POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR 1923-24.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, F-01

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1923-24.

CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE Beceipts and Payments ... ...1,10 Stores Branch ... ... ... 16 Beduction in Postage-rates ... ... 1 Workshops ... ... ... 16 Telephone Income ... ... ... 2 Bicycles ... ... ... ... 16 Telephone Charges ... ... 2 Missing Postal Packets ... ... 17 Telephone Service ... ... ... 2 Post Office ... ... ... 17 Telegraph and Telephone Circuits ... 2 Articles Delivered ... ... ... 17 Badio Broadcasting ... ... 3 Undeliverable Postal Packets ... 18 Cook Strait Telephone-cable ... 3 Miscellaneous ... ... ... 18 Labour Bureaux at Post-offices ... 3 Prohibited Postal Packets ... ... 19 Inspection of Post-offices ... ... 3 Register of Newspapers and Magazines 19 Staff Efficiency ... ... ... 3 Postage-stamps ... ... ... 19 Promotion by Merit ... ... 4 Parcel-post ... ... ... 19 Reclassification: Revaluation of Positions 4 Telegraph and Toll Traffic ... ... 20 Work performed for other Departments 4 Cable Traffic ... ... ... 21 War-loan Certificates ... ... 5 Wireless Traffic ... ... ... 22 Money-orders ... ... ~.5,20 Telegraph and Toll Lines ... ... 22 Postal Notes ... ... ... 6, 20 Number of Telegraph - offices in the British Postal Orders ... ... 6 Dominion ... ... ... 23 Savings-bank ... /.! .... 6 Machine-printing Telegraphs ... 23 Opening of Ledger Offices ... 6 Universal Battery ... ... ... 23 Marine Post-office ... .... ... 7 New Zealand Submarine-cables ... 23 Inland-mail Services ... ... 7,15 Wireless ... ... ... ... 23 Rural Mail-deliveries ... ...... 7 Telephone-exchange Service... ... 24 Motor Transport ... ...' ... 7 Telephone Statistics ... ... 26 Buildings... ... ... ... 8,19 New Exchanges, Extensions, &c. ... 27 Telegraph Press Rates ... ... 8 Telephone Connections for Backblock Daily Letter-telegrams ... ... 8 Settlers... ... ... ... 28 Night Letter-telegrams ... ... 9 Telephone-exchange Receipts ... 28 Proposed Night Letter-telegrams to the Public Call Offices ... ... ... 28 Commonwealth of Australia ... 9 Private-line Circuits between Places of Postal Congress ... ... ... 9 Business ... ... ... 28 Imperial Radio Communication ... 9 Telephone-exchange Plant ... ... 28 Personnel... ... ... ... 10 Automatic-telephone-exchange InstalStaff ... ... ... ... 14 lations ... ... ... ... 28 Appeal Board ... ... ... 14 Automatic Extensions ... ... 30 Departmental Correspondence Classes 14 Examinations ... ... ... 14 a-dubim-tvi-v "Householder" Circulars ... ... 14 APIEJNDIX. British Empire Exhibition ... ... 15 Designations of Offices changed ... 32, Overseas Mails ... ... ... 15 Cable Business ... ... ... 32 Intercolonial Mail-service ... ... 15 Radio-telegrams ... ... ... 32 (For Index to Tables see page ii, and for Detailed Index see pages iii and iv.)

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TABLES. No. I.—Money-orders issued and paid— paoe (a.) Issued in the Dominion ... ... ... ... ... ... 33 (6.) Drawn on the Dominion... ... ... ... ... ... 33 No. 2.—Money-ordors issued— (a.) In New Zealand, on Offices beyond the Dominion ... ... ... 34 (b.) At Offices beyond the Dominion on New Zealand ... ... ... 34 No. 3.—Number and Value of Postal Notes sold ... ... ... ... ... 35 No. 4.—Number and Amount of Transactions at the Money-order Offices and Post Office Savings-banks in New Zealand ... ... ... ... 36 No. s.—Number and Value of British Postal Orders sold and paid in New Zealand, 1922-23 and 1923-24 ... ... ... ... ... ... 36 No. 6.—General Statement of Post Office Savings-bank Business for Year ended 31st March, 1924 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 37 No. 7.—General Statement of Post Office Savings-bank Business from 1867 to 1924 ... 38 No. B.—Balance-sheet of Post Office Account ... ... ... ... ... 39 No. 9. —Securities, foe., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on account of Post Office Savings-bank Fund ... ... ... ... ... 42 No. 10. —Post Office Savings-bank Receipts and Payments for Year ended 31st March, 1924 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 46 No. 11.—Number of Post Office Savings-bank Accounts open ... ... ... 47 No. 12.—-Estimated Number of Letters and Letter-cards, Post-cards, Book-packets, Newspapers, and Parcels dealt with ... ... ... ... 48 No. 13.—Registered Articles ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 No 14.—Parcel-post ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 No. 15.—Comparative Table showing the Progress of the Telegraph Department ... 50 No. 16.—Cash Revenue derived from Paid Telegrams of all Codes, the Value of Franked Government Telegrams, and the Total Number of Telegrams transmitted ... 50 No. 17.—Paid Telegrams of all Codes ... ... ... ... ... ... 51 No. 18.—Class and Number of Instruments and Batteries in Use at Telegraph-offices ... 51 No. 19.—Cost of Construction of Telegraph and Telephone Lines ... ... ... 51 No. 20.—Number of Connections at Telephone Exchanges in Engineers' Districts ... 52

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DETAILED INDEX. A. page L — continued. Appeal Board .. .. .. .. .. 14 Letters and Letter-cards— page Articles delivered ... ,-• •• . •• n " Dead, dealt with 18 AiUomatic-telephone-exchange installations, &c. 28, 29,30 _ proportion to number delivered.. .. 18 Imperfectly or insufficiently addressed .. 18 Missing .. .. .. .. ..17 **■ Posted and delivered .. .. .. 17, 48 Balance-sheet of Post Office Account .. 39, 40, 41 Posted : Average number per head of population 18 Batteries, class of, and number in use .. ..51 ~ anaddressed .. .. .. 18 Bicycles .. .. .. .. 16 ~ with previously used stamps .. .. 18 Book-packets posted and delivered .. .. 48 Registered, unclaimed .. .. ..18 British Empire Exhibition .. .. 15 With libellous addresses .. .. .. 18 British postal orders sold, &o. .. .. .. 6, 36 Lines, telegraph and telephone, cost of conBuildings .. .. .. .. ..8,19 structing .. .. .. .. ..51,52 Business done for other Departments .. .. 4 M. Magazines registered .. .. .. .. 19 Cable messages— Magazines removed from register .. ..19 Deferred .. .. .. .. 22 Mail-services— Intercolonial traffic .. .. .. ..22,32 Inland .. .. .. .. 7, 15 International traffic. .. .. ..22,32 Intercolonial.. .. .. .. .. 15 Number .. .. .. .. ..21,32 Overseas .. .. .. .. ..15 Press .. .. .. .. 21 Marine Post-office .. .. .. .. 7 "Value .. .. .. .. 32 Missing postal packets .. .. .. 17 Week-end .. .. .. .. 22 Money-order— Cables — Commission .. .. .. 20, 33 Eastern Extension (see "Eastern Extension cable"). Exchange with other countries .. 33, 34 New Zealand .. .. .. .. 3,23 Issued and paid .. .. .. 20, 33 Pacific (see " Pacific Cable"). Number of transactions .. .. ..36 Circulars, " Householder" .. .. .. 14 Motor service, Government .. .. ..7 Classes, departmental correspondence .. .. 14 Cook Strait Telephone Cable .. .. ..3,23 Correspondence prohibited .. .. 19 fJ, Customs parcels .. .. .. .. 19 Newspapers— Posted and delivered .. .. .. .. 48 Registered .. .. .. .. ..19 D. Removed from register .. .. ..19 Daily Letter-telegram 8,22 Returned to publishers .. 18 Dead-letters .. .. .. .. ..18 Night letter-telegrams .. .. 9,20,21,50,51 Deferred cable message .. .. 22 Departmental Correspondence Classes .. .. 14 Designation of offices changed ...... 32 O. Ocean cable services (see " Cable messages, ' „ . " Pacific cable," &c). Officers— Eastern Extension cable— Absence on sick-leave, average .. .. 14 Number and percentage of messages forwarded Death of .. .. .. .. ..14 and received .. .. .. 21 Health .. .. .. .. .. 14 Press cablegrams .. .. .. 21 Number .. .. .. .. .. 14 Share of business .. .. .. ..21 Offices (see under " Post," " Telegraph," &c). Examinations.. .. .. .. ..14 () designation changed .. .. ..32 Exchanges, telephone (see Telephone exchanges"). Overseas mails .. .. .. ..15 Expenditure of Department .. .. .. 10 G. P - Pacific cable — Government motor service .. .. .. 7 Number and percentage of messages forwarded and received .. .. .. .. 21 „ Press telegrams .. .. .. .. 21 „ "" ~ Share of business .. .. .. ..21 Health ol start .. .. .. a* Packets alleged to have been posted and not delivered 17 " Householder" circulars .. .. ..14 p aro els— Customs parcels .. .. .. .. 19 j Delivered .. .. .. .. 17, 48 Despatched overseas .. .. .. 49 Imperial Radio Communication .. .. 9 Foreign (inwards), declared value of, and Customs Inland mail-services (see " Mail-services"). duty collected on .. .. .. ..19 Inspection of post-offices .. .. .. 3 Foreign (outwards), declared value of .. ..19 Instruments, telegraph, class of, and number in use 51 Posted and delivered .. .. ..48 Received from overseas .. .. .. 49 TJndeliverable .. .. .. .. 19 8.. Personnel .. .. .. .. .. 10 Labour Bureaux at post-offices .. .. .. 3 Postage-stamps .. .. .. .. 19 Leave, sick .. '.. .. .. .. 14 Postal Congress .. .. .. .. 9

