AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 31 January 1927, Page 9

AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE

HAWERA DISTRICT ’PHONES. “CUT OVER” ON SATURDAY. new; system inaugurated. The culmination of 'approximately four months of intricate installation work wia® reached at 11 o'clock on Saturday night, when, under the direction, of Mr. It. Ryails, the supervising constructional engineer, and hrs assistant, Mr, J. Price, the conversion from the manual to the automatic telephone system, was made at the Hawera, exchange. Commencing during tlie '.second week in September, the experts engaged made steady progress in the exacting work, and though certain unique difficulties were experienced, they succeeded in completing the new installation in what is described as record time for such an undertaking in New Zealand. .\Vith tlie advent of the hew system Hawera, possesses the distinction of being the first town in the province to be provided with the automatic ’phone, and also the distinction of being the first centre in the Dominion in which an automatic exchange, entirely of British manufacture, has been installed. Among the officials present during the “cut over” were Mr. O. S. Plank, (deputy chief telegraph engineer), Mr. J. McDermott (chief telegraph engineer, Wellington), Mr. It. W. G- Lye (telegraph engineer, Wanganui), Mr. L Spider (telegraph engineer, Napier) and Mr. L. J. Bull (postmaster, Hawera), while the Peei-Connor Co., of Coventry, as the manufacturers of the equipment, was represented by Mr. <L N. Wallace. MINIMUM INTERRUPTION. Briefly explained, the method used to effect the “cut over” on Saturday night appears the acme of simplicity. Since the automatic ’phones have been placed with subscribers, each subscriber has had a dual connection with central, one pair of lines linking the manual ’phone with the old switchboard and another pair connecting the automatic instrument with the new exchange. Connection through the latter was prevented by means of circuit breakers in the form of wooden toothpicks, which 'separated the contacts in the pre-selector apparatus, through, which the subscriber* obtains communication with the system’. To effect th“cut over”, it was necessary to disconnect the manual and connect the automatic ’phones in the minimum of time in order that subscribers should suffer the least possible interruption of service. This was done by severing tlie wires giving connection with the manual board and removing the contact breakers in the automatic apparatus. As the clock boomed the hour _ of eleven, four mechanics, (armed with pliers attacked the network of wires running between the old exchange and the outer world and within four minutes the whole of the 2000 strands were cut and l the instruments through which

Hawera subscribers have for years called “Hello central”, were relegated, as far as this exchange is concerned, to the category of obsolete contrivances. Fourteen minutes later the toothpick circuit breakers had been removed, each being tested to ensure efficiency and with the exception of a negligible percentage or faults, tlie equipment for SOO exclusive subscribers, 100 four party lines and 50 ten party rural lines was available for use.

The first call on the new exchange was made at eleven o’clock, when tlie postmaster, Mr. L. J. Bull, dialled the new ’phone number given to the residence of the member of the district, Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., and informed him that' lie was answering the initial call on Hawera automatic exchange. Mi*. Dickie replied that the hearing was perfect. The young life of tlie new exchange had readied its seventh minute when the first toll call was registered, number 2725 receiving connection at 11.25 p.m. with Te Kuiti. STAFF ENTERTAINED. Prior to the change over on Saturday evening, the members of the old exchange staff were the guests of the installation .staff at a 'social evening in the Savoy Tea Rooms, where a gathering of approximately 40 assembled, including the officials already mentioned as present during the “cut over.” The .postmaster (Mr j L. J. Bull) presided. The guests were ] welcomed by Mr Ryalls who, in remarking upon the step which would be marked in the history of the local exchange by the automatic installation, said it would be regretted, however, that the innovation would mean the loss of some of the most popular members of the staff. He expressed appreciation of the manner in which tne exchange operators had endeavoured to co-operate with the installation staff, and) paid tribute to the efficiency maintained by the former during the unusually trying period. The toast “the departing guests” was sponsored by Mr BuR, who in extending wishes for their future prosperity said that the service locally

was being deprived of some of its best officers, and that their removal to other centres would be keenly regretted. Similar, remarks were made by Miss Hogan, the senior supervisor of the Hawera Exchange.

The excellent manner in which the staff had carried out the installation was referred to by Mr Wallace (representing the manufacturers), who said that, besides maintaining the highest efficiency, Mr Ryalls and) his staff had created a record in such work in New Zealand.

The toast “The P. and T. Department” was proposed by Mr Wallace, the response being made by Mr Plank. Mr E. W. Cate proposed the health of the automatic staff, Mr McDermott replying. Thanks on behalf of the ladies in appreciation of the hospitality extended by the installation staff were expressed by the chairman.