The New Telegraph Charges

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21123, 26 March 1934, Page 10

The New Telegraph Charges

I It is not easy to understand the i reasons l'or the new system of tele- ! graph charges outlined in '' The j " Press " on Saturday. The Post-master-General says that there | " has been no direct attempt at in- | " creasing the revenue, but no j " doubt increased business will | " follow the applying to telegrams ! " of what may well be termed popu- ! " lar charges." To judge by the , comments of business men. it is at i least doubtful whether the new ; charges will be as popular as the i Postmaster-General supposes. The I reductions apply only within a i small radius of the oilice concerned; I and for long-distance telegrams the ' charge is definitely increased. Yet | it is over long distances ihat tele- ; grams are most useful. Over short ; distances the telephone seems a i cheaper and more satisfactory means lof communication. Moreover, the S new system has one substantial : drawback, both for the public and ' for the Post Oilice. In place of a j simple and convenient flat rate it I establishes a complex system of dif- | ferential charges. Until further de- J ! tails are announced, and perhaps j ! until the system has been tried for j ' a month or two, it would be tmtair J ' t.> condemn it. But the Post and j ' Telegraph Department should watch | the effect ot liie new cnarges with , ! ;in open mind and nut hesiiate to; Ihcm if tiiey prove to lie , i inconvenient and more expensive to ; tne public.