Urgent Telegrams.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 939, 8 December 1933, Page 6

Urgent Telegrams.

Reduction in Surcharge Urged.

A REDUCTION in the surcharge on urgent telegrams from 100 per cent above ordinary telegrams to 50 per cent was urged by Mr T. N. Gibbs, chairman of the Postal Committee, last evening, at a meeting of the Council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Gibbs said that he considered the double rate too high a charge, and while he would, of course, prefer to see-a return to the ninepenny ordinary telegram, it did not seem likely that that would come for some time yet. but it would be something to have the surcharge for urgent telegrams reduced to 50 per cent. He suggested that the matter be referred to the Associated Chambers to take up with the Secretary to the Post Office. A reduction in the " surcharge, he considered, would result in more urgent telegrams being sent and would be a service to the business community. Mr Norton Francis expressed a preference for an agitation for a return to the ninepenny ordinary telegram, which would mean that an urgent message coukl be sent for Is 6d. There was a possibility, he thought, of there being so many urgent telegrams that the express nature of the service might be slowed down. After further discussion it was decided that the Postal Committee should deal with the question in the name of the council.