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P— continued. S— continued. page Postal notes- page Submarine cables, New Zealand .. ..23 Commission 6,20 Subsidized linea 2S Ofiices open, &o. ........ 20 Paid ........ 6, 20 m Sold 6,25,35 Te i eC ramsPostal orders, British, sold .. .. 6,36 Dai i y i eU er-telegram 8,22 TE 17 4s Government: Number and value .. 20,50 p ! vered "> *° Increase in number 20 vfiAiS a " i t>V u'\ " on Va !.? ■ Night letter .. .. .. 9,20,21,50,51 Post Office Account: Balance-sheet .. 39, 40, 41 Of all codes 21 50 51 Pose Office investment certificates .. .. 5 Ordinary : Number and value '.'. '.'. 20,' 21,' 51 i-os-01 trees— Per 100 letters .. .. .. ?SW.. 21 £ IOS . e a d .. •• , J? PreaB 8,20,21,50,51 Deßxsnatwn changed 32 n nt 20 2151 Established 18 Telegraphinspection .. .. ..3 Amount of business .. .. 20,21,50,51 Promotion by merit 4 instruments and batteries in use .. ..51 Public Call Offices .. .. .. ..28 Lines Labour Bureaux at 3 ' Cost of constructing .. .. 51,52 Miscellaneous information 18 Length of, erected, &c 22 50 Number , 18 Overhauled 22 Private-line circuits, &c. .. .. ..28 Superimposed • 22 Prohibited postal packets 19 Offices converted fromMorse to telephone, &c. !! 23 ~ open, &c. .. .. .. 23, 50 R. Private wires: Number and rental .. .. 28 Radio communications— Receipts and payments .. .. 10, 50 Business transacted .. .. .. 22 32 Revenue .. ... .. .. 10, 50, 51 Government stations .. .. .. '23 System: Machine-printing ~ .. .. 23 Miscellaneous information .. .. !. 3 9 Telegraph and telephone circuits .. .. 2 Private stations .. .. .. ..24 TelephoneReceipts and payments .. .. .. 10 Exchanges— Reclassification ; Revaluation of Position .. 4 Automatic .. .. .. .. 28-30 Reduction in Postage Rates .. .. .. 1 Charges .. .. .. .. .. 2 Registered articles .. .. .. 17, 18 49 Connections: Proportion to population .. 27 Retransfer of certain offices from Hamilton to ' Line, length of, erected, &c. .. .. 22,50 Auckland District .. .. .. 16 Cost of construction .. .. 51-52 Revenue of Department .. . 9 10 Number of subscribers awaiting connection .. 26 Rural Mail Deliveries .. '.'. '.'. ..' 7 Opened .. .. .. .. ..27 Party-line circuits .. .. .. .. 28 g Plant .. ,'. .. .. ..26 Rating .. .. .. .. .. 24 Salaries .. .. .. .. .. 10 Revenue .. .. .. .. 10, 28, 50 San Francisco mail-service .. .. 7, 15 Service .. .. .. 2 Savings bank— Statistics .'. V. .'. '.'. .'. 26 Accounts open, &c. .. .. .. 37,38 Subscribers'connections .. .. 26,52 Cost of management .. .. .. .. 37 Toll traffic: Line available .. .. .. 22 Deposits : Amount, &c. .. .. 6, 36, 37, 38 Facilities for backblocks .. .. .. 28 Excess of deposits over withdrawals .. 6,36,37,38 Lines overhauled, &c. .. .. ..22 Interest .. ... .. .. 6,37,38 Metallic circuits erected .. .. '.'.22 Liabilities and assets .. ..... .. .. 46 Offices converted to Morse .. .. .. 23 Nominations by depositors .. -.. .. 0 Slot.. .. .. .. 28 Offices open, &c. .. .. .. 37,38 Statistics .. .. '.'. '.'. !! 26 Profit and Loss Account .. .. ~ 46 Toll communications .. ... .. 20-22, 50, 51 Receipts and payments ■.. .. .. 46 Waiting list (graph) .. .. .. .. 31 Reserve Fund Account .. .. ..46 Securities .. .. .. .. 42-46 U. Transactions ...... »( „,, ~, ~ , Withdrawals 6, 36' 37 38 Urrdehverable parcels .. .. ..19 Securities in name of Postmaster-General Undelivered postal peflkete 18 Slot telephones 39 Umversal batter y 23. StaffEfficiency .. • .... .. 3 , Health .. .. ... .. .. 14 Vancouver mail-service .. .. .. 7, 15 Number .. .. .. ■~ .. 14 Personnel -t. •:., .. ■• ..10 W. Promotion by merit " 4 War-loan certificates .. Reclassification .. .. .. ..4 Wireless telegraphy '.. .. 3,9,22-24 32: Stamps: New issues, &o. 19 Work performed for other Departments .. .. 4 Stores Branch 1 6 Workshops .. .... 16

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1924. NEW ZEALAND.

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR 1923-24.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

To His Excellency the Right Honourable John Rushworth, Viscount Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Member of the Order of Merit, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it Please Your Excellency,— I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Post and Telegraph Department for the year ended 31st March, 1924. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS. The business of the Department continues to be satisfactory. The excess of receipts over expenditure was £568,369, approximately £4,400 less than last year. Notwithstanding this, the surplus for the year was the second largest in the history of the Department. This must be regarded as satisfactory, considering the very large reduction in rates made on the Ist October, 1923, when postage rates were reduced by 33| per centum. REDUCTION IN POSTAGE-RATES. The outstanding feature of the year's work has been the redistribution of charges for services rendered to the public. After a careful examination of the position I was able to arrange, as from the Ist October, for the reintroduction of penny postage within New Zealand, to places in the British Empire, and to countries with which New Zealand had special agreements ; and for the reinstatement of the halfpenny rate for commercial papers, &c. As a result, New Zealand now enjoys the cheapest rate of postage in its history. The cost of furnishing this service is still high, on account of the depreciated value of the pound sterling. Nevertheless it is confidently expected that the reduction in postage-rates will result in a much increased volume of business. When the Commonwealth of Australia was asked to accept letters from New Zealand at the new rate the request was declined, but after further negotiations the decision was reversed.

