INCREASED BUSINESS

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20691, 29 December 1938, Page 10

INCREASED BUSINESS

TELEGRAPH RUSH PERIOD HANDLING CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC EXTRA PROVISIONS NECESSARY Christmas is always a busy time for the telegraph officials, and this year was no exception. The figures eclipsed those for the corresponding period last year, and it was found necessary in the main Hamilton office to augment tlie staff to cope with the increased business. Official figures released to-day revealed that during the four days, December 21 to December 24, 7837 telegrams were received compared with 7235 in 1937. The number transmitted showed an increase of nearly 1000, 037 1 being sent out last Christmas and r«j*Bß the year before. A slight decrease was registered in the number of telegrams forwarded, the figures for 1938 being 7310 and those for 1937, 7321. The figures relate to the main office and the suburban branches. The rush began earlier than usual, the peak day being December 23 instead of December 24 as was the case last year. That was due to Christmas Eve falling on the Saturday, but the figures showed that the rush continued until the Saturday night. Extra circuits were arranged by the Hamilton branch lo the surrounding towns where scenes of increased activity were also witnessed. No line troubles occurred lo hinder the work of the operators, all messages being transmitted expeditiously, the machine printing instruments again proving Iheir value in handling the great volume of traffic.