TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2305, 1 March 1930, Page 5

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

PREPARING TOR AUTOMATIC SYSTEM. -

A gang of men is at present engaged in making certain improvements to the local telephone system, with a view to preparing for the adoption of tho .automatic service in the near future. No definite news has been received as to when the improved system will be completed in Cambridge, but the matter has been in view for sonic considerable time, and the fact that good progress is being made with the necessary improved wiring, etc., would indicate that the»authorities have the matter "steadily in view."

Before the automatic service is installed, it is necessary that one hundred per cent, of efficiency is provided by the wires, and equipment. Consequently the old galvanised wires are being replaced" with copper wires, improved insulators are being affixed, and everything is being put in readiness,.' so that when* the department is in a position to install automatic machines, the change can bo effected readily. The work at present being done is of such a nature that it will take a very considerable period, so that, even if the department were in a position to provide the necessary equipment, if would take a fairly long time to carry out the change. The local exchange ranks as one of the most important in South Auckland, apart from Hamilton. The number of subscribers is steadily increasing, while the business continues to grow in a most satisfactory manner. An improved service has long been overdue, and when the automatic .scryice is made available, it will be greatly appreciated, as it is recognised as absolutely the best that can bo supplied at the present time. It is to be hoped that the new service will be made available at no very distant date.