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The schedule below shows the changes in detail:—

TELEPHONE INCOME. The marked increase in telephone receipts (£234,503) is accounted for mainly by the fact that a considerable portion of the receipts are for service to be rendered during the financial year 1924-25. TELEPHONE CHARGES. One of the most important alterations during the year was the adoption of a new system of rating for private and business telephones. For very many years the telephone system has been carried on at a loss, owing to the basic rates being lower than the actual cost of the service given. The growth in the number of subscribers naturally increased the annual loss ; and, after a careful examination of the telephone systems of other countries, it was decided to amend the rates in the direction of requiring a higher payment from those who make the most use of the service. The rates are designed to provide for annual charges such as interest on the capital expended, depreciation, and working-costs. Hitherto any shortage has been made up by the general taxpayer ; now the service will be paid for by the users. A noticeable increase in subscribers in suburban and country districts has resulted from the amended rates, and no doubt this will enhance the value of the telephone to business people by placing them in telephonic communication with an increasing number of customers. TELEPHONE SERVICE. A graph showing the remarkable development in the use of telephones during recent years will be found at page 25. Following on the Great War, the unusual demand for telephones —which it may be said is world-wide —could not be met by manufacturers. But it will now be seen that the " waiting-list" is being steadily reduced, and that the time is not tar .distant when the list will be abolished. It is the aim of my Department to render more efficient service each year. Observations made during the past year at the four principal city exchanges show that the average time elapsing between a call by a subscriber and the answer by a telephone operator is 4-61 seconds, and that the average time elapsing between the termination of a conversation and the disconnection by an operator is 4-29 seconds. This must be considered very satisfactory under present conditions, when it is remembered that much of the apparatus is worn and cumbersome and that a dual system of automatic and manual working is in operation. TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CIRCUITS. The general extension of electric-power lines of extra-high voltage in practically all parts of the Dominion has necessitated a good deal of work by the Department in altering and removing telegraph and telephone circuits and installing devices for the protection of departmental lines. The conversion of all earthworking telephone-lines to metallic, and the keeping of all telephone circuits in the highest state of efficiency so as to prevent inductive disturbances from the high-power lines, are also rendered necessary. These are factors that have contributed to the increased cost of telephone circuits as compared with pre-war figures.

Item. Old Rate. New Rate. Letters and letter-cards for inland delivery Letters and letter-cards addressed to Great Britain and British possessions, United States of America, and to all other places to which Postal Union rates (minimum 2Jd.) do not apply Post-cards (inland) Packets (inlanel) comprising commercial papers, books, and printed papers, pattern and sample packets, and unregistered magazines l£d. for first 2 oz. ; Id. for each additional 2 oz. l£d. for first ounce; Id. for each additional ounce Id. for first ounce ; Jd. for each additional ounce. Id. for first ounce ; lei. for each additional ounce. Single, Id. ; reply, 2d. Id. for first 2 oz. or fraction thereof ; over 2 oz. but not exceeding 4 oz., IJel. ; l£d. for each additional 4 oz. up to 1 lb. ; and 2d. for each additional pound up to 5 lb. 2d. for each copy if not exceeding 8 oz. ; Id. for each adelitierrial 8 oz. For tho first pound, 6d. ; 2d. for each additional pound up to 10 lb.; Id. for each additional pound beyond 101b. up to 281b. 2d. Single, fit. ; reply, lei. |el. for each 2 oz. up to 2 lb. ; 2d. for each additional pound beyemel 2 lb. up to 5 lb. Each copy, Id. for each 8 oz. Registered magazines (irrland) Government packages J-d. for each 2 e)z. up to 2 lb. ; 2d. for each additional pound beyond 21b. up to 10 lb. ; Id, for each additional pound beyond 101b. up to 28 lb. Id. Late fee

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RADIO BROADCASTING. In order to put broadcasting on a more satisfactory financial and developmental basis, a scheme is being developed under which an agreement covering the whole of the Dominion will be entered into with a broadcasting organization representative of the " Hsteners-in " and the electrical trade. Under this scheme four modern broadcasting-stations will be erected at the main centres, and operated in accordance with, suitable regulations. Subject to certain conditions, this organization will be given an exclusive right to erect and operate broadcasting-stations. As soon as the necessary legislation is enacted, a Board of representative personnel will be set up to advise the Government upon the development and operation of the broadcasting service. The revenue of the broadcasting organization will comprise a portion of the license fees paid in respect of private radio receiving-stations. It is anticipated that when broadcasting is established on the lines indicated above and a high standard of transmission is reached the number of receiving-stations will greatly increase. COOK STRAIT TELEPHONE-CABLE. Provision will be made in this year's estimates for the purchasing and laying across Cook Strait of a submarine cable for the purpose of providing telephone communication between the North and South Islands. The cable that the Department has in view is of the four-core continuously-loaded type, so designed as to provide three telephone and four telegraph channels. Arrangements are also being made to obtain the latest type of thermionic-valve repeaters for use in conjunction with the submarine cable. The installation of this cable and the extended use of repeaters will make it practicable for telephonic communication to be provided between any two parts of the Dominion. Advantage was taken of the visit to New Zealand in March last of the Eastern Extension Cable Company's cable steamer " Patrol " to survey the route of the proposed Cook Strait telephone-cable. Provided no unforeseen circumstances arise, the new cable should be laid early in 1925. LABOUR BUREAUX AT POST-OFFICES. By arrangement with the Labour Department, labour bureaux were established from the Ist October, 1923, at about four hundred permanent post-offices at places other than those at which the Labour Department has its own representatives. Employers of labour and persons seeking work are now able to ascertain at these post-offices whether their needs can be met locally. Under the scheme, Postmasters register applications for employment and applications for workers. In the event of the Postmaster being unable to offer employment to the applicant, or should there be no worker available when application for one is made by an employer, the Labour Department is communicated with. The fees charged are in accordance with those authorized under the Servants' Registry Office Act. The benefits of the innovation are already evident. INSPECTION OF POST-OFFICES. In the course of the year Inspectors visited 2,341 offices. The duties of an Inspector are to audit the accounts, to check irregularities in office management, and to promote the efficiency of the service generally. Reports furnished by Inspectors disclose that the manner in which the Department's business is performed is becoming more efficient from year to year. It is appreciated that all that is possible in this connection has not yet been achieved, but a very marked advance was observed during 1923. STAFF EFFICIENCY. The efficiency of the Department has been well maintained during the year ; and, with a view to its improvement, a conference of controlling officers from the cities and provincial towns was held in Wellington in November last. Methods of improving the service to the public and reducing expenditure were discussed at length, and the results are now apparent in the smoother working of the many branches comprising the Department. It is the aspiration of the Department to carry out promptly and efficiently its duty to the public, and every effort is being made to adequately fulfil this aspiration. I have frequently had to compliment officers on the initiative displayed in meeting emergencies, and I have no doubt the general public fully appreciate the enthusiasm shown by my officers. Obviously, with a total staff of approximately eleven thousand officers, there will sometimes be instances of indifference to the claims of the public ; but, generally, officers can be

