Branch History
Our rich and colourful past
The Early Days of the Hutt Valley Branch
(Based substantially on a history prepared in 1969 by Keith Grove ZL2BBT)The Hutt Valley Branch had its beginnings in 1932 when Bill Hall ZL2BH and ZL2JS formed the "Giggle Juice Club" consisting of ZL2BH, ZL2CW, ZL2DA, ZL2DH, ZL2JS, ZL2LY, ZL2ND, ZL2NL, ZL266 and D. Jamieson.
The Hutt Valley branch proper was formed at a meeting convened by ZL2BH and held at the residence of ZL2ND on 29 April 1933.
The sketchy minutes available do not indicate where meetings were held in the early days, but from 1937 to 1938 they were held in the Oddfellows Hall in Petone. In 1938, due to a falling off of membership, the branch relinquished the hire of this hall and commenced holding meetings at various members’ homes. This practice continued until 1940 when the club went out of operation for the duration of the World War II.
Branch meetings resumed in the home of Bill Hall in May 1944 and this continued until December 1945 when the first meeting was held in the Hibernian Hall in Victoria Street. Apart from a short period in 1951, when meetings were held in member’s homes, the Hibernian Hall continued for many years to be the venue for branch meetings. In these years meetings were always held on the first Sunday of every month.
It is interesting to note that in the early days, considerable emphasis was put on the social activities. Three quarters of the branch sub was allocated to the Social Fund and this was augmented by raffles and sales when necessary.
The first annual Beano was organised in 1933 and this continued for many years to be a feature of branch activities except for 1993, when a barbecue took its place. The first annual picnic was held in 1934 and this continued until 1953, apart from the odd year when epidemics or the like caused its cancellation.
An early feature of branch activities was the Microphone Test, which commenced in 1935. This piece of prose had to be read by new members, the minutes recorded the successes. It is not disclosed if this had to be read without laughing!
TIKI TROPHY
In the pre-war years, several trophies were donated to the branch. The first was the Tiki, a Maori carving donated by L.G.Petrie ZL2OV, for the annual Hutt/Wellington contest, which originated in 1934. Pre-war and in early post-war years, this contest was between Hutt Valley and Wellington branches. The rules were changed from year to year but those for the first post-war contest in 1947 give an idea of the nature or the contest. Operation was on every second evening between 19:00 and 24:00 over a period of two weeks. Stations could be contacted once only during the contest, phone or C.W. could be used and scoring was as follows:
Power Input under 10 watts
ZL1’s – 12, ZL2’s – 7, ZL3’s – 9 and ZL4’s – 14
Power Input over 10 watts
ZL1’s – 8, ZL2’s – 5, ZL3’s – 6 and ZL4’s – 9
The three highest scores in each branch were totalled and the branch with the highest total was the winner. The highest scoring number in the winning branch held the Tiki for the year.
In later years the operating times were restricted to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings of one weekend and challenges were accepted from any branch in the ZL2 District.
EKIN TROPHY
In May 1937, Mr Ekin presented the Ekin Trophy, consisting of two mounted shell cases. This was awarded once only to Bert Lippett ZL266in 1938 for meritorious service in judging the Hutt/Wellington contest for that year.
SHRAN CUP
The Shran Cup was donated by Mr. Shran a Wellington jeweller in August 1937 to be awarded annually "to revive the old feeling that made the branch what it was two years ago". In 1938 and 1939 it was awarded to the member who designed and built a piece of equipment most helpful to fellow amateurs and in 1940 it was decided to award it to the member who had done the most in the branch during the year.
CHALLENGE CUP
The Challenge Cup was presented by Bill Hall was presented by founder Bill Hall on behalf of the Amateur Radio Class Instructors. It was to be competed for at the annual picnic and awarded to the winner of the 100 yard race. As far as records show this was awarded once only to Lester McMillan ZL2IK.
The records show that over the years several attempts were made to obtain clubrooms for the branch. In March 1946, Bill Hall proposed holding a raffle to raise funds for building, and a building committee was formed. Discussions were held with the Hutt River Board and the Town Clerk of the Lower Hutt City Council about a suitable site. It was ascertained that no more sites were available on the riverbank by the Ewen Bridge. There was a possibility of a site being made available on the river bank at
Taita, but no guarantee of permanency could be given due to major Public Works in progress at that time. The raffle was arranged and the Building Fund benefited by £175. Bill Hall ZL2BH sold 1400 tickets and was awarded the Shran Cup in 1947 for his efforts.
