TELEGRAPH CHARGES

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 89, 12 October 1920, Page 6

TELEGRAPH CHARGES

HIGHER BATES; DECREASED

BUSINESS.

The suggestion that, because of higher rates, the .Telegraph Department.' is losing business was made at a meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Mr. J. T. Martin said that the tslegraph rates had been very materially increased, and the majority of the business firms were doing all they could to reduce their telegraph charges. He calculated that his firm alone was saving 30 per cent.; therefore, it was not Akely that the Government was going to secure anything like the increased revenue anticipated. It was probable, taOj that neither the staff nor the service were being utilised to the fullest capacity. It might be suggested to the Department that it should reintroduce the system of delayed telegrams. He thought it would be in the interests of the Department to encourage the use of the wjres throughout New Zealand. It would mean increased revenue without additional overhead charges. Delayed telegrams would not be delivered on receipt, but would bo delivered by the postmen,.or placed in the private letter-boxes. Members of the council: " That is being done now." i Mr. Martin suggested that the matter was one which could be considered at the annual conference of Associated Chambers. •> Mr. W. Stewart Wilson seconded this. There was no doubt that, because of the increased charges, the Department had lost a great deal of business. A further suggestion-was made that, as a preliminary, a small deputation should discuss the matter with the representatives of the Department. ■'„ This was agreed to unanimously.