History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Clubs/Wireless Institute Qld/Notes

1912 04
There can be no doubt that Balsillie met with wireless enthusiasts in Brisbane at the time of his VIB sites inspection. Likely this was a driver for the formation of the WIQ "BRISBANE WIRELESS STATION, Sites Inspected Yesterday. The Postmaster-General (Hon. C. E. Frazer) yesterday, inspected a number of sites for the Brisbane wireless telegraphy station. The Minister visited Pinkenba, and a position was inspected in that locality, but the situation was not approved. Another site that occupied the attention of the Minister was Observatory Hill. This place was proposed, and urged by Mr. W. F. Finlayson, M.P., but Mr. Balsillie (federal wireless expert) did not consider the eminence fit for the purpose. A number of other sites were visited, and it is understood that the Postmaster-General, who is on his way south, today was notified from Brisbane of a suitable piece of ground, which would meet requirements. Many people have the idea that some site on Mount Cootha may be selected."

Report of the preliminary meeting to form the WIQ on Tuesday, 23 April 1912 "WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. Formation of Institute. A very enthusiastic meeting was held on Tuesday night for the purpose of forming a Wireless Telegraphy institute, on somewhat similar lines to the one now existing in New South Wales. Lieutenant Sturdee (staff-officer Royal Engineers), was appointed chairman, and those present included Messrs. H. B. C. Rockwell, H. Nelson, G. H. Boundy, G. H. Burnham, P. S. Mclvor, J. A.Clark, J. C. Price, J. Ryan, J. Byrne, T. Brownless, P. C. Smith, E. P. Tipping, and F. H. Hellawell, while apologies were received from Messrs. J. Power, J. W. Sutton, E. B. Corbett, E. H. Bourne, T. S. Smith, F. Passey, and P. Tate. Mr. Rockwell (of the New South Wales Institute) gave an interesting exposition of the progress of the institute in New South Wales, and read the rules and regulations adopted by that body. He also gave a brief description of wireless telegraphy, and of the apparatus devised by himself, which apparatus will be used, for experimental purposes in connection with the institute in Brisbane. Mr. Rockwell holds a permit from the Postmaster-General for his wireless set, and the necessary permission is now being asked from the Commandant of the Queensland military forces, to erect suitable aerials on vacant ground, the property of the defence force. Mr. Rockwell's set has already covered a distance of over 500 miles. A working committee was then formed for the purpose of securing names of intending members, and communicating with those interested in the subject, the committee comprising Messrs. Rockwell, H. Nelson, E. H. Bourne, T. Brownlee, and G. H. Boundy, together with Mr. F. H. Hellawell (electrical engineers' branch, G.P.O.), as acting secretary, who will receive names of intending members. It is anticipated that this institute will open up a field of research in wireless, afford a school for Queensland wireless aspirants and prove of great benefit to the members as the institute will possess suitable apparatus, and a good library, and be able to give expert advice to its members. The working committee are obtaining information relative to persons interested, and after this information has been received, the next general meeting will be held in about a fortnight's time."

1912 05
Report of the first meeting of the WIQ on Wednesday, 8 May 1912 "WIRELESS INSTITUTE. As a result of the preliminary meeting of a fortnight ago, the Wireless Institute of Queensland was inaugurated on Wednesday night, when there was a most successful and representative gathering, and some 49 members enrolled. Lieutenant Sturdee (staff officer, Royal Engineers was in the chair. Apologies were received from Major Annand, Messrs. F. E. Ramsbotham, James Ryan, F. A. Bignell, J. R. Clark, E. P. Tipping, Price, C. McLaughlan, C. Ive, and D. Nagel. It was resolved to adopt the name of the Wireless Institute of Queensland, the objects and aims being to encourage the scientific study of wireless telegraphy in Queensland, and to promote the intercourse of those interested in the subject, and to aid them with advice and instruction. Business was energetically transacted, the constitution of the New South Wales body being in the main adopted, with minor alterations, after the clauses had been discussed seriatim. The subscription was fixed at 10s. 6d. per annum, ladies also being eligible for membership. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. H. C. B. Rockwell; vice-presidents, Messrs. S. H. Smith, E. P. Seckold, E. B. Corbett, E. H. Bourne; secretary, Mr. F. H. Hellawell; treasurer, Mr. P. C. Smith; committee, Lieutenant Sturdee, Messrs. H. Nelson, A. G. Jackson, G. H. Boundy, C. Cheetham, T. Brownlee, Heffernan, R. A. Sellars, leaving four names still to be elected. The question of corresponding members was left for the council to deal with when opportune, who will also decide on the papers to be read at the general meeting. A committee, consisting of the president, secretary, and one member of the council, will have the superintendence of the laboratory, instruments, and library. Altogether, the progress made at this meeting was gratifying, and the potentialities of the movement were palpable. Messrs. Kerr, Haines, J. Jeffries, J. Connoh, and Sergeant McLennan, and others valuably contributed to the discussion. The next meeting was fixed for Wednesday next, when a programme for the ensuing year will receive consideration, including papers and experiments on wireless. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting."

