WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA - VK5 DIVISION
1910
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) was established in 1910.
1914-1919
All radio activity ceased due to WW1. All wireless gear was dismantled and was required to be handed in at the nearest Post Office. (AR 1979)
1919
In early 1919, Clifford Ames entered into discussions with Delmar 'Bob' Malpas about forming a Wireless Institute in South Australia. (AR 1979)
In mid July 1919, Ames placed several advertisements in Adelaide newspapers indicating a desire to form a Wireless Institute in South Australia. (AR 1979) (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: article from The Register, Sat 5 Jul 1919. Image c/o Trove
The first general meeting.
On Thursday the 10th day of September 1919, the first general meeting of the South Australian Division of the WIA was held at the home of Mr. C.E. Ames at 59 Carlton Parade, Torrensville. Provisional office bearers were appointed at the meeting. (AR 1979) (Nla.gov.au 2026)
The annual subscription was fixed at 10 shillings and sixpence per year. (AR 1979)
It was reported that a decision was made to incorporate with the Aero Club. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
- President: Mr. A. Mather
- Secretary: Mr Clement E. Ames
- Vice President: Mr Hambly-Clark & Mr. Ralph Lee
- Members: Mr. W.H. Smith, Mr. Dg> Malpas, Mr. H.C. Coles, Mr. R.M. Dunstone, Mr. R Wyatt, Mr. C.J. Poole
The annual subscription was fixed at 10 shillings and sixpence per year. (AR 1979)
It was reported that a decision was made to incorporate with the Aero Club. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The Advertiser, Fri 12 Sept 1919. Image c/o Trove
Radio Service of the Department of the Navy
At the time the VK5 Division of the WIA was established, all wireless or radio was closely controlled by the Radio Service of the Department of the Navy. (Ross 1978)
In 1919, the Navy commenced issuing 'Temporary Permits to Use Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus for the Purpose of Receiving Wireless Telegraphy Signals.'
One of the earliest permits issued was to Mr. V.R.P. Cooke on the 30th day of September 1919. A few months later, he became one of the VK5 Division Councillors. (Ross 1978).
Second meeting
The second meeting of the South Australian section of the WIA was held at Torrensville on Wednesday 24th day of September 1919. The President was recorded as Mr. A. Mather, with the Secretary being Mr. C.E. Ames. The council elected several people for membership. Mr. R.O.C. Matthews was was elected as Honorary Treasurer. A motion was adopted that other States should be asked whether ladies should be admitted as members. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Item from The Register, Thu 25 Sept 1919. Image c/o Trove
Drafting a set of rules
On the 15th day of October 1919, the Council met for the purpose of drafting a set of rules. The meeting was held at the office of Mr. R.O.C. Matthews at Grenfell Street, Adelaide. (AR 1979)
The first Annual General meeting.
On Wednesday the 5th day of November 1919, the first Annual General Meeting was held at the office of Mr. R.M. Dunstone at Alfred Chambers, Currie Street, Adelaide. The constitution was formally adopted, and the first elected executive took office. (AR 1979) (Nla.gov.au 2026)
The first elected officers included:
It was reported that a 'lady enthusiast' had applied for membership and that this created 'considerable interest'. After discussion, it was decided 'no lady members would be admitted.' (Nla.gov.au 2026)
The first elected officers included:
- President: J.W. Hambly-Clark
- Vice Presidents: R.S. Lee & T.M. Heagney
- Honorary Secretary: C.E. Ames
- Honorary Treasurer: R.O.C. Matthews
- Councillors: V.R.P. Cook, D.G. Malpas, D.H. Smith, W. Harrison, H.C. Coles & R.M. Dunstone.
It was reported that a 'lady enthusiast' had applied for membership and that this created 'considerable interest'. After discussion, it was decided 'no lady members would be admitted.' (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The Register, Sat 8 Nov 1919. Image c/o Trove
By 1921, the WIA were conducting their meetings at 21 Currie Street, Adelaide. (Nla.gov.sa 2026)
1921
S519 - experimental station.
