Recent spelunking through the archives of Radio in Australia & New Zealand, a popular magazine that began publication on 4 April 1923, unearthed this photo of an early Manly and District Radio Club meeting, which probably took place at the Victoria Building in Wentworth Street, the home of the Manly Literary Institute.

The photo is from page 84 of the 16 May 1923 issue (PDF):

Manly and District Radio Club meeting at the Manly Literary Institute, circa May 1923

Note the dress code, people! How times have changed!

The very first issue of the magazine also covers the inaugural meeting of the Manly and District Radio Club, which was unexpectedly a candlelit affair:

MANLY RADIO CLUB.

The Manly and District Radio Club was formed on February 26 under circumstances which tested the enthusiasm and initiative of all who made up their minds to be present.

Firstly, heavy showers of rain made outdoor conditions unpleasant, and, secondly, the failure of the electric light rendered it necessary to use candles to light the hall. But neither the rain nor the poor illumination affected the enthusiasm of those present, and when the meeting was well in progress, under the able chairmanship of Mr. F. C. Swinburne (one of the promoters of the Club), the “juice” once more consented to flow, and the room was flooded with light.

After the objects of the meeting had been explained, and the desirability of forming a club affirmed, the various matters incidental thereto were decided by the meeting.

Twenty-seven members joined the buzzer class, which it was decided should be held every Wednesday evening.

The election of officers resulted as follows: President: Mr. F. C. Swinburne. Vice-President: Mr. A. Brown. Secretary: Mr. O. Sandel. Treasurer: Mr. F. Clark. Committee: Messrs. M. Dixon, C. Crocker and B. Symes.

At the first General Meeting of the Club, held on March 5, the business consisted of a lantern lecture on the world’s high-power wireless stations by Mr. F. C. Swinburne. The lecturer dealt with his subject In a lucid and interesting manner, and the large audience was enabled to appreciate the scope and dimensions of radio work In different parts of the world.

Electronic copies of this and numerous radio-oriented magazines can be found on the American Radio History web site.

More club history here.