Telecommunications (continued)

The facsimile equipment was manufactured by Muirhead, a UK company. After an initial period of eliminating the usual bugs, it became one of the biggest and best weatherfax systems in the world. One later facsimile development was the introduction of radio-facsimile transmissions in the RAAF's weather broadcasts to meet WMO and other requirements.

With the expanded growth and complexity of the telecommunications system used by the Bureau it became obvious that Ralph Holmes needed the assistance of an in-house telecommunications engineer. This position was filled by W. K. (Keith) Henderson who had joined the PMG's Department as a trainee technician in 1942, worked on the Radio Australia transmitter at Shepparton from 1946 to 1950 when, having qualified as a professional telecommunications engineer, he worked in PMG's Victorian Head Office where his duties included provision and maintenance of the Bureau's facsimile services.

Keith joined the Bureau as a senior engineer in November 1960 as head of the new Communications Section created as part of a major reorganisation of Central Office. This was a time of major technological development and Keith had a busy time inspecting the whole gamut of the Bureau's telecommunications system and introducing changes to improve efficiency.

After the Dwyer years Keith was first promoted to head an expanded Communications Section and with a later reorganisation in which a new Facilities Division was created he was further promoted in charge of communications, satellite and instrument engineering, finishing his Public Service career as head of the Facilities Division, having acted as Assistant Director Management and Director of Meteorology at times before retiring in 1986.

Bureau of Meteorology