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relied upon to give their best services on all occasions. Unfortunately, the service numbers amongst its officers a few who might be termed " disloyalists," and these few, with the ready assistance of persons outside the service, are only too eager to oppose —-if they can do so without danger to their positions—the legitimate aim of the Department, which is to serve the public efficiently and economically. My observations and those of my advisers convince me that the officers generally do not approve of many of the actions taken by these malcontents, whose object apparently is to manage this great service for their own ends, forgetting that the service is the property of the public and that the public have elected the Government to control it. I feel that this claim of " control by the workers "is only a parrotlike repetition of that of the public servants of another country, who have indicated in one of their publications that " Workers' control in the Post Office " is their Mecca. No doubt all officers of the Department will sooner or later realize that their duty is to serve as well as they can, and that the better their service the more easily their efforts can be recompensed. Reluctant service brings reluctant recognition ; and the dissemination of a spirit of disloyalty does not make for a happy and contented service, or for general public approval of the efforts of the Department. PROMOTION BY MERIT. An important factor in the efficiency of the Department is the scheme of promotion by merit, introduced in 1919. The effect of this steadily becoming evident, and no doubt it will become increasingly noticeable as the years go by. Prior to 1919 promotion was more often governed by seniority, and, as a consequence, officers were not spurred on to their best efforts, because they felt that effort brought no reward. One result of the old system was that some officers with a limited putlook, and some with no ambition to give good /service, drifted into controlling positions for which they were not suited, and consequently the service rendered under their inefficient control was frequently costly and indifferent. '' Efficiency " is now the watchword of the service, and every means is being pursued to avoid obsolete or slow methods, and to study economy of management combined with a satisfactory service. In a Government service on which the public depends so much for the transaction of its business it necessarily follows that understudies have to be trained to take up without much notice duties usually performed by others. This aspect is so carefully watched in the Department that, although absences from duty through sickness or other cause are as frequent inside as outside the Department, the public are not aware of any diminution in the service given, nor is any delay in the dispatch of business noticeable. RECLASSIFICATION: REVALUATION OF POSITIONS. In accordance with regulations made under the Post and Telegraph Department Act, 1918, steps were taken during the year to revalue various positions held by officers, in order that the reclassification of the service due on the Ist April, 1924, might be carried to a successful conclusion. Such a revaluation is made at intervals of not more than five years, and is necessary on account of the steady development of the service. WORK PERFORMED FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS. The Post and Telegraph Department is really a " service" rather than a " Department." By reason of its ramifications it has probably greater potentialities for usefulness to the public than any other organization, and in New Zealand very full use is made of it. Around the money-order and savings-bank accounts as a nucleus there has been built up a system of accounting which receives from all the departments of the Post and Telegraph Service various revenues which are due to the Treasury, and, in addition to this, the system includes a vast amount of work for other Departments of the State. The Post Office receives amounts for credit of almost every Government Department and clears them from its central office in Wellington. In fact, it performs for the general public and the State various duties which, in quite another sphere of activity, are usually performed by a commercial bank. On account of the smallness of the majority of the individual transactions, the business, which bulks very large even from |the point of view of pounds shillings and pence, is very much larger from the standpoint of the number of jtransactions involved, which run into millions in each of the main divisions of the business.

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A very large business is done for both the Public Trust Office and the State Advances Office in connection with the receipt |and payment of moneys throughout the Dominion, amounting last year in the case of the former office to £626,000, and in that of the latter to £6,027,000. Payments of all kinds, including advances on mortgages, are made upon vouchers prepared and certified in v the 'Head Offices of these Departments, and transmitted to the Accountant's Office, General Post Office, for payment. On the other hand, lodgments are received at any money-order office in the Dominion of any moneys whatever that may be due to the Public Trustee or to the State Advances Office. A very large number of vouchers are paid on behalf of the Treasury. Last year these amounted in value to £4,176,093. This system admits of the prompt payment through the Post Office of all claims against the General Government of sums of £5 and under, without pre-audit and without reference to the central authority. This is very much appreciated by small creditors, enabling them, as it does, to receive payment immediately after completion of the service. In addition to the items mentioned, where the Post Office acts as the agent or intermediary, there is a very considerable number of others, including such diverse matters as the collection of fees under the Arms Act; sale of fishing and game licenses ; collection of Customs duty on parcels received from abroad ; collection of goldfields revenue ; collection of premiums for the Government Insurance Department ; the payment of old-age, widows', and military pensions, Imperial pensions, and public servants' superannuation allowances ; the collection of machinery fees, of amounts for the National Provident Fund, of fees in connection with the registration of births, deaths, and marriages, of valuation revenue, of land and income tax, orchard-tax, beer duty, workers' dwellings instalments, and industrialschools receipts. All these operations entail special knowledge on the part of the officers dealing with them, and require special classes of accounts. This is particularly the case in connection with the payment of both Imperial and old-age pensions, where rules governing the payments are elaborate and intricate. There is probably no country in the world where the machinery of the Post Office is put to a greater or more varied use. Its systems and methods are so flexible that there are practically no limits to the extension of its functions. Apart from the advantages which are enjoyed by the public under the Post Office system of the collection and disbursement of public moneys, there is a very distinct benefit to the State, as the work is performed at a fractional part of the cost which would be incurred under other conditions. The turnover of transactions under this heading for the year 1923-24 will be found in Table No. 8 on page 39. WAR-LOAN CERTIFICATES. During the period from 1914 onwards the Post Office, which might fitly be described as the " handy man " of State Departments, undertook the creation and sale of war-loan certificates on behalf of the Government, and subsequently arranged repayment of the amounts as the certificates matured. A sum of £4,613,202 was raised as an aid to the Government's war effort, and, up to the 31st March, 1924, £4,642,779, including interest, had been repaid to the lenders. As might be expected, hundreds of certificates were mislaid, lost, destroyed by fire, &c, with the result that the investor was not able to produce documentary evidence of his right to the money when the certificates matured. Each case has been carefully examined, and ultimately settlement was effected to the satisfaction of the persons concerned. This may be regarded as a very satisfactory termination to a big undertaking, whereby securities for small sums were widely distributed amongst probably a quarter of a million of the population. MONEY-ORDERS. In the money-order business for the year there has been an increase both in the number of transactions and in the aggregate amount remitted ; and this is regarded as indicating an improvement of conditions generally in the Dominion. The improvement in the finances of the Dominion justifies a reduction in the rates of commission on inland money-orders, as a greater volume of business can be transacted at practically the same cost. Provision has accordingly been made for a new schedule to take effect from the Ist April, 1924, when the rate of commission will be reduced to 6d. for sums not exceeding £10 and 3d. for each succeeding £5 or fraction thereof.

