VALUE OF WIRELESS.

The Advertiser (Adelaide) Saturday 1 April, 1911.

THE VALUE OF "WIRELESS." 

MR. HUNT URGES ITS ADOPTION.

Melbourne, March 31.

Mr. Hunt, the Federal Meteorologist,

suggests that the wreck of the Yongala

advances yet another argument for the 

general equipment of at least all passenger

steamers with a wireless installation, so that

vessels making long runs on the coastline

may be warned of the existence, approach,

or development, of dangerous weather

conditions. The department, he points out,

addressed a circular note to all companies

whose vessels carry wireless installation,

and has without exception received promises 

of co-operation. Owing to the absence of land 

stations, only one message has been received, 

which was followed up by an account for 50/. 

He advises that at the next meeting of the 

shipping interests the subject of co-operation 

with the department should be discussed, and 

its decision communicated to the Government.

The SS Waratah disappeared without trace off the South African coast mid 1909. She was not fitted with a Marconi wireless. Subsequent to the tragedy this important form of communication generated much attention, spurring legislators to make wireless compulsory on vessels of a certain size. 

This report raised a very important issue. It was no good installing wireless on vessels if there were no stations to receive or issue SOS's and warnings. Yes, vessels with wireless could communicate with one another but this had limitations given the fact that most steamers on the coastal route did not carry a Marconi.

It is also important to note in this regard that the Koombana, which disappeared without trace, exactly a year later, carried wireless to no avail. Only one lad station at Perth, more than 800 miles away.

1905 - Australia's Wireless Telegraphy Act - limited to ship navigation and land-based amateurs.

1906 - Marconi Company opened stations at Queenscliff (Australia) and East Devonport (Tasmania).

1910 - first ship-to-shore station, Sydney. 

1911 - second station opened roof of the Australia Hotel.

1912 - permanent stations opened Melbourne; Perth; Sydney; Hobart and Brisbane.

1913/1914 - many stations introduced for ship-to-shore services, including islands. 19 radio telegraph stations operating from Australia for ships at sea.

Guglielmo Marconi demonstrating his apparatus 1890's (courtesy wikipedia)

http://bpadula.tripod.com/australiashortwave/id11.html