Auckland Radio 1947-1949

1947
Staff of Auckland Radio ZLD/ZLF in 1947
More information is needed about this photo, which came from Nobby Clarke. The first four people in the front row appear to be Frank Young, Harry Smart, Morrie Parsons and Laurie Emens. The back row includes Bob Hutchinson and Bob Harris. There are two notes on the back of the photo: ‘1939 Wellington’ and ‘1946 Musick Point.’ Laurie Emens is in the spot normally reserved for ‘the boss,’ but in 1939 he was a Radio Inspector in Wellington, and he did not become Superintendent of Auckland Radio until 1947. So it is assumed that this photo was probably taken at Auckland Radio between 1947 and 1953 when he retired.

As an RNZN Boy Telegraphist, my first draft on completing 14 months training in Sept 1947 was to HMS Bellona/GCQQ, later to become HMNZS with callsign ZMSF. Initially, Boy Tels were allowed in the comms office only from 4pm to 6pm (first dog watch) to listen (double-banked with a qualified operator) on 500 kcs distress freq. I recall hearing Marine Phoenix/AOOG – which came to Auckland to transport to the USA war brides of US servicemen – working ZLD. Bellona was alongside Calliiope wharf at the time.
– Kelvin Brayshaw (Apr 2018)

Radio operators at Musick Memorial Radio Station in 1947
Radio operators at Musick Memorial Radio Station in 1947.
1948
Auckland CPO, 1948
Although Auckland Radio had moved to Musick Point some nine years earlier, the masts for the original aerial atop the Chief Post Office can still be seen in this photo taken 20 Jan 1948. Photo: Whites Aviation, Alexander Turnbull Library
A rather cryptic message to Auckland Radio staff from Laurie Emens, Superintendent, admonishing them for 'nattering' on the circuits
A rather cryptic message to Auckland Radio staff from Laurie Emens, Superintendent, admonishing them for ‘nattering’ on the circuits
1949
Senior technician Jack Hogan making installation tests of a 'fan marker' transmitter at Auckland Radio in 1949
Senior technician Jack Hogan making installation tests of a Civil Aviation Authority ‘fan marker’ transmitter at Auckland Radio. Photo: New Zealand Free Lance, 27 Jul 1949

The Fan Marker Beacon (pictured above) was being overhauled on behalf of CAA. This transmitter was temporarily installed by Post Office staff at various sites on the outskirts of Auckland. This was to enable site evaluation and in-flight checks to be undertaken for a proposed navigational aid system for the Auckland area.1
– Doug Morris

» 1950 – 1959
Notes

1. Morris, D.C. (2002). Auckland Radio, Alpha & Omega. Waitakere City, NZ: Copy Out West. p. 64.