Report on the second meeting of the WIQ on Wednesday, 15 May 1912 "WIRELESS INSTITUTE. The second meeting of the Wireless Institute of Queensland took place on Wednesday evening, when increased enthusiasm was displayed. The president (Mr. H. C. B. Rockwell) was in the chair, and after routine work of the meeting, he gave the first of a series of lectures on wireless. His subject was 'The Loose Coupling Induction Tuner,' the use and adjustment of this instrument being lucidly explained and illustrated by diagrams. Mr. Rockwell also exhibited his own instrument, which was carefully examined by the members, and pertinent questions thereon being eagerly asked and were answered to the satisfaction of all. The instrument is remarkably simple and yet efficient. The secretary, Mr. Hellawell (electrical engineers' branch, G.P.O.), announced other interesting lectures will be given by Mr. Rockwell on this and kindred subjects connected with wireless, and these will be supplemented by lectures from other members of the institution from time to time."

Public Notice of third meeting of the WIQ on Thursday, 23 May 1912 "PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF QUEENSLAND. Meeting of above Institute will be held P.P.L. Rooms, Kent's Buildings, THURSDAY, 23rd instant, 8 p.m."

HBR attends annual dinner of the Institute of Engineers in the capacity as President of the WIQ "THE WORK OF ENGINEERS. THEIR VALUE TO QUEENSLAND ENGINEERING SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY. The annual dinner of the Institute of Engineers, held at Rowe's Cafe on Saturday night, besides gathering a record number of the profession, had added interest on account of the presence of Dr. A. J. Gibson, the professorial head of the school of engineering at the University, from whose work, as the tone of the speeches indicated, so much is expected. . . In replying to the toast of 'The Queensland University,' proposed by Mr. George Phillips, C. E., Professor Gibson gave some interesting facts (a report of his speech appears in another column). Mr. E. C. Barton proposed 'Kindred Associations,' and replies were made by Messrs. Wilson (architects), J. Hargreaves (surveyors), J. S. Loutitt (local governing engineers), Rockwell (wireless telegraphy). The Hon. A. J. Thynne proposed 'Allied Commercial Associations,' and replies were made by Messrs. Stodart (Chamber of Commerce), H. J. Diddams (manufacturers), and T. Keenan (master builders). During the evening a recitation was given by Mr. Pound."

Report of the third meeting of the WIQ on Thursday, 23 May 1912 "THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE. A meeting of the Wireless Institute of Queensland was held in the P.P.L. Rooms, Kent's Building, on Thursday evening last, when a few new members were received, there being about 50 members present. During the evening the president (Mr. Rockwell) delivered a very interesting lecture on 'Electric and Magnetic Wave Motion and Production,' and exhibited to the members an ascending helix, the function and directions for the construction of which he clearly explained. He stated it was his intention at subsequent lectures to explain the function of each instrument, and that in two months time, when the full complement of his wireless outfit would arrive from Sydney, and when the institute would have a properly equipped room; every alternative meeting would be devoted to practice in wireless operating. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer."

1912 06
Notice of fortnightly meeting of WIQ on Wednesday, 12 June 1912 "TO-MORROW. . . . Wireless Institute Meeting, Imperial Chambers, Adelaide street, 8 p.m."

