TELEPHONE CHARGES.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 189, 11 August 1920, Page 4

TELEPHONE CHARGES.

FARMERS' UNION PROTESTS

DEPUTATION TO MR McGALLUM

At the conclusion of Saturday's meeting, a deputation from the executive of the Marlborough Farmers' Union waited on Mr R. McCallum, M.P., regarding the proposed increased telephone subscriptions of 5s per quarter mile beyond the Department's limit of one mile. It was pointed out by members of the deputation that in each case, when it was proposed to make this charge, the telephone subscriber had erected the line at liis own. cost, and in many cases the charge would amount* to one of a practically prohibitive nature. The deputation was not objecting to a general increase, if such were found to be necessary, 'but it considered , that an undue amount wos. being charged to the rural subscribers. ;, Mr McCallum agreed with tho deputation, and said that he had previously pointed out that the increase proposed was too severe m its application, but at that time he had not been aware that the subscribers had paid for tho cost of erection, and stated that on his return to Wellington he would make representations in the matter.