LABOUR-SAVING DEVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14729, 11 July 1911, Page 5

LABOUR-SAVING DEVICE.

A TELEGRAM REGISTER.

There is ; now being installed at the telegraph counter in the Chief Post Office, Wellington, an instrument that must prove a valuable aid,to the work of the clerks. This is an adaptation of the cash register to the work of recording the number and charges on the different classes of telegrams received for > despatch. The machine which the Department is now putting in is fitted for use by four clerks, and it works on the same principle as the ordinary cash register, but has been elaborated in order that a complete record may be kept of all the different classes of messages. ' Instead 'i of affixing postage stamps in the usual way, the clerk simply places the telegraph form in the register, presses the initial keys, and immediately (the register being electrically operated) the date, the consecutive number, the charge on the telegram, and the office of origin is forthwith printed on the form. Immediately the machine is put into operation, two small electric bulbs are lighted, drawing the attention of the public to the class of the telegram and the amount as.shown by the register. There is not only economy in that the use of postage stamps will be dispensed with, but the clerks will necessarily bo able to handle the telegrams more rapidly than at the present, and the public will be spared the trouble of affixing the stamps, which in many offices is at present enforced. In addition to indicating the class and amount of the telegram to the public, and printing the details as above on the telegram, the register makes a record, showing not only the number, but the total amount of each different class of message; sent, at the same time adding the amounts on special adding counters. Thus at the close of the day the Telegraph Department has a record of the total number and the values of all the messages sent. The register is equipped with four drawers, and these are operated by the pressure of the respective clerks' initials. Provision is also made for relieving clerks. If the trial in Wellington proves satisfactory, machines will be installed at Auckland, Christchurchi "and Dunedin. '