VK4BB); key and 'phone section's councillor, Mr, W. A. Young (VK3WA [sic, VK4WA]); country section, Mr. A. E. Walz (VK4AW); deputy chairman, Mr. W. A. Young (VK4WA) ; secretary of associate section, Mr. Les. Williams; honorary legal adviser, Mr. H. Walsh."

As previous, further detail including mention of 4BB coming second in 4PN Cup "RADIO. Wireless Institute. Telephony Transmissions Members' Schedules. The Wireless Institute of Australia (Queensland division) recently held its third annual meeting which was well attended by members and those interested. The presidential address was delivered by Mr. M. M. O'Brien, VK4MM, and he traversed the policy of the division, mentioning the outstanding events of the previous year. The report of the secretary showed that the division was in a flourishing condition there being 28 town members, 12 country members, three junior members, two honorary members, and 41 associate members. In the ranks of the country members is included Queensland's first lady transmitter — Miss D. Harriss, of Longreach. During the year the outstanding event was the sixth annual convention of the Wireless Institute of Australia held in Brisbane in September. This was the first time a convention was held in this State. It was gratifying to members to read the opinions of other divisions regarding the convention which they stated was the most successful yet held. As the Queensland divisions is the youngest recruit to the institute this is all the more pleasing. The amendment of the rules towards the end of last year provided for the government of the division being vested in a council and for the establishment of various sections, in which men interested in particular branches, of the science would congregate. The council government has had the effect of expediting business and the attendances at meetings have been extremely high. The officers elected for the ensuing year were: President, Mr. M. M. O'Brien (VK4MM); secretary and treasurer, Major Leo J. Feenaghty (VK4LJ); key and phone section councillor, Mr. W. A. Young (VK4WA); country section councillor, Mr. A. E. Walz ( VK4AW); technical director, Mr. R. J. Browne (VK4RB); publicity director, Mr. R. J. Beatson (VK4BB); associate member section, Mr. G. H. Payne; deputy chairman, Mr. W. A. Young (VK4WA). WINNERS OF TROPHIES. Opportunity was taken to present the trophies which were won during the year. The VK4CG Cup and blue pennant for the best all-round private experimental station in Queensland were awarded to Mr. R. J. Browne (VK4RB) who has done some noteworthy work, particularly in connection with high frequency transmission. Mr. Browne has made four contacts with the United States of America on 56000 KC (10 metres) (sic, 5 metres) this representing a record for the Commonwealth. The runnerup for this trophy was Mr. R. J. Beatson (VK4BB), who was presented with a red pennant. The VK4LJ Cup and blue pennant for the best 250 metre telephony station were awarded to Mr. T. W. Starkie (VK4NW) and Mr. C. R. Morris (VK4LW) was awarded a special blue pennant in view of the excellence of his transmission and the fact that considerable difficulty was experienced by the committee in deciding which of the two should receive the cup. The Hutchinson trophy for experimental work was awarded jointly to the stations owned by Messrs. Young (VK4WA) and Gold (VK4CG). The VK4PN Cup and Blue Pennant for Transmissions on 14 MC and higher were awarded to the Rev. R. J. R. Delbridge of Childers (VK4RJ) and a red pennant was awarded to Mr. R. J. Beatson as runnerup. TELEPHONY TRANSMISSIONS. In connection with telephony transmissions, it is interesting to note that the following schedule is adhered to by the leading amateur phone transmitters in Brisbane. VK4NW: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Week nights, except Wednesday and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wave length 248 metres. VK4LW: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wave length 224 metres. VK4GO: 6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m. nightly. Sundays, 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Wave length, 227 metres. VK4PG: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wave length, 222 metres. VK4WN: Sunday, 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wave length, 240 metres. VK4JU and VK4BH occasionally transmit on the band between 200 and 250 metres. This schedule will be subject to re-vision when the new regulations are in force as a result of the establishment of a B class station in this district. Any inquiries, regarding the institute should be addressed to the secretary, Major Leo J. Feenaghty (VK4LJ), Box T1412, G.P.O., Brisbane."

1930 05
4BB reported silent, either preparing for shift to Maryborough or already there "Amateur Notes. . . . VK4PN, VK4MF, VK4AW, VK4JG, VK4GR, VK4CG, VK4BB, VK4WA, VK4RO, VK4RJ, VK4GA, Silent."

1930 07
4BB now in Maryborough, but no amateur transmissions "Amateur Notes. . . . VK4BB must be very busy at Maryborough. He has not been heard of for months."

1930 08
4BB returns to Brisbane for a week's leave "Amateur Notes. . . . VK4BB is in town for a week's holiday, and is looking very well indeed."

