AIRGRAPH EQUIPMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 5 July 1943, Page 4

AIRGRAPH EQUIPMENT

REPLY TO COMPLAINT FROM AUCKLAND The contention of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce that serioui delays in the distribution of airgraph mail would be obviated by the transfer of the apparatus and special staff from Wellington to Auckland was replied to on Saturday by the Post and Telegraph Department. The department stated that the airgraph apparatus was installed in Wellington after full consideration of the position by Kodak New Zealand Limited and the department. The advantage in handling to be derived from installation in Auckland was appreciated, but, on the other hand, the company already had in its Wellington estafcflishment certain special equipment essential to the outward service. This particular apparatus—the only installation of its kind in the Dominion—could not be moved because of the manner of its installation. Any attempt at removal 'would have resulted in irreparable damage. Replacement at present would be impossible. Though this was the main reason for the decision to set up the airgraph installation in Wellington, there were other factors in the presence in the capital city osthe necessary key personnel. These men could not be transferred to Auckland because of their engagement in Wellington on other work equally as essential as the airgraph service; while, in the present state of the country’s manpower, duplication of the skilled technical staff would be practically impossible. »

The present arrangements are serving the Dominion as a whole very well. Every effort is made by the Post Office to avoid delay in the handling of airgraph messages, full use being made of the inland air services- Frequently inward messages are being delivered in Auckland at the same time as in Wellington, and, except in isolated circumstances, they are never delivered later in Auckland than in other parts (/ the Dominion.