Rural Phone System Declared Unsatisfactory

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1944, Page 2

Rural Phone System Declared Unsatisfactory

The policy of the Post and Telegraph Department in the matter of telephones in country areas was discussed by the Whangarei County Council today, when a letter from the Whangarei postmaster, was considered. Tlie letter stated that the attendance at tlie' Parakao telephone exchange had been restricted on account of inability to obtain the services of a suitable local person as a second member of the staff for the post office. The postmistress (Miss Ruddell) had resigned and Miss Petley the assistant had been appointed to the position of post mistress. As a second officer could not be obtained, the telephone exchange hours meantime would be restricted to 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The present Sunday and holiday attendance would be maintained. The previous hours were 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The postmaster stated that as an alternative it was proposed to provide relict from the Whangarei Office, but board counld not be arranged for an officer. Subscribers’ Protest. Cr. G. O. Dysart said the position was not at all satisfactory to the settlers. He suggested that a reply be sent to the postmaster stating that at least 20% of the subscribers would not be prepared to continue under tlie restricted hours. Settlers required to use the telephone before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. tie considered that a permanent office was warranted and he thought that if such were e*tablished the Pakotai settlers would join the Parakao exchange. The service in the past had been entirely satisfactory. He moved that a reply be sent on the lines suggested. Seconding, the chairman (Mr. J A. 3. McKay), said he fVlt the position in the country areas was not fully understood by the department. This matter concerned all county settlers. He thought too much stress was placed by tbe department on the idea that each individual district should be financially self-con-tained. The whole community should bear the cost, as was done with the railways

The people in the back areas provided tlie livelihood of those in towns and cities, and the cost of providing telephone service in these areas should be spread over the whole community. The system was clearly due for an overhaul. The Government should take full responsibility and build the whole of subscribers’ lines in all localities, as was done by electric powci- boards. Cr. A. Clarke considered the chairman had opened up a large question, and the matter .should be referred to the Counties’ Association for consideration from a national viewpoint. On his motion this was added to the original motion. The clerk pointed out that if board could be obtained the position at Parakao would be remedied. The chairman: That does not affect the national position. Cr. J. H. Garland said that lines built by settlers many years ago, and taken over by the department, had not been brought up to date. Cr. J. Morrson said the telephone system in his district was poor, and he agreed with the chairman’s remarks. The motion was carried unanimously.