NEW TELEGRAPH FORMS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 143, 18 June 1910, Page 8

NEW TELEGRAPH FORMS.

Oa Monday the Telegraph. Department will adopt a new received , telegram form, which appears to be a distinct advance in the right direction. Under the present conditions obtaining in telegraph offices, many offices can, if so desired, read messages which are received. Such telegrams are eenfc into the messengers' roozn where they are addressed and placed in an envelope, so that there is delay in addressing envelopes, and there is always danger of telegrams being placed in wrong envelopes. When the new system is in proper working order all this will be done away with. The operator will receive the telegram at the instrument - , it is removed, folded in a machine, ana given to a message "boy to deliver. The Department claims three advantages for the new form, viz.: (1) Much greater secrecy, since practically only the operator reads the telegram; (2) a saving oi I five minutes or more in delivery; and (3) the risk of the telegram being placed in another person'e envelope is abolished, there being no envelopes. The new arrangement is certainly more economical, but that aspect has not 'been considered by the officials co much as the advantages accruing to the commercial community in quickeT delivery, more secrecy, and no errors in addressing. The seal at the back of the message should always be intact on delivery. The local head of the Department would he obliged if all instances of broken eeals are brought tinder his notice by the addressees, as the intention of the Department is to ensure secrecy on the one hand, and prompt delivery on the other. Envelopes £or enclosing telegrams are fast going out of date, there being constant errors and delays. No envelopes are used on the Continent of Europe, in Canada, and many other countries. The United States Is said to be contemplating a change, and England and Australia are not expected to bs long in following the example of other countries.