RURAL TELEPHONES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1933, Page 8

RURAL TELEPHONES

CHARGES TOO HIGH

REDUCTION URGED

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

MASTEKTON, This Day. \

The question of the high telephone rentals still being charged in outback areas was raised afyesterday's meeting of the Wairarapa Farmers' Union by two Tinui delegates, Messrs. Harold Bennett and J. Andrew.

Mr. Bennett said that last year, following on representations to the Post-master-General, some reductions in telephono rentals -were secured; A- minimum of £10 was fixed; but some users had to pay. £18. ■ The other day they had received notices demanding rentals at the old rates, ranging from £16 to £30. Conditions wore much worse than they were a year ago, and the need for concessions was even greater than it was last year. If the high rates were enforced, two-thirds of the users in his district would dispense with the telephone. Mr. Bennett said that in the first five years after installation,-the group of subscribers to which he belonged had paid £2700 for their telephones. They had paid for the lines and had been promised a reduction after five years. This had not been given. Mr.. Andrew said that the telephone meant a great Seal to people outback. They were quite prepared to pay a reasonable amount, but £30was too much. Many would give up their telephones if the rates now demanded were enforced.

Messrs. E. L. Eayner and C. C. Jackson urged that the executive should support the request for a reduction.

Mr. A. Boss observed that a fuss had been made by some people who did not get concessions last year and the "withdrawal of all concessions apparently was the result. He quite agreed that consideration was due to the backblocks, but outlying settlers had some advantages, such as cheaper land. He would like to see an effort made to get the Government to reduce telephone charges universally.

Mr. Hugh Morrison contended that cuts in Government costs should be passed on. Outlying settlers were being asked to pay as much for telephones as in the time of the boom.

Mr. E. Beu said that if a universal reduction were made in charges, half the people who had gone off the telephone would go back and the Department would get its revenue.

It was agreed to urge the Government to make the same concessions to rural telephone subscribers as were made last year.