1930 11
4BB, now with the local Radiola agent (Wynne's Music?) consulted on interference to broadcast of Melbourne Cup "DISAPPOINTED LISTENERS. As announced, a description of the Melbourne Cup race was broadcast from Melbourne through all the 'A' class stations yesterday at 3.30 p.m. Probably nearly all of the receiving sets in Maryborough were tuned in. The Queensland station, 4QG, was heard perfectly and without static. The station switched over to 3LO, Melbourne, and again the description of the horses as they went through their preliminary gallops, and the announcements concerning owners and jockeys were all heard with clarity, punctuated by mild little chirps as neighbouring sets tuned in. As soon as the race started, however, fierce whistling caused by excessive oscillation debarred listeners from the pleasure of following the race. Mr. R. J. Beatson, of the Radiola Depot, spoken to yesterday, suggested that the trouble was caused by deliberate interference locally. The trouble lasted only whilst the race was in progress, even the chattering of the crowds at Flemington being heard before that. As soon as the description had ended the trouble, too, ceased. Many persons gathered at the Radiola Depot and other wireless houses were naturally disappointed as were those in private homes with sets. As so many persons unfamiliar with radio were listening in the trouble may give a wrong impression of the modern receiving set. If, as Mr. Beatson suggests, the trouble was deliberately caused, the matter should be investigated in the interests of those who pay their heavy license fees."

1931 05
Concurrent with the announcement that Wynne's Music has secured the AWA agency for Maryborough and district, 4BB appointed their wireless expert "NEW RADIOLA DEPOT. Mr. A. P. Wynne, the well-known music dealer, has been fortunate in securing the appointment as distributor in Maryborough and district for Amalgamated Wireless of Australasia Limited. The products of Amalgamated Wireless Ltd. are famous throughout the world and Mr. Wynne should find an excellent opening in this district for trade in the wireless sets and contrivances which he will stock. Mr. Wynne has a name that is at once coupled with everything musical and as wireless is recognised to be the coming means of hearing the best music possible he should have no regrets for having taken on the agency. Wireless opens up many avenues of entertainment and forms a most interesting and amusing hobby. Mr. Wynne's stocks of both electric and battery model wireless sets will arrive and may be heard at his music showrooms in Kent-street on Monday. In connection with the agency Mr. Wynne has secured the services of Mr. R. Beatson, a thoroughly competent wireless expert. Customers may therefore be assured of perfect installation and Radiola owners will also be pleased to know that they can depend on getting any service required. Besides the instruments, Mr. Wynne's comprehensive stocks will include batteries, valves, and all other requirements of wireless enthusiasts to get the best out of their sets."

1931 06
First recorded broadcast on Sunday morning 28 June 1931 by 4BB (Beatson likely would have been continuing his amateur radio operations soon after relocating to Maryborough) "ON THE AIR. Maryborough's experimental broadcasting station, VK4BB, was on the air yesterday morning, the volume and clarity of the music from selected records being all that could be desired, in the city, at all events. We understand that the station, now located in Wynne's music store, has everything in readiness for regular programmes, and that they will be announced very shortly. Mr. R. Beatson is supervising the broadcasting."

Maryborough Advertiser announces 30 June 1931 that VK4BB Maryborough will operate to a regular schedule with Bob superintending "'VK4BB, MARYBOROUGH, CALLING!' Experimental broadcasts from a station VK4BB, situated in Mr. A. P. Wynne's premises, Kent-street, will be carried out on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evenings on a wave length of about 245 metres. Reports of the reception will be appreciated and may be phoned to 452 or written to Mr. A. P. Wynne, Radiola distributor, Maryborough, Mr. R. J. Beatson will superintend the station."

1931 07
Advertisement of 1 July for VK4BB regular broadcasting on 245 metres (1225 kHz) "STATION V.K. 4.B.B CALLING FROM — WYNNE'S MUSIC STORE. Experimental Broadcasts under the supervision of our Wireless Expert, Mr. R. J. Beatson, will be carried out on — TUESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY EVENINGS on about 245 metres. Reports of the Reception will be appreciated. 'Phone 452 or write to — A. P. WYNNE, RADIOLA DISTRIBUTOR, KENT STREET, MARYBOROUGH."

Bob's broadcasts just one of 4 classified advertisements for Wynne's in the Maryborough Chronicle "WYNNE'S RADIOLA 45. FITTED WITH FULL DYNAMIC SPEAKER. Free installation; no extras to buy. Battery Model .. .. .. £37/15/-Electric Model .. .. .. £40/15/-Guaranteed to pull in as far as Perth and New Zealand. WRITE FOR CATALOGUE. Easy Terms Arranged. WYNNE'S RADIOLA DISTRBUTORS, KENT-STREET, MABYBOBOUGH. . . . ALL Radio Valves can be purchased from Wynne's, at Brisbane prices. . . . EXPERIMENTAL Radio Broadcast by Mr. Beatson from Wynne's on Tuesday and Friday from 7 p.m. and on Sundays 6.30 p.m. . . . PICTURES make an ideal birthday gift or wedding present. Wynne's have an excellent stock to select from."