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The business with countries abroad shows increases in the amounts sent and received. Notwithstanding the extraordinary fluctuations in the exchange rates, satisfactory money-order services with, the United States of America and with Canada were maintained during the year. Owing to exchange difficulties, the time is not yet opportune for the resumption of a direct exchange of money-orders with certain European Administrations, but a satisfactory service is maintained through the medium of the British Post Office. POSTAL NOTES. This very convenient method of remitting small sums to places within the Dominion still maintains its popularity with the public, as indicated by the returns for the year, which show an increased business. Over two and a half million postal notes were issued during the year, and approximately the same number were paid ; the commission thereon produced a revenue of £18,196 lis. lid. BRITISH POSTAL ORDERS. This useful form of remittance, by means of which sums from 6d. to £l may be sent to practically any part of the British Empire upon payment of commission ranging from Id. to 6d., shows an increase of business. During the year, 115,498 orders were sold, of a value of £66,937. SAVINGS-BANK. A comparison of the transactions in the years ended 31st March. 1923 and 1924, will be found in Table No. 7, at page 38. The expansion of business is indicated by an increase during the year of nearly three millions in deposits, and nearly two millions in withdrawals, over the figures for the previous year. The year ended with an excess of deposits over withdrawals amounting to £88,000, an improvement of well over a million pounds as compared with the year ended 31st March, 1923, when the withdrawals exceeded the deposits by £1,086,836. This gratifying result of the year's transactions gives promise of a return to the state of prosperity obtaining before the slump in 1921. The total balance at credit of depositors on. the 31st March, 1924, was £46,098,421, which includes interest amounting to £1,649,976 credited to depositors' accounts during the year. The proportion of accounts to population is one account to every 1-96 of the inhabitants. No greater demonstration of the confidence of the people of New Zealand in the Post Office Savings-bank could be desired. The system of nomination, under which any depositor of the age of twentyone years or upwards may nominate one or more persons to receive the whole or any portion of the deposits standing in the name of such depositor at the time of his decease, is growing in favour. This sytem has proved beneficial in cases in which the balance at credit of a. deceased person's account is required urgently for the benefit of the widow or children of the depositor. In these cases payment is made without production of probate or letters of administration, as the nomination is not affected by a will, whether made before or after the nomination. With the object of providing still further relief to the representative of a deceased depositor whose estate is small and consists largely or wholly of deposits in the Post Office Savings-bank, it is proposed to obtain legislative authority to increase from £100 to £200 the amount which the Postmaster-General may pay out without production of probate or letters of administration. OPENING OF LEDGER OFFICES. In order that the local savings-bank depositors in the larger country centres might be under no disability should they require money on demand, it was decided to make the savings-bank offices at Feilding, Hastings, Hawera, Masterton, and Whangarei ledger offices. The effect of this action is that depositors at the places mentioned are given practically the same facilities as those afforded depositors in the main centres of population. The opening of these ledger offices is a development of a system introduced some years ago. As circumstances warrant, the system will be expanded, so that where the population is sufficient depositors will be able to withdraw money from the savings-bank without giving notice. While it is recognized that too many facilities for withdrawing money from a savings-bank may not be in the interests of the people concerned, the demand for ledger offices had to be met.

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MARINE POST-OFFICE. During the year the system of employing Mail Agents on the mail-steamers plying between Wellington and San Francisco and between Auckland and Vancouver was reintroduced. The result has been of considerable advantage to the business community and to residents outside the centres, in that delivery of overseas mails is made from twelve to twenty-four hours earlier than under the old system. The presence of these officers on the mail-steamers also permits the Department to accept letters up to the time of departure from New Zealand. INLAND MAIL-SERVICES. The coming year will be important so far as mails to and from country districts are concerned. Tenders for inland mail-service contracts throughout New Zealand will be invited early in August. The resulting contracts will take effect from the Ist January, 1925, until the 31st December, 1927, in respect of services in the North Island, and until the 31st December, 1928, in respect of services in the South Island. This action is being taken tor the purpose of relieving the pressure of work that now occurs in the Head Office owing to the whole of the contracts expiring on the same date. After this, reletting contracts for services in both Islands will be let for the usual period of three years. While these contracts are arranged primarily for the conveyance of mails, it is recognized that in many cases the mail-contractor's vehicle is really the " local railway." Frequently contracts are let because some means must be provided to enable settlers in backblock districts to visit centres or procure supplies from those centres. Obviously, it is not the function of the Post Office to make these arrangements ; but, as the Government acknowledges the claims of such settlers to this consideration, the best means of securing the service is adopted—very often by arranging for a mail-service and making it a condition of the contract that a certain type of vehicle is to be used. The cost falls naturally on the Post Office ; but, while it is often asserted that the Post Office must be conducted on strictly commercial lines, the effect on its finances of such humanitarian services is frequently forgotten. RURAL-MAIL DELIVERIES. The rural-mail-delivery system continues to progress ; and, as it is based on sound lines, the Post Office is anxious to develop it as fast as possible. In another Dominion the rural-mail system is as popular as in New Zealand, but there the system is very costly to the Post Office, and naturally any development is a matter of grave concern to the Minister of Finance. Here development on the present lines can be confidently agreed to; and the benefit to the settler in having a daily or even a thrice-weekly delivery and collection of mail at his gate is inestimable. Incidentally, in many cases the rural-mail carrier brings also the local newspaper and urgently required parcels of medicine and food. The Post Office has now a well-designed galvanized-iron letter-box which it sells to settlers. The box is rain-proof, and is so constructed that it will not open accidentally. These boxes are supplied to the public at the bare cost price. MOTOR TRANSPORT. The use of motor-vehicles in the Department is being extended as rapidly as finances permit. An effort has been made to restrict the types, in order to secure the advantages resulting from uniformity of design and standardization of parts ; but, owing to the need for absorbing the vehicles used by the Defence Department during the war period, it cannot be said that any great progress has yet been attained. At present there are in use —Cars, seven types ; vans, four types ; trucks, ten types ; ambulances, two types ; motor-cycles, seven types. It is hoped to reduce materially this classification in the coming year. There are many excellent cars and trucks on the market to-day, and salesmen are insistent on the merits of their particular types as against others. Even departmental officers have their preference for a particular type, but in a large Department using nearly five hundred motor-vehicles the only factor which should affect the selection of a particular make is the actual cost per mile over the whole period of a car's usefulness. Statistics are being carefully compiled in the Department, and by this means the Department will know which type is most economical for its purpose.

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For many years motor-cycles have been used by linemen for travelling along telegraph routes when locating " faults " ; but experience has proved that the motor-cycle is not economical for such work. For that reason a small four-wheeled conveyance has been designed, which serves the dual purpose of conveying a lineman and supplies for the repairing of faults. In future, motor-cycles with side-cars will not be used by the Department; and it is interesting to know that the Bell Telephone Company of America has reached a similar decision. Motorcycles now in use are being gradually replaced as they wear out; but no more will be purchased for the above class of work. BUILDINGS. The development of the Dominion is indicated in the continual call for more post-offices to be placed under the control of permanent officers. In order to cope with this need a progressive building policy has to be maintained, especially as the war period, during which few buildings were erected, has left the Department somewhat behind in its building programme. So far, however, as funds permit, buildings are being erected, the practice at present being to erect offices strictly in the order of importance, either as newly-created permanent offices or as new buildings to replace old buildings which are not now suitable for post-office purposes. There are so many post-office buildings which are practically collections of old timber, and so many which are inadequate for the daily business, that the public, knowing the condition of the local office only, clamour for the erection of new buildings. The condition of each post-office building is well known ; and, while it is admitted that very many should be replaced, funds for such a huge undertaking are not available at once. If conditions in New Zealand continue to improve as they have done during the past year or so, it is not unreasonable to anticipate that all the urgently necessary buildings will be erected within the next five years. While the internal arrangement of a post-office is not of much interest to the public as a whole, it is worth recording that during the past year there has been a great improvement in design. New offices have been erected at Dannevirke and Stratford to a most up-to-date design, which will permit of the addition of any accommodation that may be required in later years without in any way affecting the internal design. These buildings are solidly built; they are practically fireproof, and are so arranged that a maximum of natural lighting is available. They are heated throughout by hot-water radiators connected, with a boiler in the basement; and a feature is the presence in. each building of only one fireplace, which will be used to provide heat in the telephone exchange at night when the boiler will not be in use. These two buildings are expected to meet the increasing business for at least ten years without additions. TELEGRAPH PRESS RATES. From the Ist May, 1923, the limit of 600 words which morning newspapers were permitted to receive at Press rates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at or from offices not reopening in the evening was abolished. The rates charged by the Department for Press telegrams are particularly low ; and, as it has frequently been stated that no reduction in the charges on this class of traffic was made when the reduction to penny postage was instituted, it is necessary to point out that Press telegrams are to-day handled at a figure considerably below the cost of the service rendered. While I do not express the opinion that the charges should meet the actual cost of the service, I find it necessary to remark that the Department is regarded as one which works on the strictly commercial basis of providing interest on the capital expended and a full depreciation on its assets. It necessarily follows that any service given by the Department should bring in its full recompense, and that any service rendered below cost or free of charge has to be made up by another branch of the Department. DAILY LETTER-TELEGRAMS. A new class of cable message, known as " daily letter-telegrams," has been introduced. At present such telegrams are exchanged only with the United Kingdom and Canada. The rate to the United Kingdom is Bd. per word, with a minimum charge of 13s. 4d. ; and toJCanada, 6d. per word, with a minimum charge of 10s. The regulations governing deferred cable messages are applicable