At the Annual General Meeting in 1948, it was decided to donate £100 from the Building Fund to HQ NZART to run a raffle for the HQ Building Fund. The balance of the Building Fund was transferred to the General Fund as no headway was being made with the building for the branch.
In 1960, an approach was made to the Lower Hutt City Corporation to obtain the use of the disused pumping station in Birch Street, Lower Hutt. The request was declined. Also in this year, the Hutt Valley Tramping Club were asked if the branch could obtain quarters in their building for the storage of gear, training of juniors and for branch meetings. The Tramping Club agreed to a trial period of use of the building for branch meetings but, as they could not offer storage facilities, the offer was declined.
In 1964, enquiries were made about the Annexe building of the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board Hutt Road depot. This came available for tender in 1965 but at that time the branch did not see its way clear to proceed, and the matter was dropped.
In 1963, a donation of £50 was received from a member of the branch, and the committee of the day decided to use this as the nucleus of a building fund. The money was used to purchase items for raffles at branch meetings to build the fund up. By 1970 the fund stood at $625. It was then renamed "Special Purposes Fund" and used to purchase test and other equipment for Birch Street.
Following discussions in 1956 between the branch executive and the Civil Defence Representative from the Lower Hutt City Corporation, the old pumping station on the Birch Street Reserve was allocated to the branch for the storage and maintenance of Amateur Radio Emergency Corp and Civil Defence gear. In addition. Funds were allocated by the Joint Civil defence Committee to renovate the old building and add an amenities block. Work commenced on October 1966 and was all done by voluntary labour from branch members apart from the plumbing and drainlaying, for which tradesmen had to be called in. The work was completed in October 1969 after the expenditure of some 1350 manhours of voluntary labour. In that time the roof and downpipes were renewed, a new floor was cast, windows were reglazed, fittings and benches were installed, the building was painted inside and out, an aerial was erected and an amenities block consisting of kitchen, toilet, store and hallway was constructed.
The branch has been active in AREC affairs for many years. The first Hutt Valley section was formed in 1946, but was disbanded in 1948 when no leader was forthcoming. The AREC ZC1’s were returned to HQ in 1950 and in 1951 the section’s 208’s were sold to HQ.
The section was reformed in 1958 and has been in operation since. The majority or work undertaken has been in providing communications for charitable, sporting and social events as well as practice exercises, but highlights over the years have been:
April 1959 Search in the Tararua
1962 Appeal for the Blind
1968 Wahine Disaster
"Blasts from the Past"
The first 50 Years 1933 - 1983
FIRST DECADE 1933 – 1943:
1933
Branch formed at a meeting convened by ZL2BH, held at the residence of Mr R. Ballantyne ZL2ND on 29 April 1933.
Original members of the Giggle Juice Club were ZL2CW, ZL2BH, ZL2DA,ZL2JS, ZL2DH, ZL2NB, ZL2NL, ZL2LY, ZL266, D.Jamieson.
Chairman ZL2BH, Secretary ZL2NO, Treasurer ZL266.
First "Beano" held at residence of ZL2BH on 27 May 1933.
Portable Transmitter and receiver came into operation at residence of ZL266on 6 June 1933 as ZL2NR
First Hutt Valley Contest held during July.
First Beginner’s classes started in July.
Convention held at Auckland at which ZL2ND attended as Hutt Valley Delegate Christmas and New Year.
Membership about 24.
First Annual Meeting 17 December 1933
1934
Chairman ZL2BH, Secretary ZL2NP, Treasurer ZL266.
First Picnic held at Hutt Park 4 March 1934
First raffle run during May. Drawn 30 June 1934.
Beano held in Oddfellow’s Hall 21 July 1934.
"Blackwood Cup" won by ZL2NO and presented by ZL2OV 16 December 1934.
Moved by ZL2OG Seconded by ZL266 that 7/6d. be paid from the subs for each member to Headquarters 16 December 1934.
Transmitter and receiver under the callsignZL2NR set up in Bert Lippett’s shop in June for use as a branch station.
