CHEAP-RATE CABLE SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 12

CHEAP-RATE CABLE SERVICE

From Troops In Egypt To Dominion A special cheap-rate service for cable messages from members of the New Zealand armed forces in Egypt ha* been introduced. This information is given by the Director-General of the rest and Telegraph Department. Mr. J G. Young, in response to an inquiij bv the secretary of the National Patriotic Fund Board, Mr. G. A. Hayden, on behalf of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council. The Auckland council pointed out that a cheap rate was available for cable messages when sent, from Egypt to England, but that it. had been reported that, the cost from Egypt to New Zealand was the equivalent, in New Zealand currency of 2/3 a word. In view of the fact that it was felt that members of the New Zealand forces would be glad to communicate with their next-of-kin by cable if the charges were reasonable, it was suggested that the matter might lie taken up with the relevant authority to see if it was possible to arrange for an extension of tin; Egypt-England concession rate to Egvpt-New Zealand messages. In his' reply to a letter forwarded to him by the secretary of the board. Mr. Young slated that every effort had been made since it was first known that New Zealand troops were stationed in Egypt to have a eheap-rate cablegram service made available for messages to and from them. Though such a service from New Zealand to Egypt had been introduced some time ago, delay unfortunately had occurred in obtaining the service in the reverse direction. However, lie was pleased to say that the representations made in the matter had been successful, and that the special cheap-rale service for messages from members of the armed forces in Egypt was introduced on January 27.