CONTINUOUS ’PHONE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 256, 25 July 1930, Page 3

CONTINUOUS ’PHONE

Eastbourne Need For some time past there has been an agitation in Eastbourne for a continuous telephone service. At present the exchange is open from 6 a.m, to mid-night on week days, and for two hours on Sundays and holidays. When approached on the subject, the I’ost and Telegraph Department replied that in order to obtain continuous attendance (i.e., all day and all night service on week days, Sundays and holidays) it would be necessary that two-thirds of the business subscribers and two-thirds of the residential subscribers should express, in writing, their desire that continuous service be provided. In the event of the requisite number of subscribers voting for continuous attendance, the telephone rentals of the connections leased by the Eastbourne Borough Council would be increased by a total of £lO for the nine telephones that at present pay for night connections. In connection with this matter,” said the Mayor (Mr. H. M. Jones) at last niglit’s meeting of the Borough Council, it is on Sundays and public holidays the continuous service is wanted.” When asked for his opinion, the town clerk (Mr. Bishop) thought a continuous service was needed. Such a service for the council telephones would be of very great help, not only to the council, but to the people of Eastbourne. It was stated that the through telephone to Australia would be ready in two or three months, and it was remarked that if anyone in Australia wanted to ring through to Eastbourne he would be shut out. “We are in the very worst position of all the suburbs,” said Councillor A. Walker. “We would not mind falling in with the. views of the department if some equitable service be substituted for the present iniquitous charge of 4d. toll for the subscriber against the 3d. charge to the non-subscriber.” Mr. Walker con-

sidered there should be a stipulated charge on a mileage basis from Wellington fur subscribers using the toll. "The time has arrived,” said the mayor, Mr. 11. M. Jones, “when we should have a continuous service. lam a strong advocate of that and the council should support the principle. It was decided to have the council service made continuous if possible, thus giving a lead to the community.