DEVONPORT TELEPHONES.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 196, 19 August 1919, Page 5

DEVONPORT TELEPHONES.

AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION. POSSIBLE IN IS MONTHS. The abolition of a long-standing grievance among telephone, -subscribers at Devonport in the matter of the toll charge, was foreshadowed by Mr. A. Harris nt a meeting ot" the Wtiiteniata Chamber of Commerce last night. Owing to the phenomenal growth of the North Shore boroughs, stated Mr. Harris, | the existing cable had proved quite inadequate and could not carry t.li_ traffic, for which there was an ever-increasing 1 demand. A new cable was ordered in 1014 from Belgium, but could not bo obtained. The ma mi fact-tiring company subsequently shifted to England, but the I plant was commander, ed for war work, and the possibility of procuring it during the war period was ended. Since the cessation of hostilities, tlie cable had been the subject of communication between the (Jo.c-riiment and the (High Commissioner, and it is now certain that it trill be delivered here in time to bo connected with the new automatic installation in Auckland. Tenders are now being called for the erection of automatic exchanges at Devonport and Takapuna. In a communication from Sir Joseph Ward, assurance is given that every effort, is being made to bring about tills installation, which could no. : tinder normal conditions be effected, within IS .months. Regarding the charges tlie Minister stated that with the automatic system North Shore subscriber, would be given the privilege of paying a. general iuter-commimi.ation rate, thus doing away with the toll charge for each eonuection.