TELEGRAPHIC CHARGES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 10 June 1935, Page 8

TELEGRAPHIC CHARGES

ANALYSIS OF FIGURES BY All NISTER

Deductions drawn from an analysis of figures for telegraphic traffic under the amended scale, by the Postmaster-Gen-eral (the. Hon. Adam Hamilton) conflict. with the views of the Canterbury Chamber of. Commerce (says tho ’Times”). It was decided to write to the. .Minister pointing out that the figures disclosed grounds for reverting to the old Hat-ale system. In a letter the Minister stated that a. comprehensive review of the telegraph rating system since April, 1934, did not, disclose any grounds for a. reversion to the flat-rate system. In the first twelve months of the operation of tho new system telegraph traffic with the exception of newspaper messages, showed a decrease in volume of .92 per cent, and an increase in revenue of .87 per cent., confirming the opinion of the department that the altered rates were adjustments rather than increases in charges. The principle governing the matter was that as far as possible the cost of the service should he met by the actual users. The question of altering the system had been given further consideration hut it was not possible to give favourable consideration to the representations of the chamber.

A DIFFERENT OPINION Mr W. Maehin said that the position really seemed to he contrary to what the Minister stated. It seemed obvious that it must have been the increased charges which decreased the business, especially last year, one of increasing business' Otherwise it could fairly be said that there would have been an increased volume of business. In spite of the decrease in the volume of business, the revenue had increased. That was contrary to the department's expectations and hopes. It had been stated that the department did not expect an increase in revenue by tbe new scale, but that it was merely an adjustment “I do not think we should accept the statement in the letter,” said Mr Maehin. “I think we might quite properly write to the Minister and say that the figures bear out the contentions of the Chambers of Commerce, advanced at the time the new charges came into force.” The department was not soclosely in touch with actual business as members of the chamber were, he concluded. Air B. E. 11. Whitcombe said that the chamber should press for a reduction.

The president (Air F. W. Hobbs) said that the matter was before the Associated Chambers of Commerce and a considered reply was to be sent. He thought thli.t the Canterbury Chamber should support the Associated Chambers.

It was decided to take up the question directly with the Minister.