Morse Code on Sparkling Waters Bench
- RF Cafe Cool Pic -

Some might call it artistic license. I call it epic failure. The May 2012 edition of QST (p.79) had a photo from Bob Kernish, KD2ADL, of an avant-garde-style public bench in Auckland, New Zealand, that features a repeating string of Morse Code characters. Bob was puzzled over the apparent message, "SPARKLAG WATERS." After checking with some Aussie Hams, they believe it was intended to say, "SPARKLING WATERS." I'm guessing it was a government project, designed by committee, and no authority on Morse Code was engaged during the process. The project was probably over budget and late, so there was no more money to re-paint the message.

Per the poster's investigation, "The Port of Auckland is part of the Waitemata Harbour ('sparkling waters' is the translation of this Maori word)." Maybe the Maoris pronounce "ing" an just "g." The original photo and a short description of the phenomenon is available at https://auckland-west.co.nz/?p=9153

These benches are located at the entrance to Queens Wharf. I did a search using Street View on Google Maps, but could not locate the benches. Maybe they were installed after the Google camera vehicle captured their images. I cannot find a spot that looks like the other photo on the page. There appears to be trolley or train track embedded in the sidewalk, and I do not see them anywhere.

Posted March 22, 2013