Some background on the experimental broadcast station VK4BB "RADIO VK4BB. The novelty of an experimental radio station in Maryborough coupled with the excellent programme of records being broadcast has been responsible for great numbers of letters from enthusiasts pouring in to Mr. R. Beatson and Mr. A. P. Wynne, in whose music shop the station is situated and conducted by Mr. Beatson who holds the license and is a member of Mr. Wynne's staff. One letter of appreciation came from Mount Bauple. The station is only an experimental one and will take some time to bring it to a standard comparable with other low-powered stations. The power is low and therefore the range of the transmitter is limited and interference is experienced from stations with similar wave lengths. The mechanism has been entirely built locally by Mr. R. Beatson. For the present, experimental transmissions will be on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a wave length varying between 200 and 250 metres."

1931 08
Detailed report of the wedding of Bob's sister Marge "FLANAGAN — BEATSON. A nuptial mass was celebrated at St Columbia's, Wilston, on August 12, when Rev. Father F. Burton officiated at the marriage of Miss Marge Beatson (only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Beatson, First-avenue, Wilston) and Mr. Tom Flanagan (son of Mrs. F. Flanagan, and the late Mr. W. Flanagan, Body's Bay, Tweed Heads). The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a frock of shell pink mariette over white satin, made on classical lines, the fully flared skirt falling to the ankles. Her veil of pink tulle fell from a Juliet cap of silver lace, finished with orange blossoms. The bride carried a sheaf of arum lilies. Miss Kath Fallon and Miss Mollie Carroll (Nambour) attended their cousin as bridesmaids. They were frocked alike in Persian gowns of apple green organdie, ankle length, and appliqued with pink roses. Their picture hats of pink tulle were trim-med with pink posies and streamers of black velvet. They carried posies of pink sweet peas, set in silver holders. Mr. P. O'Donoghue was best man, and Mr. C. Beatson, groomsman. Mrs. M. Carew presided at the organ. The bride's mother wore a frock of wool crepe de Chine in plum shade, relieved with trimmings and scarf of brown and mastic, and a brown and mastic Baku hat. Mrs. Flanagan choose black satin and white trimmings with her hat of black and white, and a posy of red roses. The wedding breakfast was held at the home of the bride's parents. The honeymoon is being spent at Southport, the bride travelling in a frock of wine-colored crepe de Chine, relieved with white, and a white hat."

1951 11
Overview of Wynne's at time on conversion to proprietary company, credits 4BB role with the firm and itial experimental broadcasts of 4BB in lead up to establishment of 4MB "BIG FORWARD MOVE: WYNNES A COMPANY. THE business and commercial world of Maryborough has seen many changes and affiliations since the war, and the well known business conducted by Mr. A. P. Wynne, in Kent-street has now joined those who have felt the need for expansion. To cope with the increased business, resulting from representation of the leading brands of radio and electrical goods, the firm has been formed into a limited company, to be known as Wynne Pty. Ltd. In making this announcement, yesterday. Mr. A. P. Wynne stated that the business will remain at the same address, and he would continue to be closely associated with it. Commencing business in July, 1919 at the Chronicle buildings in Adelaide-street in a small shop (now occupied by Mr. R. Skennerton, well-known barber), it was soon evident that the humble beginning was no bar to progress, and growing pains demanded larger space. This was acquired in Kent-street at the present address of Hansen's, the jewellers, but once more Mr. Wynne found himself restricted for space, and a further move was made in 1924 to the present premises of W. Adam & Sons in Kent-street. Whilst located at this address in May, 1931, Mr. Wynne was awarded the Radiola franchise by Chandlers Pty. Ltd., the Queensland distributor, and at that time Mr. R. J. Beatson joined the staff. PROGRESSIVE MOVES. The first regular transmission of radio programmes in Maryborough was commenced, using Mr. Beatson's experimental license and call sign 'V.K. 4B.B.' It is now past history how commercial broadcasting developed from this beginning, and today is represented by 4MB, formed in 1932 with Mr. Wynne as managing director since its inception. The final move to be made by the growing firm occurred in 1937 when the present premises in Kent-street were occupied. With the advent of the Wide Bay Regional Electricity Board, and expanded power services, the demand for radio electrical goods has been increased to such an extent that capital expansion was rendered necessary, and the new company has been formed to offer even better service to the public, and new lines not previously carried. Mr. Wynne gives the public, which has been so loyal and generously supported him in the past, an assurance that the present policy of fair dealing and service will be maintained. The staff has been retained and will continue to foster that good will which already exists between itself and its many friends, the customers."

1954 10
Bob sells a second property located at Mt Morgan "I HEREBY withdraw from sale from all agents my property situated at East St, Mt Morgan, same having been sold by Millar, Grieve & Jolly. (Signed) R. J. BEATSON."