the public at large was fascinated by wireless generally, and individuals with a practical bent were wanting to explore the technology for themselves. while the wt act 1905 made specific provision for licensing of wireless experimenters, the pmg's department employed its absolute discretion in the matter to great effect with only a handful of private licences issued before 1910. robert scott made much of the secrecy provisions and penalties for interfering with government communications. george augustine taylor was a prominent patriot advocating for the need for more support for aviation and wireless in australia with a view to its future defence. as early as october 1909 he was publicly stating the need for an institute to represent the interests of private experimenters and particularly to press for relaxation of policy in respect of licensing of wireless experimenters. it was clearly implied that many wireless experimenters were being forced to operate without licences. hannam was becoming incredibly frustrated, having waited 18 months for his application to be processed and he embarked upon a publicity campaign to try to change the system. his efforts were eventually assisted by solicitor f. leverrier another experimenter desiring a licence. the timing of the campaign seemed rather more than fortuitous. on 11 march 1910 a preliminary meeting was held with a view to formally constituting an institute. the daily telegraph reported the event under the catchcry headline three guineas for the use of the air: wireless telegraphy experimenters and enthusiasts are beginning to co-operate, and a number met last afternoon in the hotel australia in order to take the preliminary steps towards forming an institution. vigorous comment was made upon the government's action in regard to experimental licences, and it was plain that besides a feeling for mutual help and interest, the restrictions alleged had had a large share in hurrying on the movement. two ladies were among those present. mr. g. a. taylor, who was elected chairman, explained the object of the meeting, and touched on the wonderful future ahead of the movement. "it is wise," he said, "to put our heads together and profit by each other's discoveries. experimenters did not think the authorities were giving them fair encouragement. every experimenter was at the beck and call of the military, naval, and postal authorities, and was allowed no legal redress if departmental officers thought he was breaking the rules. mr. taylor proposed the formation of an institution amongst experimenters and enthusiasts in wireless, for their mutual benefit. the object of founding the institution was to obtain justice, he explained; it would not be founded in opposition to any government institution or department. walter henry hannam, seconding the motion, repeated the account of his attempts to obtain a government license. i have had a great deal of trouble with three postmaster-generals," said he, "and haven't got my license yet. they're still quibbling. we have all been treated in the same way, but no one has said or done anything until lately. seventeen months of my time have been wasted since i was ready to erect my plant. why should we have to pay three guineas for the use of the air, so far as experiments are concerned? the aerial navigation experimenters are charged nothing." one regulation, he complained, penalised an experimenter if the chief electrical engineer of the postmaster-general's department should certify telegraphic communication had been interfered with by his wireless appliance used "or intended to be used"! j. h. a. pike also supported the motion, which was carried, and a provisional committee was appointed to arrange for the next meeting. later, a general meeting of those interested will be called, and officers elected. it is proposed to assist in the formation of, and perhaps affiliate with, similar organisations in other states. the provisional committee is as follows:— messrs. j. h. a. pike, walter henry hannam, f. bartholomew, w. h. gosche, f. and h. leverrier, f. a. cleary, and a. garnsey, major rosenthal, captain cox-taylor, dr. brissenden, and the chairman. mr. hannam will act as hon. secretary pro tem. besides these gentlemen, the misses perratt hill, and messrs. r. b. armstrong and j. a. henderson attended, and gave in their names as prospective members. on 22 april 1910 the first formal meeting was held at the employers' federation rooms. there were 36 in attendance and it was announced that membership already stood at 70 persons. the name "institute of wireless telegraphy" was adopted.