Radio link plan for Coast

Press, 1 June 1977, Page 2

Radio link plan for Coast

Wellington reporter A microwave radio system will be provided between Nelson and Greymouth to replace the aerial toll and telegraph lines from Nelson, L.enheim, and Christchurch to the West Coast, The lines were working to capacity and at times there were delays on toll calls, said the acting PostmasterGeneral (Mr Adams-Schnei-der). The toll routes from Greymouth to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass and the Buller • Gorge were also prone to faults from washouts and I snowfalls, and on occasions :both routes had been out of ■ service at the same time. The microwave radio system between Nelson and Greymouth would link Greymouth with the national microwave network, provide higher-quality circuits and cater for future growth, the Minister said. The project involves the provision of microwave terminals at Greymouth and Nelson, and repeater stations at Korere, Mount Murchison, Mount Rochfort, Reefton, and Paparoa. Mr Adams-Schneider said the estimated cost of the project was $895,000. The Post Office planned to commission the new service in 1978.