In July 1921, Mr. Clement Ames applied on behalf of the VK5 WIA Division to the Director of the Australian Radio Services in Melbourne for a transmitting station. (Ross 1978)
On the 6th day of September 1921, the licence was approved for experimental radio telegraph transmitting and receiving apparatus at his residence at 59 Carlton Parade, Torrensville. The call sign allocated was S519. (Ross 1978)
1922
By 1922, the WIA was meeting at the YMCA Buildings. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Interest in the activities of the VK5 Division of the WIA increased during the early 1920s. By 1922, it had 58 financial members. (Ross 1978)
The office bearers in 1922 were as follows:
- President: Mr. J.W. Hambly-Clark
- Vice Presidents: Mr. J.M. Honnor, Mr. H. Hawke
- Hon Treasurer & Librarian: Mr. R.M. Dunstone
- Hon Secretary: Mr. C.E. Ames
- Hon Asst Secretary: Mr. R. Edgar
- Council: Mr. W.J. Bland, Mr.H.L. Austin, Mr. R.B. Caldwell
- Vigilant Officer: Mr. K.J. Martin
- Code Examiners: Mr. W.J. Bland, Mr. J.M. Honnor, Mr. V.R.P. Cook (Ross 1978)
The role of the Vigilant Officer was to ensure that members conformed by the Regulations. This included the inspection of stations. (Ross 1978)
1923
Radio Inspectors.
In May 1923, Mr. C.E. Ames, Mr. Honnor, and Mr. Bland, became Honorary Radio Inspectors appointed by the office of the Controller of Wireless in Melbourne. (Ross 1978)
The first Radio Dance.
On Thursday the 28th day of June 1923, the first Radio Dance was held at the Royal Institution for the Blind Hall in North Adelaide. The event was given by the SA Division of the WIA. (slsa n.d.)
Above: part of an article from The Chronicle, Sat 7 Jul 1923 Image c/o Trove
The dance music was broadcast from the home of Mr. Henry Lashbrooke Austin of 8 The Parade, Norwood. (slsa n.d.)
Above. Henry Kauper, Engineer, and Lancelot James, electrical fitter, sitting at radio equipment providing music for the Radio Dance. Image c/o State Library South Australia
5AV.
In November 1924, the call was changed to 5AV. On the 28th day of June 1925, approval was given to change the call to 5WI. (Ross 1978)
New President
The 5th Annual General Meeting was held in September 1923, at which time Mr Hambly-Clark retired as the VK5 Division WIA President. As an appreciation of his service, he was awarded a gold bangle. Mr. R.B. Caldwell became the new President. (Ross 1978)
1924
New publication
The SA Division of the WIA commenced its publication of 'The South Australian Wireless (Monthly) and Radio Magazine.' (Ross 1978)
Wireless on a train
On the 16th day of October 1924, the Institute arranged a public demonstration by setting up nine radio receivers on a special train to Hallett's Cove. (Ross 1978) (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The Mail, Saturday 4th October 1924. Image c/o Trove
Junior Section established
A Junior Section of the Division was established, with the first meeting being held at the University of Adelaide on Wednesday, the 27th day of February 1924. (Ross 1978)
1925
5WI
On the 28th day of June 1925, approval was given to change the call to 5WI. (Ross 1978)
Above: VK5WI QSL card. Image c/o collection.powerhouse.com.au
By 1925, the WIA were meeting at the University of Adelaide. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
1927
The fourth annual convention of the Wireless Institute of Australia commenced on Tuesday, the 15th day of July 1927, at Lady Colton Hall, Hinsmarsh Square, Adelaide. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
1929
On Saturday 17th August 1929, George Luxon VK5RX, married Thelma Iris Job at Flinders Street Lutheran Church. The service was broadcast on 5CL. The best man was Douglas Whitburn, VK5BY, the Secretary of the SA Division of the WIA. The groomsman was Mr W. M. Richards VK5WR. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The News, 12th Aug 1929. Image c/o Trove
1930
In c. 1930, VK5BJ was appointed the QSL Officer of the SA Division of the WIA. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
1930s.
Above: Article from The Advertiser, Sat 28 Feb 1931. Image c/o Trove
1931
New clubrooms opened
In September 1931, the new clubrooms of the S.A. Division of the WIA in the Savings Bank Buildings, Rundle Street, Adelaide, were opened by the Deputy Postmaster-General Mr. E.P. Ramsay. There were several guest speakers, including Mr. R.B. Caldwell, the past President of the WIA. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Item from The Advertiser, Sat 5 Sept 1931. Image c/o Trove
Above: Item from The Advertiser, Sat 12 Sept 1931. Image c/o Trove
Dougall Whitburn, VK5BY served as the SA Division WIA President from 1931 to 1932.
1932
Mr. R.D. Elliott VK5RD was the President. Mr. A.E. Williams VK5BO was the Secretary. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Members of the Wireless Institute of Australia, S.A. Division Council, 1932.
