TELEPHONE SERVICE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 7564, 7 May 1919, Page 3

TELEPHONE SERVICE.

WAXGANUI AND RAETIHI

The need of better telephone communication between Wanganui and Raetihi was discussed by the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce on xvlcnday evening.

Direct telephonic communication between Raetihi and Wanganui, is not possible between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the service after 5 o'clock is a makeshift one. The Waimarino County Council is trying to improve matters, and made representation to the Chief Postmaster at Wanganui, asking him to have wires available by subscribers between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at urgent rates. The request \va3 refused on the grounds, that the existing lines are fully engaged during the day, and could not carry additional work.

Representations are now being m£de to the Postmaster-General.

At the present time, the line along the Parapara Road only requires connecting between Ore Ore and Kakatahi, a distance approximately of 15 miles. Those two points are terminals of the Government line. The distance is bridged by a private wire, which is riot available for through connections.

Another line runs up the left bank of the Wanganui River to Pipiriki. It is, however, working at full capacity, and to be made available, required a new set of wires from Wanganui to Pipiriki. From that point connection could be made by the existing line Raetihi-Ohakune.

It was decided to reply that the Chamber would support any action which the Raetihi local bodies might take.

Members considered that it was rather ridiculous that such an important centre as Raetihi should be cut off from communication with Wanganui. Doubtless the ■Government had its reasons for the delay, but it was hoped that now conditions A^ere returning to normal, the line would be completed.

It was also decides! to ' write to the Postmaster-General calling attention to a promise made by a previous Minister to have the line constructed, and asking the Department to have the work carried out as soon as possible.