WHANGAREI-DARGAVILLE TELEPHONE.

Northern Advocate, 23 February 1911, Page 5

WHANGAREI-DARGAVILLE TELEPHONE.

CHIEF ENGINEER'S OPINION,

NEW METALLIC CIRCUIT NEEDED,

DARGAVILLE, Feb. 23

Mr J. Orchiston, chief engineer of telephones, is visiting this district. In the course of an informal chat with a number of representative citizens and settlers, who waited upon him in respect to the possibility of securing through telephone communication with Whangarei and Auckland, he gave an interesting statement regarding the objects which local bodies both here and at Whangarei are striving for.

He pointed out that the two existing circuits on this and on the other side of the river are carrying as many connections as is consistent with an efficient service, and it would be necessary to put up a new metallic trunk wire circuit between here and Whangarei. It was very possible that new poles would also have to be erected along a portion of the route, carrying a full load. An Auckland service would involve a new trunk line, either via Paparoa, or by means of cable at the Heads. The whole question was one of expense, and the probable business which would result. He would go into figures on his return to Wellington, but a decision as to whether the seiwice should be given or not rested with Cabinet. He was not prepared to say offhand that the service would not pay, but that did not necessarily mean that it could be provided at once.

An 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. service in Dargaville would be provided in a few days