1935
Chairman ZL2OG, Secretary ZL2RC, Treasurer ZL266.
Moved by ZL2OG Seconded by ZL2DA that the age limit for membership be raised to 18.
Microphone Test instituted August 1935
Bert Lippett ZL266 made honorary life member of the Branch 7 July 1935
Hutt – Wellington Contest held duing May 1935
Five Meter activity led by ZL2RC and son was very much in evidence. All stations participating being heard in Wellington and Stokes Valley
No picnic, no raffle. Membership about 30..
ZL2NR closed down in April.
1936
Chairman ZL2NO, Secretary ZL2IK, Treasurer ZL2CS.
Branch Picnic Hutt Park 16 February 1936 25 members wives and friends present
Hutt – Wellington Contest held during May
Raffle fundraising during July (£1 for a penny netted a profit of £4)
Beano held in October.
ZL2OG resigned 2 October.
Membership 33 (19 Transmitters and 14 Listeners).
1937
Move to disband the branch was defeated.
1938
H B Johnson ZL2JS made life member of the branch.
Slow Morse sessions transmitted for a period.
1939
Decided that meetings should commence with a half hour of technical questions.
Mr. Slack ZL2LA presented the branch with a gavel, for which a silver band was purchased to record thereon the chairmen over the years.
Vigilance committee formed.
Slow Morse sessions discontinued.
Announcement that Britain had declared war heard at a branch meeting held at the residence of ZL2UK.
1940
Amateur members of the forces from Trentham entertained at branch meetings.
Enamelled badges presented to branch members on active service.
Last meeting held on 24th November.
SECOND DECADE 1944 – 1953:
1944
Branch resumed meetings on 12th May.
1945
Morse sessions at meetings commenced in May.
Amateurs allowed to recommence transmissions on 8th December.
1946
Branch provided entertainment for visitors to Annual Conference at Wellington.
1947
Money collected to send fat to Britain for distribution via RSGB to dependants of "G" amateurs killed in action.
Because of tea rationing, it was decided to take coffee at meeting nights, but at the next meeting Bert Lippett ZL266 produced 2 lb of tea from an undisclosed source.
Branch provided entertainment for visitors to Annual Convention.
Life Membership Conferred on ZL2BH at AGM 7 December 1947.
1948
Founder Bill Hall ZL2BH elected to Life Membership of the branch.
Bert Lippett ZL266 formed a listener’s club with the aim of getting amateur licences for its members.
Chairman Eric Westwood ZL2LD thrown out of building because no activity had been organised for the monthly meeting. However the hall had been double booked and shortly after members had to vacate the hall in favour of the ladies’ organisation which had booked it.
Branch purchased several quantities of War Assets radio equipment for resale to members.
Ten percent commission on sales was commenced.
Branch provided entertainment for visitors to Annual Convention.
1949
Branch provided entertainment for visitors to Annual Convention.
1950
Bill Hall ZL2BH died on 28th September at the age of 52.
Signal generator purchased for hire to members at 1/- (ten cents) per week.
1953
Bert Lippett’s sub to HQ paid in recognition of his services to the branch.
THIRD DECADE 1954 – 1963:
1954
Branch provided entertainment for visitors to Annual Convention at Wellington on the Sunday evening.
H B Johnson ZL2JS passed away.
1956
Bert Lippett ZL266 donated an electric heater to the branch.
In February a film evening, to which YL’s and XYL’s and friends were invited was held and proved to be a success.
1958
Bert Lippett ZL266 was presented with an inlaid ashtray in recognition of his services to the branch over the years.
1960
Branch granted the use of the callsign ZL2RF
Branch participated in National Field Day for the first time. This has since been a regular feature of branch activity.
Branch was host for "Smoko" for Convention held at Wellington.
Branch had exhibit at Hutt Valley Hobbies Exhibition and stand at the Hutt Valley Industrial Fair. Demonstaration transmitter and large sign constructed for fair.
Branch typewriter purchased.
Gavel presented by John Richards.
DX40 transmitter built for Tom Taylor ZL2GP and fitted for blind operation.
Ray Smith ZL2AQV secured second place in VK/ZL Memorial Contest.
1961
Branch granted use of callsign ZL2HV.
Hidden transmitter hunt held
Ham Maxwell ZL2ALC appointed Chairman TVI Works Committee
Alternator for Field Day use purchased.
