Don Beswick ZL2BL spoke on underground activities at Wrights Hill, the possibility of an underground tunnel complex in Mt Cook (under the former Dominion Museum) and the No. 10 set used at the end of the second world war (and which was installed in several locations around Wellington). Under Wright's Hill, Karori Doug McNeil ZL2AOV noted in his report of the evening: "Don Beswick ZL2BL entertained and informed members with a wide range of photocopied images from the Wrights Hill project and the No 10 set – a valve-based eight-channel multiplexed voice transmission and reception system operating around 4500MHz. He also outlined his research into what the military and/or civilians built under the Dominion Museum building in Buckle St, Mt Cook. Don is convinced there are still tunnels down there; though public records point only to several air raid shelters. Don is writing a book on the topic – “there’s a lot more down there than we’ve been led to believe” and is seeking Massey University (the site’s occupiers) support to excavate spots on the site. Don’s talk, and members’ comments, extended to similar developments at Palmer Head and elsewhere in New Zealand."
The September meeting of Branch 50 NZART was held on Tuesday 20 September from 1pm - 3pm at The Collective Community Hub at 1/33 Johnsonville Rd. The Chair gave a report on NZART Conference 2022 held the previous weekend The topic for the meeting was "DX Operating techniques and antenna options for your suburban lot for 20M – 6M band openings". Members shared their DX hunting experience and there was discussion of importation of HF tribanders and monobanders. We concluded with tea, coffee and biscuits.
Due to the fact that we were still under Covid-19 Level 2 status, we were unable to meet on Sunday 20 September as planned at Waitohi (Johnsonville Library). Instead we had a face-to-face meeting at Bernard ZL2BD's QTH at 1 Winsley Tce, Churton Park. Don Robertson, National Director of AREC spoke about the restructuring of AREC and the opportunities available to members to be active in AREC and SAR. We were also took time to discuss challenges Porirua City (Titahi Bay Branch 42) is facing with their proposed District Plan and to celebrate the Branch 74 (Wellington VHF Group) 50th anniversary. Branch 50 NZART assisted in getting the VHF Group underway, back in 1970. A celebratory cake cemented the celebration at 3pm alongside tea, coffee and egg sandwiches. The Chair briefly updated members on the remainder of 2020's programme of activities and members were queried as to who was planning to attend the Christmas Dinner. At 2pm we moved into the AGM for RemoteDX. This included receiving the annual report from the Chair, approving the minutes of the previous AGM, confirming the annual financial statements, electing the next committee, considering minor amendments to the constitution, discussing the forward direction of…
People brought food to heat up! Wednesday 15 June at Wright's Hill Fortress, 7.30pm. Club members Don ZL2BL and George ZL2AG were our hosts for this event. The Fortress is at the top of Wrights Hill Rd, and while the views from the top of Wright's Hill are impressive, we weren't up there for the views. Instead we went underground to the rabbit warren of concrete-lined tunnels built in the second half of World War II as part of a protection system for Wellington from foreign invaders. The big gun installed at Wright's Hill could send shells around the harbour and further afield. Members got to have a chat, peruse the old war recruiting materials, and then venture out of the meeting room to check out the restored radio shack, complete with ZC1s and other vintage equipment. Overall it was a very enjoyable evening and not as cold as we had anticipated underground!
