THE TELEGRAPHIC SYSTEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9021, 6 April 1888, Page 3

THE TELEGRAPHIC SYSTEM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Coming up the Weat Coast last week, I had occasion to telegraph to Auckland from Nelson. Upon handing in the message I was at first told that the cable was broken and no messages could be taken, but immediately afterwards was informed that it could be sent on if it was sent as an urgent message, or for two shillings instead of the delayed for sixpence. This was because the cable was damaged. Arriving at New Plymouth I presented an ordinary message, but was told that only urgents were sent through, as the! wires were damaged somewhere between Wellington and Auckland. Now, I with others would like, •to know how it is that the Governmem can send messages for two shillings and nov for one, because it looks like making the. public pay an extra charge whenever there is the slighest excuse. The Government contract to deliver a message for a given amount, and find that the trade is a paying one, but will not duplicate their lines when it can be done by connecting Taranaki with Auckland. It is bad enough to have to pub up with delays th&t are unavoidable, but to leave Auckland with only one line, and that a very exposed one from Napier to Wellington, is not fair to the North, even in such times of retrenchment as the present. Save by all means, but not in those departments that are self-supporting. The Government is not a gainer by any such sharp practice as taking advantage of a storm to raise their tariff of charges. Of course it gives extra trouble whenever it occurs, but that is part of their business, and they cap. only avoid this by laying down duplicate linos. I hope the members will take this question up during the next session and insist upon the Waikato being connected with Taranaki as soon sis possible.—l am, &c., Traveller.