Ted Thorpe ZL2AWJ and ZL2AQV won first and second places respectively in CW section of Memorial Contest. Branch gained forth place in overall results.
1962
Beginner’s classes held at Te Atiawa Scout Hall.
John Clench ZT2ATV presented branch with a supply of branch membership cards.
The Field Day transmitter/receiver FD1 was commenced
1963
Rental of hall increased from 10/- to £1 per meeting.
FD1 prototype used at National Field Day.
FOURTH DECADE 1964 – 1973:
1964
Branch undertook Official Observer Station duties on one night per month under the callsign ZL2HV.
Mr & Mrs O’Riley elected honorary members of the branch for 1964 in appreciation of hospitality and assistance during Field day Weekends.
1965
Branch gained fourth place in National Field Day. The Branch operated from Bill O’Riley’s farm at Whiteman’s Valley. A novelty this year was a vertical antenna, 34 feet high, fabricated from 84 beer cans. The people responsible for its construction say they had a number of headaches over its design!
1966
New branch constitution, based on NZART model rules, instituted.
Two Metre round table operated for a few months.
Bert Lippett ZL266 passed away.
1967
Branch won frequency measuring contest.
1968
Eighty Metre branch net commenced and still operating.
1972
ZL2HV awarded 4 Firsts in 1972 Activity Contest by Wellington VHF Group: 1st 432 mHz,1st 2 Meters, 1st 6 Meters and 1st Overall Winner.
FIFTH DECADE 1974 – 1983:
1974
Radio Expo ‘74
1977
ZL2LD passed away.
Branch learner classes at Taita College – 28 enrolled.
Salvation Army March, IHC and Corso Appeals
Branch Repeater installed in Birch Street and installed at My trustee Towai on 12 November.
SAR boy lost in Tararuas ZL2AYY and Peter Phol.
Participated VHF Field Day
SAREX, Whakatiki
Search for David Ferry at Ngatiawa
AREC Field Day
1978
Installation Solar Cells at Repeater site.
Somes Island Swim ZL2ALA, ZL2BGL and ZL2TOP.
IHC Appeal
Civil Defence Exercise 22 AREC/Branch members plus 6 CB operators
SAR Pauhatanui Youth found shot ZL2ASO, ZL2AQE.
SAREX Tunnel Gully, My trustee. Climie
ZC1’s available ex CD $20 to members $25 to non members
Discussion Tower. Aerial, Rotor.
Bill Fouhy ZL2LB passed away on 4th November.
1979
Geo Chamberlin ZL2GC passed away.
Learner’s Class with 14 students.
Assisted Lions Club with Radiothon.
SAREX in Akatarawas using the TR3 5680 kHz am aeroplane crash
Shran Cup won by by Bob Ditchburn, ZL2ATG with his linear amplifier.
Visits to National Film Unit, NZ Meteorological Office. Kelburn.
ZL2HV Participated in VHF Field Day from Horokiwi and National Field Day from Brookfield Scout Camp.
1980
Batteries for Repeater donated
ZL2HV was operated from the Brookfield scout Camp for National Field Day
Visit to Civil Aviation Traffic Control.
Two learners classes run.
Participated in JOTA
Yaesu FT225 all mode 2 metre transceiver was pt into working order.
Sport and Recreation grant for upgrading repeater.
1981
Theft of solar panels on Mt Towai.
Two Commercial equipment displays.
ZL2HV operated from Rimutaka Forest Park for National Field Day.
Participated in JOTA
Branch Repeater put on new 700 channel
1982
Change from Sunday to Monday night meetings.
Two successful junk sales held.
Installation of the aerial tower at the clubrooms.
John Clench ZL2ATV thanked for donation of materials for the aerial tower base and advised as having been made an honorary member of the branch..
Branch provides QSL cards for members.
Vandalisim to solar cells and clubrooms.
Branch Net revitalised.
KDK 2015 2m FM transceiver obtained for AREC use.
TS120 HF transceiver obtained.
1983
ZL2OJ passed away.
Learner’s classes discontinued as the Technical Correspondence Institute and Wellington Polytechnic run courses for Amateur Operators.
50th Anniversary Luncheon.
