the postmaster-general (austin chapman) attended the postal union congress in rome in may 1906. while in italy (and previously in london), he met with marconi company representatives in company with his new zealand counterpart (joseph ward) and discussed latest developments in wireless telegraphy and possibilities for australian deployment and communication with new zealand and pacific islands. again in italy, he visited the marconi station at monte mario, and sent and received wireless messages (no doubt with the aid of a competent telegraphist) with another station 200 miles distant. chapman was intrigued by the wireless inker system of recording the messages and retained several as mementos of the experience. upon his return to australia in july 1906, he waxed eloquent about wireless telegraphy, but stressed the need for australia to select the "best system." in the end there was no timely development and australia remained truly wireless.