THE POST OFFICE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 147, 28 July 1914, Page 3

THE POST OFFICE.

FERRY STEAMERS' WIRELESS.

frets Association. BLENHEIM, July 27. In performing the ceremony of opening the new post office at Seddon to-day the Postmaster-General stated that the department proposed to make a further reduction in the charges for transmission of telegrams by wireless in regard to ships engaged exclusively in the New Zealand coastal trade. While voyaging between Wellington and Lyttelton under the new conditions passengers in vessels fitted with wireless apparatus will be able to send wireless telegrams from ttie ship to any telegraph office in New Zealand at a charge of 2£d per word, with a minimum charge of 1/-. This low rate has been fixed to meet the special features of the night ferry service, but it should prove remunerative. He had in mind its extension to other parts of the Dominion sea traffic, and j probably eventually to the Tasman Seal service as well. All depended on the j returns.

An increase would be made shortly, stated the Minister, in the maximum weight of parcels which may be forwarded by parcel post for places served" by railway or steamer. During the strike the limit was temporarily raised to 211b to meet difficulties then arising, and the advantage taken of the temporary extension apart from the original purpose showed the need that existed for permanent extension of the weight limit. The present limits of 51b for parcels for places not served by railway, coach, or steamer, and of 111b for places not served by railway or -steamer, will remain. A list showing the places to which restriction will apply will be published. At the same time an increase will be made in the maximum dimensions of 281b parcels from 3ft 6in in length and 6ft in length and girth combined to 3ft 6in in length and 7ft in length and girth combined. --"The 111b parcels and 51b parcels will retain their present maximum limit. Arrangements for the installation of automatic telephones were progressing satisfactorily, and he expected that the first offices ready would be at Courtenay Place and Newtown, Wellington. Regarding cheaper cable communication, the Minister stated that advantage was being taken by the cabling public of the deferred and week-end systems. It was proposed to make a reduction from 3/- to 9d per word.