TELEPHONE TO THE WAIRARAPA.

Evening Post, Volume LXX, Issue 14, 17 July 1905, Page 6

TELEPHONE TO THE WAIRARAPA.

♦ . ' Telephonic communication ' with the Wairarapa was ono of the subjects brought before the Minister for Railways to-day by a deputation of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Beauchpnp urged the need of public telephone communication between Wellington on the one hand and Masterton, Cartel ton, Greytown, and Featherston on the other ; as a benefit to tno general public as well as to commercial people, who often wished to do their business a little more rapidly than they could do it now by telegraph. Other parts of the colony had such advantages. Tho Minister emphasised the difficulties of the trunk system as compared with the condenser system. The condenser system was working successfully between Christchurch and Ashburton, and he hoped that before long they would have it between Wellington and Polmerston North. The cost of long-distance telephoning, if carried out all over the colony, would not be less than half a million — he was well within the mark; and it would not be possible to do that unless with high charges to users, or unless Parliament decided that the telephones should not be a paying concern, but should be supported by tho Consolidated Fund, which he did not think Parliament was prepared to do. The price would certainly be not less than 'half a crown for five minutes; and the longer the distance, the greater the price. Tho demand for such long-distance telephone wires was abnormal compared with the total telegraph service of the colony. A very much higher charge, and a distance charge, starting perhaps, at 3d for a short time at 25 miles, would be necessary. The trunk system would necessitate copper wires, which might havo to bo duplicated to prevent induction, making 160 miles of wiro for 80 mile telephoning. Then only a simtll portion of would-be users could use tho wire, 'there being so much waiting. Quoting the results of long-distance telephoning between Invercargill, Gore, nnd Mataura, ho declared that three times out of five it was found that telegraphing was quicker. The condenser system had been used successfully over a hundred miles in different parts of the world, and the Government had not shut its eyes to its advantages. Mr. Bcauchamp agreed that a large capital expenditure would be necessary. Mr. Duthie declared that .a. greater population called for the telephone in the present case than in any other part of the colony. . Tenders aro invited for the oreotion 1 of a house at the Hutt.

CITY COUNCIL RATES. * TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As a ratepayer I must take exception in one respect to the special order advertised in your issue of last night. All rates should be payable for the period ending 31st March, and the date for payment should be made .the same as for general rates. , It is to be hoped Councillors will see to it that the suggested idea is not carried out, as nothing but confusion will result. Ratepayers generally will, I know, be up in arms immediately the purport of the special orderj dawns upon them. —l am, etc., BUYER AND SELLER. Wellington, 13th July.