TELEPHONE SERVICES

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11657, 23 October 1923, Page 4

TELEPHONE SERVICES

UPPER HUTT AND HERET AUNG A

TO BE AMALGAMATED. In connection with the suggested amalgamation of the Upper Hutt and Heretaunga telephone services, the following communication has been forwarded to Mr W. H. Field, M.P., by the Hon. J. G. Coates, PostmasterGeneral : “As a result of representations made to me recently about the telephone service provided at the Heretaunga exchange, I have made careful inquiry into the suggestion made by the Trentham, Heretaunga, and Silverstream Ratepayers’ Association, that the Heretaunga and Upper Hutt exchanges be amalgamated; and I find that the proposal is a desirable one. I, therefore, approved of the amalgamation, and of the consequent closing of the Heretaunga exchange as soon as the necessary engineering work is completed. The Heretaunga subscribers will then enjoy the same facilities as exist at Upper Hutt; and the cost of toll communications between the two places will be abolished. “It has been found possible to elongate the base-rate area for the Upper Hutt exchange to a sufficient extent to include the majority of the Heretaunga subscribers without exceeding the maximum area of 13 square miles allowed by the regulations at this class of exchange. The attendance at the Upper Hutt exchange is 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with two hours on Sundays and holidays ; and when the number of subscribers exceeds 200, the attendance will be made continuous, provided' that the required number of subscribers agree to the increased rental involved.’’