Report of fourth meeting (fortnightly) of WIQ on Wednesday, 12 June 1912 "WIRELESS INSTITUTE. On Wednesday evening at their room, in Imperial Chambers, the Wireless Institute held its fortnightly meeting, there were about 30 members, and a few lady members present. The president (Mr. Rockwell) delivered an interesting lecture on 'Magnetic Wave Action,' during which he explained, and advocated the use of silicon detectors. It is anticipated that Mr. Balsilli (sic, Balsillie) (Commonwealth wireless expert) will deliver a lecture to the members of the institute during his visit to Brisbane."

Report of fifth meeting (fortnightly) of WIQ on Wednesday, 26 June 1912 "WIRELESS INSTITUTE. The Wireless Institute of Queensland held its fortnightly meeting in its room, Imperial Chambers, on Wednesday evening last, where more new members were enrolled, among them being the names of a few ladies who are already engaged in telephone work in the Post and Telegraph Department. The president (Mr. Rockwell) took for the subject of his lecture, 'The Rival of Radiotelegraphy,' and discussed with the members the principle of using the earth as a medium, in place of the air. The secretary (Mr. F. H. Hellawell) announced that arrangements for installing instruments for the practical classes were being expedited, and that as many as 20 members at a time would be able to receive the wave signals. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the lecturer."

1912 07
There appears to have been an hiatus in public WIQ activities during July 1912, perhaps due to focus on the construction of VIB "WlRELESS TELEGRAPHY. Mast Erected at Pinkenba. On Saturday afternoon a big mast was erected on the site of the prospective wireless telegraphy station at Pinkenba. Careful and extensive preparations were made for getting the mast into position. The foundation for it was formed of concrete, and the mast itself measured 160 feet in length, and was constructed of Oregon planks. It weighed 18 tons, and after considerable work, was placed safely in position. Mr. Scott was the officer in charge, and the assistant was Mr. Munson."

Notice of meeting of WIQ on 1 August 1912 "THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF QUEENSLAND. A MEETING of the Wireless Institute will be held in their Room, in Imperial Chambers, on WEDNESDAY, 1st instant."

1912 08
Lecture on Wireless Telegraphy at the Institute of Engineers by HBR as President of WIQ "WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. Institute of Engineers. There was a large gathering of members of the Queensland Institute of Engineers last Friday night at their new rooms in Queen street, to listen to an address by Mr. H. B. Rockwell, on wireless telegraphy. Amongst those present were Messrs. W. M. L'Estrange (in the chair), E. C. Barton, E. J. T. Manchester, A. G. Jackson, R. Silcock, F. J. Charlton, J. D. Russell (Sydney), H. Slater (Sydney), R. Wilson, E. Roseneder, J. S. Louttit, C. H. Casperson, N. Loftus, E. H. Ambrose, J. F. Shale, P. Trackson. An apology for unavoidable absence was received from Mr. W. J. Doak. Mr. Rockwell said there were two kinds of ether waves — magnetic and electric. This was challenged by Mr. Barton, who maintained that the waves were of one kind, that is magnetic shells expanding through space. Mr. Rockwell made them out to be in part made up something similar to the dielectric stresses in glass and other insulators, when used as parts of a Leyden jar. He described the ordinary coherer form of detector of waves, made of a small quantity of silver and nickel filings in a small glass tube between silver plugs and ascribed its operation to the magnetic waves. The mercury coherer was then described where the plugs were of carbon and the filings were replaced by mercury. This form of coherer raised the range of message sending to 500 miles. Both forms of detector called for the use of batteries to give signals, the first requiring in addition decohering mechanism. There was then shown and described a silicon detector, which was a true receiver, as it did not operate by lowering the resistance of a gap in a battery and telephone circuit, but transformed the currents generated in the aerial-to-ground circuit into a unidirectional current which of itself operated the signalling apparatus. The etheric waves were in millions per second, but if they were sent in trains at regular intervals, say in batches of a few thousand every hundredth of a second, they produced musical sounds in the receiving instruments. Experiments made by amateurs in Sydney were referred to showing their being able to catch messages coming from Mawson's South Polar expedition and also from West Australia. His own invention was mentioned of using a coating of silver on the fine wires used in the silicon detectors, in order to reduce the resistance, accruing from the skin effect, whereby rapid oscillating currents, of electricity cannot penetrate into the interior of a conductor, but travel only on the surface. This was afterwards explained by Mr. Roseneder to arise, in its turn, from the mutual induction caused in neighbouring conductors whereby an oscillating current in a telegraph wire always tries to produce momentary currents in the opposite direction in all neighbouring wires or even in all adjacent parts of itself. Mr. Roseneder pointed out that this was the reason for using only two of the receiving aerials when using them as sending wires. A hearty vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Manchester, and seconded by Mr. Wilson, concluded the most interesting gathering."

