BOARD OF INQUIRY.

Evening Star, Issue 10188, 15 December 1896, Page 2

BOARD OF INQUIRY.

THE VICTORIAN TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE SERVICE.

[Peb Peess Association.]

MELBOURNE, December 14.

The Board appointed several months ago to inquire into charges of alleged extravagant and improper expenditure in connection with the telegraphic and telephonic branches of the Postal Department, as well as personal charges of inefficiency and want of proper control against certain officers, have submitted their report. The Board report that many of the charges have not been proved, and find that the weight of evidence points to the fact that the general system of the electrical branch is fairly satisfactory, but add that the supervision and management are capable of considerable improvement. They say the chief fault appears to be that the principal officers who are responsible for the management of the branch have too many duties to perform, and have been working in an atmosphere of intrigue and departmental disloyalty. In regard to telephones, the Board find that the complaints as to unsatisfactory working are fully justified, and that this is mainly due to the lack of practical supervision and over economy. They recommend the appointment of a competent manager, who should have sole control of the telephones, and that the staff be better manned and equipped. Members of the Board consider that the question of a reduction in fees for the use of the telephones requires immediate consideration. One officer of the telegraphic branch, against whom certain charges were held to be partially proved, has resigned from the service.