TELEGRAPH CHARGES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10718, 12 October 1920, Page 5

TELEGRAPH CHARGES

COMMERCIAL HOUSES AND THE INCREASE. DELAYED TELEGRAM SYSTEM. The increased telegraph charges were mentioned at yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Mr J. T. Martin said that since the telegraph rates had been increased merchants, no doubt, were endeavouring to reduce their telegraph expenses as much as possible. His firm had reduced the charges by 30 per cent, and hoped to reduce them _ still more. Others wore doing likewise, and the Inference was that the department was nob getting the very best use out of its lines, staff and equipment. Ho suggested that the department should take into consideration the reiutroduction of the delayed telegram system. In this way the firms might be induced to use the lines more than they wore now doing. In late years people had god into tho habit of doing much business by wire, but since the rise in the charges they were reverting to the old system of communicating by lotter. Somo such thing as ho suggested would enable the department to keep its staff and'its lines working at full capacity. Business people wero being taxed in all directions, and this would bo an advantage to them. He moved thai) the authorities ho written to on the subject. Mr W. Stuart Wilson seconded the motion. Ho hoped tho matter would be pursued. Subsequently it was agreed that Messrs Martin, Wilson and C. H. Young should bo a committee to wait on the authorities.