1912 10
HBR, as President WIQ, gives a lecture on "Wireless Telegraphy" to Wynnum & Manly Sailing Club with practical demonstration "METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS. WYNNUM AND MANLY, October 2. The monthly meeting of the Wynnum and Manly Sailing Club was held in the Gordon Club rooms last night. Commodore Heiner occupied the chair. An offer from Mr. E Hobson of the use of his boat on opening day was accepted with thanks. The treasurer's monthly report showed a credit balance of £45/7/5. Mr. Hart was unanimously elected a life member and the best thanks of the club were given for his liberal and handsome donation. Mrs. Connell was also elected a life member, and also the commodore, Mr. Heiner, for his valuable services. A motion of sympathy with Mrs. Laidlaw and family in their sad bereavement was passed in silence. There are 15 entries received up to the present. Ten new members were elected. Mr. Anthers promised half a guinea as a donation to the club. At the invitation of the principal, staff, and pupils of the Moreton Bay High School there was a good attendance last evening to listen to a lecture on 'Wireless Telegraphy,' given by Mr. H. B. Rockwell in the School Hall, which proved very interesting. A number of lantern slides were shown and a miniature wireless station was fitted up, giving a practical demonstration of the transmitting and the reception of a wireless message. A vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer."

HBR attends "At Home" for president of Institute of Architects in his capacity as president of WIQ "MR. AND MRS. A. B. WILSON'S AT HOME. The president of the Queensland Institute of Architects (Mr. A. B. Wilson) and Mrs. Wilson entertained a large number of guests at an enjoyable at home last evening at their residence, Cumbrae, Thorn street, Kangaroo Point. They received their visitors in the hall, whence they passed on to the reception rooms, which were beautified with roses, sunflowers, and other blooms. Numerous small tables were arranged on the verandas, where supper was served. During the evening enjoyable vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Misses Wilson, Mackay, Vida Martin, and Mr. Allan Wilson. Several competitions were also held. Mrs. Wilson wore a handsome gown of black silk with overdress of black crepe-de-Chine relieved with jet. Miss Wilson wore a dainty frock of ivory radium silk with pearl trimming. The invited guests included Hon. and Mrs. W. H. Barnes, Mr. A. B. Brady, Miss Brady, the Mayor and Mayoress of Brisbane, the Mayor and Mayoress of South Brisbane, the president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr. J. Stodart) and Mrs. Stodart, the president of the Royal Society (Mr. P. L. Weston) and Mrs. Weston, the president of the Institute of Engineers (Mr. W. M. L'Estrange) and Mrs. L'Estrange, the president of the Institute of Surveyors (Mr. F. J. Charlton) and Miss Charlton, the president of the Master Builders' Association (Mr. T. Keenan) and Mrs. Keenan, Professor and Mrs. A. J. Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Goldsmith, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Burley, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Corrie, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. O. Cowlishaw, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Draper, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Faircloth, Mr. and Mrs. G. Brockwell Gill, Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Haenke, Mr. and Mrs. F. Longland, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. McLay, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. M. Addison, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Dods, Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. W. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Lynch, Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Payne, Mr. and Mrs. Lange L. Powell, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Stanley, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. O. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Voller, Mr. and Mrs. D. Service, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Wilson, Messrs. A. E. Brooks, F. Boddington, C. E. Deighton, R. Gailey, jun., E. M. Hockings, E. M. Myers, H. F. Palmer, G. R. Roskell, and H. B. C. Rockwell (president, Wireless Institute of Queensland)."

1912 11
Notice of last recorded meeting of WIQ on Wednesday, 6 November 1912 "MEETINGS. A MEETING of the WIRELESS INSTITUTE of QUEENSLAND will be held in its ROOMS, Imperial Chambers, on WEDNESDAY EVENING, 6th November."

1912 12
HBR visiting family and friends in Bundaberg "Personal. . . . Mr. H. B. Rockwell (President, Wireless Institute of Queensland) is at present in Bundaberg, and is the guest of Mr. R. Braddock, Cawallin, West End."