TELEPHONE EXTENSION

Southland Times, Issue 20205, 16 June 1927, Page 5

TELEPHONE EXTENSION

MEETING AT ORAWIA. (From Our Correspondent.) Residents of Wanaka, Eastern Bush, Clifden, Pukemaori, Orawia Bridge and Orawia assembled in the Orawia Hall on Monday afternoon for the purpose of meeting Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P., and Mr Scott, District Telegraph Engineer for Southland, regarding the removal of the telephone centre from Otautau to Tuatapere. The president of the Otautau Progressive League (Mr G. H. Hodges) and a number of members were also in attendance. Mr E. K. Sim was voted to the chair. Mr Hamilton stated that this meeting was the outcome of a previous meeting held at Otautau, combined with the agitation made by the branch of the Farmers’ Union and residents of the district affected by the altered telephone system. On being asked to explain the department’s attitude on the matter, Mr Scott said the laying of a line from Orawia bridge to Pukemaori had long been considered by the department. This had been done, and as they must have a central breaking point they had decided to make Mr Muir’s store at Orawia the switching place instead of Clifden, as it was more central. As there was no reason for a triangular set of lines, the 5| miles of line between Orawia and Eastern Bush had been taken down. All the places now had direct communication with Otautau from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., and as Tuatapere was open till 10 p.m., they could still get through, provided Mr Muir agreed to let them. Blackmount, Mangapiri, Clifden and Otahu were now directly linked up with the Tuatapere exchange. The speaker said that the department’s reason for the switch-over was that Otautau was going back, or at any rate standing still, whereas Tuatapere was forging ahead. Mr Scobie (Eastern Bush) stated that the principal objection to the scheme was the closing of the 5$ miles of line and cutting off direct communication with Otautau, where most of the business of country residents was done. Mr Hill (Clifden) stated that the old system was satisfactory, while the new one was not. He had failed to get through on May 14, and had been compelled to cancel the ring, after trying repeatedly for an hour. He contended that the residents of Clifden and Eastern Bush had a decided grievance. Dr Reekie (Otautau) said that the department should work in the interests of the public, and if the welfare of the residents of this district were considered the department would re-instate the line as before. Mr Scott replied that they had their own chance and “Buckley’s.” Speaking on behalf of the residents at Orawia bridge, Mr Hamilton asked that the same service as was available previous to the change be re-instated, stating he felt sure the wishes of the people had not been considered when the change-over was made. In the discussion it was ascertained that it was still possible to have a petition, with 25 names attached, applying for a sub-ex-change wherever the applicants decided upon. Mr Scobie moved, Mr Hamilton seconded, and it was carried unanimously—“ That the department be asked to re-instate the old system.” The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to Messrs Hamilton and Scott and to the chair.