SLOT TELEPHONES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16566, 2 June 1914, Page 7

SLOT TELEPHONES.

MR ELL AND THE POSTMASTERGENERAL.

The following correspondence has passed between Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., and the Postmaster-General with regard to applications for slot telephones m different parts of Christchurch South:—

On March 19 Mr Ell wrote:—“ There are several parts of my constituency where the people are much in need of slot telephones. One is required at the corner of Somerfield ancl Barrington Streets Another one is needed at the corner of Wvchbury and Barrington Streets. Another is very much needed at the corner of Brougham Street and Windmill Road, at th corner of Antigua Street and Moorhouse Avenue and at tho corner of Montrose Street, Sydenham.” Tho Minister replied on March 21 stating that a reply would be sent in due course.

On May 8 Mr Ell wrote with regard to his requests and stating that he had received no reply and he thought the delay was unreasonable.

On May 16 a roply was received stating that the delay had been caused owing to the telegraph engineer having been requested to draw up a comprehensive schemo of extension of the slot telephone system for the four largo cities. With regard to Mr Ell’s requests the erection of cabinets at the corners of Barrington and Somerfield and Barrington and Wvchbury Streets could not be agreed to. The erection of a machine at the junction of Burke Hanover and Antigua Streets was under consideration, it being considered more central aud likely to servo a larger number of residents. The engineer had recommended the erection of a slot cabinet at the corner of Colombo Street and Moorhouso Avenue in preference to the suggested silo at Antigua Street. 11l reply Mr Ell referred to the records instructing the telegraph engineers in the four chief centres in Juno, 1912, to prepare a comprehensive report on desirable sites for slot telephones and said that ho failed to understand the delay. M r Ell also criticised tho Department’s decisions with regard to the placing of slot telephones in his constituency.