THE TELEPHONE SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10410, 7 April 1897, Page 5

THE TELEPHONE SERVICE.

[by teleqbaph.—press association.] Napier, Tuesday, At a meeting of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce to-day, the increased telephone charges were discussed. The chairman read a list of charges in the Australian colonies and the United States, showing that even at the increased rate the New Zealand charge was considerably tho lowost. The general expression of opinion was that if there was a loss on the telophone service the fees must be increased, as it would be unfair to let the genoral public bear the loss. A resolution was adopted to the effect that while tho Chamber accepted the increased rates as inevitable, it protested against the antiquated instruments now in use, and nskod for an improvement in the service generally.

DISPUTE IN THE BUILDING

TRADE.

[by telegraph.— association.] Christchuroh, Tuesday, The Conciliation Board met this morning to hear evidence and argument in the matter of the dispute between the Christohurch Builders Association and the Amalgamated Socioty of Carpontors and Joinors. Tho particulars of the dispute are that on the 22nd March, 1897, the association failed to comply with tho requirements of the unions that wagos be advanced from 9 to 10a per day, and I lint a code of working rules should he udoptod. The Board decided to supply both sides with a copy of the award when made out.