Back row L-R: Robert Bruce, Gordon Ragless, Stevin Wadham, Don Saylor, Bo Williams, Bill Pitchford. Front row L-R: Ossie Richardson, Don Elliott, Laurie Deane.
Image c/o State Library South Australia
Back row L-R: Robert Bruce, Gordon Ragless, Stevin Wadham, Don Saylor, Bo Williams, Bill Pitchford. Front row L-R: Ossie Richardson, Don Elliott, Laurie Deane.
Image c/o State Library South Australia
1933
In October 1933, the first issue of Amateur Radio magazine was released.
1934
By 1934 George Luxon VK5RX was performing the role of QSL Manager. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: VK5RX QSL card. Image c/o ebay
1937
Cricket match
In March 1937, a cricket match was played at Silver Lake between the South Australian Division of the WIA and the Railways Institute (VK5RI). (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Item from The Advertiser, Sat 20 Mar 1937. Image c/o Trove
1940
By 1940, the WIA were meeting in the Chapman Buildings, Bank Street, Adelaide. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
1940-1945
All amateur radio ceased during WWII.
1945
On the 18th day of July 1945, a meeting was held with the aim of reforming the WIA. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The Advertiser, Thu 19 Jul 1945. Image c/o Trove
In August 1945, the following were elected at a General Meeting:
- President: Ivor Thomas VK5IT
- Vice President: Joe Kilgariff VK5JT
- Secretary: Doc Barbier VK5MD
- Assistant Secretary: Ted McGrath VK5MO
- Treasurer: Ves Baseby VK5BZ
- Publicity Officer: Pete Bowman VK5FM
- QSL Officer: George Luxon VK5RX
- Programme Officer: George Luxon VK5RX
- Public Officer: Warwick Parsons VK5PS
- Instrument Custodian: Frank Wreford VK5DW (Ross 1978)
1950s
Waymouth Street Clubrooms
By the 1950s, the VK5 WIA clubrooms were located at 17 Waymouth Street, Adelaide. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
1950
In 1952, the South Australian Tourist Bureau provided QSL cards to amateurs to promote the State. (Nla.gov.au)
1952
The WIA SA Division received the silver medal for its working exhibition at the Royal Adelaide Exhibition. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Above: Article from The Mail, Sat 22 Mar 1952. Image c/o Trove
1953
In 1953, the first picnics were held for XYLs and children at the Gorge Picnic ground.
1959
In 1959, the first issue of the SA Wireless Institute Journal was published and forwarded to the 400 members of the VK5 Division.
1960
WIA VK5 Division meetings were held in St Paul's Church Hall, Pulteney Street, Adelaide.
1964
The 1964 Federal Convention was held in Adelaide. This was the 28th meeting of the Federal Council. The last time the Convention was held in Adelaide was in 1935. (AR 1964)
Ross Don VK5ET served as the President of the VK5 Division of the WIA from 1965 to 1967.
1967
Murray Burdofrd, VK5ZQ, served as the President of the SA Division of the WIA from 1967 to 1968.
1974
Burley Griffin building
In 1974, the WIA transmitter was installed in the Burley Griffin building at West Thebarton Road, Thebarton. (Ross 1978)
By 1974, there were 12 clubs in South Australia sponsored by the WIA under the Youth Radio scheme (Ross 1978)
1975
The first General Meeting was held in the building on the 28th day of January 1975. (AR 1978)
1977
The official opening of the VK5 Divisional headquarters took place on the 3rd day of April 1977. (AR 1978)
1979
In 1979, the SA Division of the WIA celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
2004
In 2004, the WIA became a National body, and the state divisions were abolished.
ADAM MATHER
Adam Mather was the provisional President of the South Australia Division of the WIA.
He ran the business called Mather and Payne, located at Henley Beach Road, Torrensville. They were suppliers of masts and antennas. (Ross 1978)
JOHN WILDERS HAMBLY-CLARK - XVX, VK5AA
John Wilders Hambly-Clark was the first President of the SA Division of the WIA.
He was born on the 30th day of March 1878 in Saltash, Cornwall, England. (ancestry 2016)
On the 16th day of October 1912, he married Ivy May Wallmann in St John's Church, Adelaide. (ancestry 2016)
He was born on the 30th day of March 1878 in Saltash, Cornwall, England. (ancestry 2016)
On the 16th day of October 1912, he married Ivy May Wallmann in St John's Church, Adelaide. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Item from The Mail, Sat Oct 19 1912. Image c/o newspapers.com
John and Ivy had five children.