Expenses Annual Beano 1936
[This seems to have set a precedent for subsequent Beano’s though noticeably the quantities of beer never reduced!]
Beer
5 Gals
1 - 2 - 6
Beer
15 Gals
3 -15 -0
Wine
6 Bottles
1 - 1 - 0
Glasses
7 Doz (Lent Mr Fahay)
Savaloys
6 Doz
6 - 0
Cake (60 members)
20 Doz
16 - 8
Sandwiches
8 Doz
6 - 8
Soft Drinks
6 Doz
15 - 9
Sugar
5 lb
1 - 41
Tea
1 lb
2 - 2
Milk
1 Gal (donated Mrs Franklin)
Biscuits
4 Packets (water)
2 - 0
Cheese
4 lbs
3 - 0
Butter
1 lb
1 - 21
Paper
For table
1 - 6
Hire Hall
4 Hours
10 - 6
Tickets
7 - 6
Extra Beer
10 Gals
2 - 0 -0
Total £11:12:4
Radio Expo ’74 at Lower Hutt
The Hutt Valley branch of NZART staged an exhibition of Amateur Radio known as "Radio Expo" on Saturday August 24, 1974 to let people see and hear what the hobby is all about.
It was held at the Hutt Valley Tramping Club Rooms in Birch Street, Lower Hutt from 10 am to 8 am.
Exhibits ranged from a simple Morse transmitter to a sophisticated amateur television transmitter and radio teletype equipment. Everything on display was in full working order.
There were relatively uncomplicated home-built transceivers that operate through the (then) two repeater stations on the hills overlooking Wellington and Upper Hutt
The old war-horse of World War II days, the ZC1 transceiver, was there. It still had a role to play, particularly in emergency communications.
At the other end of the scale was a fully operational single side band (SSB) station featuring the most modern commercial equipment available in New Zealand. This station was manned throughout the day and visitors were able to hear branch members talking to amateurs around the world.
A feature of Radio Expo
50TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON 30TH APRIL 1983 Avalon TVNZ Cafeteria
Keith Lyon
Les Wright (Chief Radio Inspector NZ Post Office)
ZL1HV
"Jumbo" Godfrey NZART President
ZL2ACG
Bob Glassey (with Eve see ZL2BKE)
ZL2ACW
Ray Gotlieb (with Greta ZL2AGS)
ZL2ADB
Dick and Ina Barrow
ZL2ALA
Roy and Margaret Kenny
ZL2APC
Harry Burton
ZL2AQV
Ray Smith
ZL2ASO
Bob and Jean Sewell
ZL2AST
John and Molly Groombridge
ZL2ASY
Dick and Sally Currie
ZL2ATV
John Clench and Marion Clarkson
ZL2AWF
Doug and Marion Alexander
ZL2AXY
Jack and Shirley Devenport
ZL2AYF
Brian and Betty Amies
ZL2AZ
Tom and Marion Clarkson
ZL2BBT
Keith Grove
ZL2BFG
Hugh and Joy Webley
ZL2BGO
Peter and Lorna Grove
ZL2BHF
Jim Meachen ZL2 Councillor
ZL2BJF
Peter and Sylvia Beaumont
ZL2BKE
Eve Glassey (with Bob ZL2ACG)
ZL2BLC
John and Meg Ottaway
ZL2BNN
H T (Bert) Robinson
ZL2BSM
Mike and Evelyn Ryan
ZL2JV
Ces and Irene Crawford
ZL2LZ
John Rumsey (with his mother Fan ZL2TGL)
ZL2NA
Jim Shanks
ZL2QZ
Bernard and Betty Wright
ZL2SV
Jack Searle
ZL2TAK
Cyril and Rose Ingham
ZL2TBB
Lawrie and Iris Drew
ZL2TGL
Fan Rumsey (with son John ZL2LZ)
ZL2TVA
Grahame Burney and Jay Ward
ZL2TY
Peter and Estelle Rothschild
ZL2UEF
Jim Whittaker
ZL2UGS
Barry and Kate Jones
ZL2UIH
Norm and Sandra Greig
ZL2UV
Russ and Lenora Kebble
ZL2UY
Horrie and Fay Barker
ZL2WD
F J G (Jack) and Chic Deller
ZL3RW
Don Mckay President elect NZART
WINNERS OF THE SHRAN CUP
1938