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to daily letter-telegrams, except that the latter are subject to a delay of fortyeight hours in transmission, and that the only special services that may be sent in connection with such messages are reply-paid and paid service telegrams inquiring into the correctness of or rectifying any message. The popularity of these messages is indicated by the fact that during the seven months since September, 1923, nearly twelve thousand daily letter-telegrams have been lodged in the Dominion. NIGHT LETTER-TELEGRAMS. The removing of the restrictions in connection with night letter-telegrams had the effect of increasing the use made of this facility. PROPOSED NIGHT LETTER-TELEGRAMS TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. It was decided to introduce, from the Ist May. 1924, a system of night lettertelegrams between New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. The rate fixed was 3s. for a message of twenty words or less, and 2d. for each word in excess of twenty words. The telegrams are transmitted on the day of lodgment, and are delivered by post, from the office of destination, on the following morning. POSTAL CONGRESS. Mr. A. T. Markman, Secretary of the Department, was appointed to represent the Dominion at the Postal Union Congress, which opened at Stockholm in July, 1924. In addition to taking part in the Congress, at which the general regulations governing the working of the postal business of the world will be considered, Mr. Markman will examine the methods adopted by other postal and telegraph administrations. It is expected that any improvements noticed by him will be the subject of a report to the Government. As the post and telegraph business of New Zealand is a monopoly of the Government, the importance of sending an executive officer abroad to compare the methods in operation in the Dominion with those of other countries is readily apparent. It is frequently stated that the Post and Telegraph system in New Zealand is equal to any in the world ; but comparison by expert officers of the Department is necessary from time to time with the objects of ascertaining any defects in our methods and acquiring first-hand knowledge of successful innovations in other countries. IMPERIAL RADIO COMMUNICATION. On account of the delays that have occurred in formulating an Imperial radio policy, it has not yet been possible to take definite action in the direction of erecting in New Zealand a high-power long-distance radio-station capable of world-wide communication. Now that a decision has been reached to erect in the United Kingdom high-power stations capable of Empire-wide communication, and, in addition, to try out the possibilities of the new " beam " system, the way has been cleared for this Dominion to decide upon the lines of development best calculated to meet its requirements ; and the departmental experts are now engaged in preparing a suitable scheme for consideration by Government. DETAILS OF REVENUE, ETC. Matters of detail with reference to the financial operations and business of the Department will be found at length in the statement and tables which follow. I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient servant, J. G. Coates, Postmaster-General. General Post Office, Wellington, 20th August, 1924.

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1924.

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS. The receipts and payments of the Department for the financial year 1923-24 are shown in the following table : —

Receipts and Payments for the Years 1881-82, 1891-92, 1901-2, 1911-12, and following Years.

PERSONNEL. During the year Mr. R. B. Morris, Secretary of the Department, retired, and was succeeded by Mr. A. T. Markman, First Assistant Secretary. Mr. Markman was succeedeel by Mr. G. McNamara, Second Assistant Secretary, and Mr. J. Robertson, Superintendent eif Staff, was appointeel to the vacancy created by the promotion of Mr. McNamara. Mr. J. Laurenson, Chief Inspector, retired during the year after completing forty years' service. Mr. Laurenson was succeeded by Mr. R. D. Kelly, Chief Postmaster, Auckland. The positions of Superintendent of Staff and Chief Clerk have been abolished, the work hitherto attended to by these officers being distributed amongst the administrative and principal controlling officers in the General Post Office.

Item. Postal. Telegraph. Total. Receipts. £ s. el. 1,032,347 3 9f 50,000 9 9 928 19 7 36,602 5 1 26,709 17 10 £ s. el. £ s. d. 1,032,347 3 9f 50,000 9 9 928 19 7 36,602 5 1 11,566 2 9 38,276 0 7 700,329 2 Oi 700,329 2 Of 830,469 16 5f 830,469 16 5f Postages Money-order and postal-note commission Money-order commission received from foreign offices .. Private box and bag rents and rural elelivery fees Miscellaneous receipts Paid telegrams Telephone exchange rentals and miscellaneous Totals 1,146,588 16 Of 1,542,365 1 3 2,688,953 17 3f Payments.. £ s. d. 599,994 19 10 54,139 10 8 136,940 5 3 101,921 18 2 2,632 12 5 £ s. el. £ s. il. 810,696 11 6 1,410,091 11 4 54,139 10 8 136,940 5 3 101,921 18 2 2 632 12 5 155,724 17 10 155,724 17 10 127,460 4 10 258,533 13 4 Salaries Conveyance of ocean mails Conveyance of inland mails Conveyance of mails by rail Money-order commission credited to feireign offices Maintenance of telegraph and telephone lines Miscellaneous 131,073 8 6 Balance of receipts over payments 1,026,702 14 10 119,886 1 2f 1,093,881 14 2 2,120,584 9 0 448,483 7 1 568,369 8 3f 1,542,365 1 3 2,688.953 17 3f Totals 1,146,588 16 Of

Year. Receipts. £ 234,529 I Payments. £ 233,291 Balance of Receipts Excess of Payment* over Payments. over Reoeipts. 1881-1882 £ £ 1,238 1891-1892 320,058 488,573 268,343 465,756 51,715 1901-1902 22,817 1911-1912 1,087,710 988,911 98,799 1912-1913 1913-1914 1914-1915 1915-1916 1916-1917 1917-1918 1918-1919 1919-1920 1920-1921 1921-1922 1922-1923 1923-1924 1,167,826 1,269,921 1,359,059 1,695,757 1,809,317 1,837,260 1,972,539 2,106,995 2,590,441 2,811,535 2,087,768 2,688,954 i 1,069,272 1,173,314 1,246,850 1,296,522 1,370,810 1,489,446 1,702,048 1,944,161 2,591,786 2,451,571 2,114,994 2,120,584 98,554 96,607 112,209 399,235 438,507 347,814 270,491 162,834 359,904 572,774 568,370 1,345

ANNUAL REVENUE. Postal, Telegraph, and Telephone Branches. For ten years ended 31st March, 1924.

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POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK.

TERRITORIAL FLUCTUATION OF BUSINESS DEPICTED IN POSTAL DISTRICTS.

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POST OFFICE SAVINGS-BANK.

