"NUMBER 832 "-KING GEORGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14691, 27 May 1911, Page 5 (Supplement)

"NUMBER 832 "-KING GEORGE

THE ROYAL EXCHANGE. "Westminster 832—Hullo! Can I speak to tho King? " would be met with a .stern refusal in the case of the ordinary caller, yet His Majesty, if he so desired, could communicate with the most humble of his subjects possessing a telephone. The telephone system has been for years in a high state of efficiency at Buckingham Palace, and during the last few months it has been still further improved. Buckingham Palace may bo called a small exchange of its own; indeed, it is larger than somo of the exchanges in the outlying parts of, London. Picked men operate three, 50-line switchboards in the Palace. Two are used for the day service and one for night purposes, and during the 24 hours the staff works in sections. The transfer of the lines from the day to night service is accomplished by means of a change-over switch, either in the Palace post office or the Palace itself. The King possesses an exterision from tho switchboard to his private apartments, and, in addition, His Majesty has'a private exchange line to his own apartments. This is used for special communications of a private nature in connection with State affairs. The Palace is also in direct communication with Windsor Castle by a private line, tested daily at different important junctions. All the high functionaries to say nothing of minor officials and servants'—are in touch with His Majesty, who can speak to them in their own apartments or private residences. Every lady and gentleman in tho Royal household, every functionary can be reached in a. twinkling. Then thero are, of course, private lines to Marlborough House, St. James's Palace, York House. Even the schoolroom of Buckingham Palace is "on the wire." Queen Mary has a private line and also an exchange line. The • latter facility Princess. Mary also enjoys; she can converse with her parents or with tho occupants of the schoolroom. Miss Knollys has a telephone in her sitting-room, from which she can converse with Queen Mary or Queen Alexandra. It is to be noted, however, that though the King can call up any of his subjects on the 'phone, and though "852 Westminster" can be duly rung up, the arrangements in the Palace make it impossible for anyone to casually call up His I Majesty for a friendly chat. I