L McMillan
ZL2IK
1939
Chas Murray
ZL2UK
1940
R W Miller
ZL2CS
1940
C F Rowe
ZL2CC
1947
W M Hall
ZL2BH
1950
W M Hall
ZL2BH
1954
B Lippitt
ZL266
1971
L J Barnett
ZL2ALW
1972
P R Williams
ZL2ARW
1973
P R Williams
ZL2ARW
1974
L J Barnett
ZL2ALW
1975
P R Williams
ZL2ARW
1976
R G Ditchburn
ZL2ATG
1977
D Laing
ZL2AQW
1978
M Saville
ZL2TVB
1979
R G Ditchburn
ZL2ATG
1980
D Laing
ZL2AQW
1981
John Ottoway
ZL2TIR
1982
Jack Devenport
ZL2AXY
1983
G W (Dick) Barrow
ZL2ADB
1984
John Ottoway
ZL2BLC
1985
Graham Alderwick
ZL1BLT
WINNERS OF THE TIKI TROPHY
1934
W C Smith
ZL2OD
1935
R J Coakley
ZL2PC
1936
W M Hall
ZL2BH
1937
Eric Rolle
ZL2IF
1938
Chas Murray
ZL2UK
1939
B E Jackson
ZL2FJ
1940
R W Miller
ZL2CS
1947
J T Taylor
ZL2GP
1948
W M Hall
ZL2BH
1949
B E Jackson
ZL2FJ
1951
J Innes
ZL2AMK
1973
D G Alexander
ZL2AWF
1974
Miss F C Ramsey
ZL2TGL
1985
H Garratt
ZL2BDF
1986
A Aston
ZL2AJI
1986
Bill Hamer
ZL2CD
1987
H Garratt
ZL2BDF
1988
J R Sewell
ZL2ASO
1989
J R Sewell
ZL2ASO
1990
J R Sewell
ZL2ASO
1995
M T Hodgkinson
ZL2MTH
1996
D S (Dave) Williams
ZL2UTL
1997
D S (Dave) Williams
ZL2UTL
1998
S J Ashton
ZL2SAM
1999
Hugh Webley
ZL2BFG
2000
Maurice Hodgkinson and Frank Wade (joint winners)
ZL2MTH ZL2WZ
Hutt Valley Branch Microphone Test
Among the numerous side shows at a recent N.Z. Exhibition was one at which a man, after putting a cork into an empty cask, succeeded time after time in blowing the cork out of the bung hole in the top of the cask. A reporter of the Hutt Chronicle commenting on this, said:
"It is no doubt a clever performance, but if the man had put his mouth to the cork-hole and then blown the cask out of the bung hole, or if he had put his mouth to the cask hole and blown the cask out of the cork hole, or if he had put his mouth to the cask and blown the bung hole out of the cork hole, or if he had put the cask to the bung hole and blown the cork out of his mouth, or if he had put the bung hole to his ear hole and blown the cask out of the cork hole, or if he had put the cork up his ear hole and blown his mouth out of the bung hole, or if he had stuffed his ear hole up the bung hole and blown the cork hole inside out through the cask hole, or if he had blown his ear hole up his mouth and pulled the bung hole out of the cork hole, or if he had stuffed himself up his ear hole and blown the cask up his bung hole, or if he had stuffed the cork hole and the bung hole in his mouth and blown himself out of his ear hole, or if he had blown the cask hole up his ear hole and blocked his bung hole up with the cork hole, it would have been in his opinion much more extraordinary."
Honorary Life Members Branch 18
7th July 1935 Bert Lippett ZL266 (died 1966)
1938 H.B Johnson ZL2JS (died 1954)
7th December 1947 W.H. (Bill) Hall ZL2BH (died 28 September 1950)
Mrs W.H. Hall
Mrs Estell Rothschild.
Mr Bob Sewell ZL2ASO (awarded AGM 2000)
Mr Jack Devenport ZL2AXY (awarded AGM 2001)
Mr Bruce Douglas ZL2WP (awarded AGM 2004)
Honorary Membership Branch 18
1964 Mr & Mrs O’Riley elected honorary members of the branch for 1964
1982 John Clench ZL2ATV (deceased 19 June 2002)
2001 John Wysocki ZL2TWS