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While Mr. Markman is absent from New Zealand attending the Postal Union Congress at Stockholm Mr. McNamara will act as Secretary of the Department, and Mr. Robertson, Second Assistant Secretary, and Mr. Kelly, Chief Inspector, will act as First Assistant Secretary and Second Assistant Secretary respectively. Mr. M. B. Esson will act as Chief Inspector. STAFF. Comparative Return of Persons employed in the Post and Telegraph Department on the Ist April, 1923 and 1924. The total number of persons employed on the Ist April, 1923 and 1924, was as under : — Ist April, Ist April, Permanent staff — 1923. 1924. Administrative Division .. .. .. .. 4 4 Clerical and Engineering Divisions .. .. .. 3,271 3,218 General Division .. .. .. .. ..4,267 4,495 7,542 7,717 Temporary staff .. .. .. .. .. 395 243 Casual staff .. .. .. .. .. .. 861 970 Totals .. .. .. .. ... 8,798 8,930 Non-permanent staff— Country Postmasters and Postmistresses .. .. 2,087 2,074 Postmasters who are Railway officers .. .. .. 118 102 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 11,003 11,106 Health of Permanent Staff. The following table gives the average absence of officers on sick-leave : — Number Average Absence Average Absence on Staff. per Sick Officer. 6^o Officer Days. Days. Men ... ... ... 6,393 97 54 Women ... ... ... 936 13-8 10-2 Thirteen officers died during the year. APPEAL BOARD. The Post and Telegraph Board of Appeal, under the chairmanship of E. C. Cutten, Esej., S.M., sat on two occasions during the year. Forty-eight appeals were dealt with, of which one was allowed. One appellant was called upon to pay his own expenses. Messrs. R. B. Reynolds and R. H. Brown, the Postal and the Telegraph representatives respectively on the Board, resigned, and were subsequently re-elected unopposed. DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE CLASSES. The departmental correspondence classes—which previously were confined to tho instruction of officers in technical matters appertaining to the Department —were extended during the year to include tuition in " English and Correspondence." This resulted in an increased number of students, necessitating an addition to the instructional staff. Tuition is now being provided for eight examinations, and the popularity of the classes is evidenced by the number of students participating. During the year 830 students were enrolled for instruction; and of the total number of students who presented themselves for examination 80 per cent, obtained passes. This is an indication that the high standard of instruction given hitherto is still being maintained. EXAMINATIONS. During the year 1923-24 the number of officers who sat for efficiency examinations was 1,900, of which number 980 were either wholly or partially successful. " HOUSEHOLDER " CIRCULARS. The revenue from this class of matter for the period Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924, was £4,845, as against £6,416 for the preceding twelve months. The decrease is accounted for by the reduction in postage rates, whereby printed papers up to 2 oz. may be sent for Jd., the initial rate also for a " householder " circular. Distribution by Private Person of Circulars inscribed " Householder," " Postage-paid." It was brought to the notice of the Department that several firms had been distributing to householders, otherwise than by post, circulars marked " Postage-paid," thereby infringing the Post and Telegraph Act. Legal action was taken against one of the firms concerned, and resulted in judgment being given in favour of the Department, the Magistrate entering a conviction and ordering the company concerned to pay solicitors' and Court fees. A nominal penalty only was asked for, as the main object of the prosecution was to give publicity to the illegality of the action taken by the

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defendant company. It was not considered advisable to allow any one to mislead the public into the belief that the articles were being delivered by the, Post Office, which obviously had. no control over the methods adopted for safeguarding elistribution. BRITISH EMPIRE EXHIBITION. The Department rcndesred assistance during the year to the Dominion Advisory Council set up in connection with the! British Empire Exhibition. The. assistance included the advertising of the Exhibition by means of special " heads " in post-marking machines at the four principal centres, and by posters exhibited at principal post-offices. In addition, goods were shipped, and various articles made or obtained, by the Department feir the Dominion Aelvisory Ceiuncil. OVERSEAS MAILS. Correspondence for Great Britain, Ireland, and the Continent of Europe continues to be forwardesd by contract steamers via Vancouver anel via San Francisco, except when a vessel sailing via Cape Horn eir via Panama offers a quicker despatch than the next contract steamer, or when corresponelence is specially aelelressed for despatch by a particular vessel eir route. Mails from Great Britain and [relahd are still received via Vancouver, San Francisco, Panama, and Suez. The; aveirage time taken during 1923 by mails from New Zealanel to London via Vancouver and via San Francisco was thirty-three days ; from London to Now Zealanel via Vancouver tho average time was thirty-six days, and via San Francisco thirty-five days. The R.M.S. " Niagara " and R.M.S. " Makura " continue to be employed in the Vancouver service, anel the R.M.S. " Tahiti " and R.M.S. " Maunganui "in the San Francisco service. A satisfactory service has been maintained over both routes during the year. A now time-table was brought into operation by tho Union Stoam Ship Company, commencing with the sailing of the R.M.S. "Tahiti " from Wellington on tho 4th March, 1924. This time-table provides for voyages from New Zealand to Vancouver and to San Francisco and vice versa of a duration of eighteen days, as against the times provided in the contract of nineteen elays on the Vancouver route and twonty-ono days on the San Francisco route. An unusually fast passage was made by the R.M.S. " Tahiti " on the voyage commenced at Wellington on the 28th August, 1923, the time taken between Wellington and San Francisco being sixteen days fifteen hours, or four days ten hours under the contract time. On the 17th May, 1923, the R.M.S. "Makura" arrived at Auckland from Vancouver, and, owing to an outbreak on board of alastrin, was ordered into quarantine at Motuihi Island. The mails were detained on board for spraying before being handed over to postal officers for fumigation and distribution. A portion of the letter-mail for Wellington and tho South Island was forwarded by the Main Trunk express on the 18th May, and the remainder of the mail on Sunday, the 20th May. The Vancouver and San Francisco mail contracts, which expired at the end of March, have been further extended until the end of June, 1924. Alternative tenders are being invited for the carriage of mails between New Zealand and the Pacific coast of America, anel between New Zealand and Great Britain via Panama. The conditions eif contract provide that the time taken between Auokland anel Vancouver and vice versa shall not exceed seventeen days, a reduction of two elays on the present contract time ; anel between Wellington and San Franciscei and vice versa the time shall not exceed seventeen days, a reduction of four elays on the present contract time. On the route from New Zealand to Great Britain via Panama the duration of the voyage is not to exceed thirty days. If contracts are let for services via Vancouver and via San Francisco and close connections are made with fast trains across Canada or the United States of America and also with fast liners crossing the Atlantic, mails should arrive in London in from twenty-eight to thirty days after their despatch from New Zealand. INTE RCOLONIAL M AIL-SERVICES. The mail-seirvice between New Zealand and Australia anil vice versa was well maintained during the! year. INLAND MAIL-SERVICES. A daily mail-service by motor-car is being maintained between Gisborne and Napier, thus providing a service more in keeping with the importance of tho elistrict. On the 24th April, 1923, the', mail-ceiach running between Ruatorea and To Araroa met with a mishap in the Waiapu River. A portion of the mails, not including registered articles, was lost. A remittance of £54 12s. 2d. was not recovered. A bag from Te Arareia to Ruatorea was found, but (iv<! private bags we!ri! not found. As the Main Trunk express train from Wellington was proceeding to Auckland on the 9th Juno, 1923, the! railway post-office van became derailed shortly after the! journey commenced. Fortunately, however, neither the- officers nor tho mails suffered injury. On tho morning of the! 6th July tho south-bound Main Trunk mail-train from Auckland ran into a landslide near Ongartte, with the result that seventeen passengers were killeel and twenty-eight injured. Notwithstanding the derailment of the postal car, which was next to the; engine, tho Postal officials escaped unhurt. The whole of tho mails were recovered intact. On tho 26th February, 1924, a motor-car owned by Messrs. Newman Bros., and convoying ten bags of mail anel fourteen passengers from Westport to Nelson, was destroyed by fire at Spooncr's Range-. Flames from a bush-fire suddenly enveloped the car, which had to be abandonee!. Although the driver made every effort to save the mails, several bags and their contents were totally destroyed. Amemgst the articles lost were twenty-four registered letters and one insured parcel.

