P. AND T. REPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 247, 19 October 1933, Page 12

P. AND T. REPORT.

DROP IN REVENUE. BRITISH AIR MAIL EXTENSION. EMERGENCY RADIO SERVICE. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Post and Telegraph Department's revenue dropped last year by £421,298 to a total of £3,293,932, but there was an excess of receipts over payments to the extent of £605,812, and in accordance with special legislation £456,000 was contributed from this surplus to the Consolidated Fund. The Department's annual report contains indications of improving conditions, this tendency being well marked in connection with the Post Office Savings Bank, which for five months of this year showed an excess of deposits over withdrawals, despite the reduced rate of interest following the Government's conversion legislation. Tho Auckland-Vancouver and Wel-lington-San Francisco mail services were renewed this year for an indefinite period, subject to three months' notice by either party, this being neoessary on account of the unusual conditions now prevailing. Discussing the Australian-English air mail services, the report states that the extension xo Sydney will be of material advantage in weeks when there is no trans-Paciflc dispatch. It will mean acceleration in delivery varying from four to as much as 20 days in extreme cases. It is understood that the charge for letters between Britain and Australia on the air service will be 1/3 per Joz, including ordinary postage, and that the same rate will apply to New Zealand. Radio on Smaller Ships. Though radio apparatus is only compulsory on New Zealand ships of over 1600 tons register, there has been a tendency to fit smaller vessels with compact radio equipment, operating on waves 60 to 100 metres, communicating with low-power apparatus at various centres. Primarily for emergency purposes the Department is prepared to consider the establishment of such a service, and the indications are that it will be availed of in the near future. Further equipment has been supplied to radio inspectors to deal with electrical interference with broadcasting. Additional statutory power to require owners of interfering equipment to take necessary remedial measures is desirable, and legislation for tho purpose is proposed. There has been very little development in telephone services during the year, and, having regard to economic conditions, a loss of 4 per cent in telephone subscribers is not regarded as serious. The total losses throughout the depression amount to 7 per cent. Work for Other Departments. The Department's work for other State services is extensive, the total of sums handled in this way in the year heing 29,000,000. Motor registration and licenses amounted to £371,053, and third party insurances to £234,267, while refunds for petrol used in other than motor vehicles amounted to £137,387. The Department not only collects the major portion of unemployment taxation, but also paid relief workers wages to the amount of £3,194,707.