NEED FOR TELEPHONES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 9

NEED FOR TELEPHONES.

LYTTELTON DISTRICT WANTS FACILITIES. Various matters in connection with the extension of" telephonic communication in the Lyttelton electorate w*ere brought under the notice of the Post-master-General (Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes) by the member of the district (Mr J. M'Combs) yesterday afternoon. Mr M'Combs first=asked for improved communication between the various bays, and produced a sketch plan of the existing facilities and the proposed new arrangements. He Showed that by the erection of two further, wires the bays would be enabled to have the benefit of three different connections with the city instead of all messages having to go through Akaroa, as at present. Considerable congestion would be removed by this arrangement. '' ' The Minister took charge of the plan, and said that he would have the matter enquired into. ; ' > _ < ' ' Mr M'Combs further Stated that throughout liis electorate he had been struck with the lack of facilities for communicating with the city by means of telephone slot machines. He proposed that seven 3d3n-the-slot cabinet telephones be established as follows: Sumnex, corner of Euston. and Nayland Streets, and opposite, the post office; Lyttelton West; Lyttelton Central; Heathcote Valley, near the railway; 'Woolston district, in the vicinity of the Radley bridge; Opawa, at the corner of Opawa Road and Ensor's Road. The Minister agreed that there was a lack' of telephonic facilities, 'and promised his favourable consideration of the proposals. He said that he was appointing an experienced officer to go through the Dominion and report on the numerous requests for slot telephones. The needs of the backblocks would require special attention. *