VOICES ACROSS THE SEA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20978, 15 September 1931, Page 10

VOICES ACROSS THE SEA.

LONDON TELEPHONE CALL. TALK WITH LORD BLEDISLOE. When telephonic communication between 'Britain and New Zealand was recently established the Evenings News in London put through a call to Wellington to Lord Bledisloe, Governor-General of the Dominion. This was the first public call between the' two countries over the new line. It is the longest direct telephone service in the world, the distance being about 12,000 miles. Sydney was the only intermediate station used. When the conversation had been begun Lord Bledisloe said: —" I?n't this wonderful! Here I am at Government House, Wellington, and you are at the Evening News office in London, and we are talking to one another as easily as though we were only 12 instead of 12,000 miles apart. Wonderful, wonderful," the Governor-General repeated. For several minutes the conversation was continued and the hearing was perfect. "Can you hear me all right?" Lord Bledisloe asked. " I am getting you splendidly." The journalist told him reception was as good on his side. " Do you believe the new telephone service will be of material advantage to New Zealand ?" the newspaper man asked. " Certainly," replied Lord Bledisloe. " Quick communication of that kind must be good not only for Governmental purposes, but for business also. But we are poor men here, and I hope the cost will be cheaper soon. (The charge is £6 15s for three minutes.) It has been a most interesting conversation," he concluded. "You were the first in the field. Good afternoon! I. mean good morning!" And a hearty laugh. 12,000 miles away, was the last sound the man in London heard as he hung up the receiver.