Above: John with his wife Ivy and baby son William. Image c/o ancestry.com.au
Hambly-Clark resided at Kent Town and had two tall masts erected to support an antenna. One mast was 27 metres high, while the other was 25 metres high. (Ross 1978)
He died on the 28th day of November 1959 at Kent Town, South Australia. He was 80 years old. He is buried at the Magill Cemetery, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
Above: John Hambly-Clark's headstone. Image c/o findagrave.com
THOMAS MATTHEW HEAGNEY
Thomas Matthew Heagney was one of the first Vice Presidents of the VK5 Division of the WIA.
He died on the 2nd day of December 1938.
He is buried at the Cheltenham Cemetery, South Australia.
He died on the 2nd day of December 1938.
He is buried at the Cheltenham Cemetery, South Australia.
Above: The headstone of Thomas Heagney. Image c/o findagrave.com
CLEMENT EDGAR AMES - XVG
Clement Edgar Ames was the first Secretary of the VK5 Division of the WIA.
He was born on the 15th day of December 1959 at Bowden, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
He was born on the 15th day of December 1959 at Bowden, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Clement Ames. Image c/o Trove
He first became interested in radio in c. 1910 when he used a coherer set, the same type that was first used by Marconi. In 1912 he took out an experimental licence. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Prior to the First World War, Ames was a member of the WIA in New South Wales. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
In 1912, he married Martha Stieg at his father's residence at New Hindmarsh, South Australia. They had three children. (ancestry 2016)
In 1912, he married Martha Stieg at his father's residence at New Hindmarsh, South Australia. They had three children. (ancestry 2016)
Ames was instrumental in the creation of a South Australian Division of the WIA. (AR 1979)
In 1925, he was selected to represent South Australia at the annual radio convention held in Perth, Western Australia. (Nla.gov.au 2026)
Clement died on the 20th day of December 1957, aged 68 years. He is buried at the Hindmarsh Cemetery, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)
Above: Headstone of Clement Ames. Image c/o findagrave.com
VICTOR ROY PERCIVAL COOK - VK5AC
Victor Roy Percial Cook was one of the first South Australian WIA Councillors in 1991.
He was born on the 7th day of March 1899 in North Adelaide, South Australia.
On the 3rd day of October 1931, he married Lorna Florence Bradley. They had two children.
He died on the 26th day of August 1980, in Adelaide, South Australia. He was 81 years old.
He was born on the 7th day of March 1899 in North Adelaide, South Australia.
On the 3rd day of October 1931, he married Lorna Florence Bradley. They had two children.
He died on the 26th day of August 1980, in Adelaide, South Australia. He was 81 years old.
Above: Article from The Advertiser, Sat 17 Apr 1937. Image c/o Trove
DELMAR GEORGE 'BOB' MALPAS
Delmar George Malpas was one of the first South Australian WIA Councillors in 1919.
He was born on the 22nd day of September 1890 at Parkside, South Australia.
On the 20th day of April 1912, he married Ada Blythe Edmunds in Adelaide.
He lived at Mile End, South Australia.
He died on the 19th day of September 1962, aged 71 years.
He was born on the 22nd day of September 1890 at Parkside, South Australia.
On the 20th day of April 1912, he married Ada Blythe Edmunds in Adelaide.
He lived at Mile End, South Australia.
He died on the 19th day of September 1962, aged 71 years.
JOHN MORTEN HONNOR - 5AE
John Morten Honnor was the Vice President of the VK5 Division of the WIA in 1922.
He was born on the 22nd day of October 1900 in Adelaide, South Australia.
He died on the 8th day of November 1987 in Victoria, aged 87 years.
He is buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. (Findagrave 2019)
He was born on the 22nd day of October 1900 in Adelaide, South Australia.
He died on the 8th day of November 1987 in Victoria, aged 87 years.
He is buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. (Findagrave 2019)
IVOR THOMAS - VK5IT
Ivor Thomas was the first post-WWII president.
He was born on the 7th day of December 1897 at Angaston, South Australia.
He died on the 7th day of November 1965, aged 67 years.
He was born on the 7th day of December 1897 at Angaston, South Australia.
He died on the 7th day of November 1965, aged 67 years.
YOU TUBE VIDEOS
Video, c. 1984 - the last meeting of the WIA SA chapter.
References.
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- Wireless Institute of Australia, 1978, AR magazine, Vol. 46, No. 2
- Wireless Institute of Australia, 1964, Amateur Radio magazine, Vol 32. No. 3
- Wireless Institute of Australia, 1979, Amateur Radio magazine, Vol 47, No. 11