Post_Office_1948-1949 — Page 6

Departmental Annual Report of Telecommunications Branch, Post Office Dept., for year ending 31st March 1949.

The main item of interest in the year under review was the transfer of all the functions of this Branch, except licensing, to the operational control of Cable & Wireless Ltd., as from 1st November, 1948. A formal agreement for the transfer of staff and equipment to Cable & Wireless is in course of negotiation.

Following is a report for the seven months April to October inclusive 1948.

Services

Maritime:

Two new and higher power transmitters for the medium-wave maritime service have been installed and put into service to replace the smaller ones in temporary use.

A traffic summary is given in Appendix A.

Aeradio:

An entirely new and enlarged aeradio traffic office and a new Control Tower have been equipped and installed at the Kai Tak Aerodrome. Modern facilities have been extensively incorporated.

Broadcasting:

Unit type air conditioners have been installed throughout the studios, and the main Chinese studio has been fitted with improved sound insulation.

New line broadcasting equipment was overhauled and tested, but installation was not proceeded with on account of the transfer of the Branch to Cable & Wireless Ltd.

Domestic:

V.H.F. testing and trials have been continuous, both ashore and afloat, and much useful data gathered.

A Port Health Officer's launch was equipped for two way V.H.F. working with Dept. of Marine headquarters, with very satisfactory results.

Commercial:

Radiotelephone tests have been carried out with Canton, Amoy and Shanghai, and some services (e.g. to Canton) opened by Cable & Wireless Ltd.