TELEPHONE FACILITIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18799, 28 August 1924, Page 11

TELEPHONE FACILITIES

LINKING UP THE NORTH.

NEW MAIN TRUNK LINE.

SIXTEEN GANGS AT WORK.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

DABGAVILLE. Wednesday.

Much work is going on in this district in connection with telephonic communication. The department is building a new main trunk line from Auckland through Albany and Tahekeroa to Kaikohe, practically in a straight line, making the distance between Dargaville and Auckland some 17 miles less than the existing route, and cutting out where possible the submarine cables, which tend to lessen the efficiency of the existing service.

The telegraphic engineer for the North Auckland district, Mr. O'Leary, is at present in Dargaville. He states that the provision of a new trunk line is a decisive step, the whole of the north of Auckland being brought into closer direct communication. The existing lines will be used to provide telephonic communication in districts which are not at present provided for.

Sixteen gangs, probably comprising 100 men, are engaged upon construction work in addition to those regularly on maintenance duty. Work is going forward at Ruawai flat by which the settlers from Rehia and southward will be connected with the Ruawai exchange, opening next month with somewhere about 130 subscribers. Tokatoka, Arapohue, and Mititai will be connected with the Dargaville exchange. Connections have already been arranged for from Dargaville northwards. The main trunk line will give direct communication with Kaikohe. A new circuit of seven to eight lines will be given in Dargaville itself. Underground cables are being put down to improve the existing telephone system. Having decided upon the route of the main trunk line, the department hopes to be able to complete the major portion of the work this summer. Hardwood poles have already been discharged at Tangowahine, Whangarei and other centres for distribution along the proposed route, it being the intention to push on with the erection of the pole line during the summer, leaving if necessary the erection of the wires until winter. The day is not very far distant when every settler may have a telephone, and when it will be possible to speak from Cape Maria to Bluff.