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Termination of Arthur's Pass - Otira Mail-service. On the day prior to the opening of the Otira Tunnel an event of historical interest took place. This was the termination of the overland mail-servico between Arthur's Pass on the Canterbury side and Otira Railway-station on the Wostlancl side. For a period of about thirty-throe years this service linked the east coast of the South Island with the west coast, and for many years it was maintained by Messrs. Cassidy and Co., and at a later stage by Messrs. A. Hall (Limited), and since 1914 by these firms combined in business partnership. Originally the service was performed between Springfiekl (Canterbury) anel Kumara (Westland) ; but with the advance of the railheads towards the mountains the coach service was gradually reduced, until on the 4th August the opening of the tunnel rendered the coach service no longer necessary. Notwithstanding the often perilous journevy over Arthur's Pass, which was frequently blocked by heavy falls of snow in winter, Messrs. Hall and Cassidy rendered, both to the Department and to the public, long and faithful service, and discharged their obligations in an efficient manner. Rural-mail Boxes. There are now 10,612 rural boxes in use, an increase of 544 over the number in use last year. RETRANSFEE OF CERTAIN OFFICES FROM HAMILTON TO AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Mainly owing to the! inconvenience caused savings-bank despositors in and around Mercer, the Mercer Post-office, and several smaller offices for which Mercer acted as a circulating office, were retransferred from the Hamilton to the Auckland Postal District. STORES BRANCH. The following figures indicate the value of supplies purchased, issued, and remaining in stock for the year ended 31st March, 1924, while those for the previous year are shown for the purpose of comparison : —

It will bo observed that there is a large increase in the volume of purchases and issues of stores. The increase is due mainly to tho purchase of additional stocks of telegraph and telephone material. The figures would have been still larger but for the difficulty in securing the delivery of telegraph poles and. arms. The number of indents placed for the year ended the 31st March last, compared with that of the previous year, is—l923-24, 611 ; 1922-23, 337—an increase of 274, equivalent to 81 per cent. The total inward consignments for the year, compared with those of the previous year, ares— 1923-24. 1922-23. Shipments .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,766 1,013 Packages .. .. .. .. .. .. 182,060 118,980 With the exception of hardwood timbers, requirements have on the whole been adequately met. The responsibility of arranging contracts for the purchase by all Government Departments of motor-vehicles, accessories, tires, petrol, kerosene, and lubricating-oils for internal-combustion engines has been placed on the Stores Branch during the year, and this, with other work in connection with purchases under Stores Control Board Regulations, has considerably added to the extent of the duties undertaken, and at the same time resulted in economies being effected by all Departments. Accommodation for storage' of material still leaves much to be desired, and the necessity for better facilities is becoming pressing. The supply of articles of uniform for departmental officers is more satisfactory than ' has obtained since 1914, deliveries now being much more regular and prompt. WOEKSHOPS. In order to cope successfully with the growth of this branch additional accommodation and plant have been provided. During the year the manufacture of power-driven post-marking machines was undertaken, with entirely satisfactory results. Other work successfully carried out was the manufacture of telegraph material, telephone-exchange'switchboards, and apparatus the'machine-printing telegraph system recently installed. BICYCLES. The scheme outlined in last year's annual report under which, in consideration of the cost of upkeep being borne by the riders, bicycles Issued by the Department become the property of the officers concerned on'the expiry of periods of use in the Department's service varying from four to six years, is proving popular with officers. Approximately three hundred bicycles are now on issue under the scheme.

1923-24. 1922-23. Increase. Decrease. Increase Per Cent. Decrease Per Cent. Balance, 1st April Purchases Issues Balance, 31st Marcli I £ 330, ,577 912,923 953,742 289,758 I £ £ 384,716 501,389 555,528 330,577 £ 82 72 14 411,534 398,214 40,819 12

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MISSING POSTAL PACKETS. During 1923 the Department investigateei 6,156 inquiries for postal packets alleged to have been posted and not delivered. In 3,153 of the cases the investigations resulted in the missing articles being traced or accounted for. Those cases may bo summarized as follow :— Number of Traced Cases. Result. 877 .. . . .. . . Sender responsible for delay. 876 . . . . .. . . Addressee responsible for delay. 375 .. .. .. . . Post Office responsible for de j ,lay. 1,025 . . .. .. ... No de j ,lay, or responsibility not fixed. This means that 3,003 packets dealt with in the Department during last year failed in delivery. On comparing this number with the total number of artic.es handled, the percentage of losses is found to bo 0-0016. Included in those losses are packets inadvertently mislaid before posting, or lost after delivery by the Post Office, and packets misappropriated, either inside or outside the Service. In each case of a postal packet being reported as missing the! circumstances surrounding the loss are investigateei fully by special officers of tho Department, and very frequently the assistance of the Police Department is obtained. On each occasion on which it, is founel that an officer of the Department has handled a postal packet irregularly, the circumstances of the mishandling form the subject of Police Court proceedings. Unfortunately, similar action is not always taken in cases of the theft of postal packets by persons outside the service—that is, before posting or after delivery. Employers of labour frequently refuse to furnish to the Department or to the Police, information that would lead to the prosecution of one of their employees for the theft of postal packets ; indeed, in many cases in which it is believed that the thefts have occurred outside the Post Office, obstruction is placed in the way of those persons undertaking the departmental or police inquiries into the matter. It follows that in numerous instances in which persons shoulel be punished for offences under the Post anel Telegraph Act such action is not possible. The failure of members of the public to register packets containing articles of value is a problem that has to be faced by every Postal administration. As has been pointed out frequently, registered postal packets receive special handling, and are checked not only from office to office, but also from officer to officer. This ensures that, in tho ovemt of a registered postal packet going astray —a very rare occurrence —the point at which the loss took place can be ascertained from the Department's recorels. The Department is in a position to state eicfinitoly wheithcr the registered article! was placed in the custody of tho Post Office or not, anel, in the former case, it is in possession of definite' information regarding the delivery eir otherwise: of tho packet. Particulars of two recent cases in which valuable packets were forwarded by post as unregistered articles may prove of interest. A person calling at the delivery counter of a post-office for his correspondence was tendered a packet, wrapped in brown paper anel. tied with string in tho ordinary manner. Becauso the corners of the brown paper were frayed somewhat he asserted that the packet had been tampered with in the post-office. The delivering officer then inquired as to the nature, of the contents of the packet, and was informed that it contained £400 in bank-notes. In view of the condition of the wrapping, tho packet was opened in the presence of the Postmaster at the office concerned, and the contents were checked. They were founel to be intact. In the other case, while a mail-bag was being emptied at a chief post-office, a large number of loose bank-notes was found. The bag had been conveyed approximately twenty miles by rail. A subsequent check of tho contents disclosed that the bank-notes had become dislodged from a packet wrapped in tissue paper and tied with string. The amount containoel in the packet was posted for lodgment in a commercial bank, which it duly reached. A system somewhat similar to that obtaining in connection with registered articles is followed in respect of parcels forwarded through the post. The sender is given a receipt for each parcel posted, and a receipt is obtained! by the Post Office from the addressee when delivery is effected. If, therefore, the Department is unable to produce the adelressee's receipt for an article; forwarded by parcel-post, there is no doubt as to the point at which the parcel went astray. The percentage of parcels failing in delivery is very much lower than the percentage of letters. This is an indication that tho Post Office is not responsible in the case of a large number of the untracod letters. Each misappropriation of departmental moneys or material results in the cireumstances of the theft being reported, to the police, anel the officer concerned being dealt with according to law. This action is taken whether restitution of the amount stolon is or is not made. As is well known, this rule does not apply in the business community generally. This differentiation of treatment between officers of the Department and persons employed by eiutsido firms results in the impression being conveyed to tho public that Government employees are less honest than the men and women employed in other walks of life. Obviously, a comparison is possible, only if the same, conditions regarding punishment are observed throughout the whole! community. POST OFFICE. ARTICLES DELIVERED. The number of articles delivered in the Dominion, including those received from places beyond New Zealand, eluring the year 1923, compared with the number in 1922, was as under : — 1923. 1922. Increase. Letters .. .. .. .. 129,463,'663 122,949*819 6,513,844 (5-30%) Post-cards .. .. .. .. 3,653,179 3,435,489 217,690 (6-34%) Parcels .. .. .. .. 3,544,650 3,480,127 64,523 (PB5 %) All other articles .. .. .. 59,201,429 52,192,220 7,009,209(13-43%) 195,862,921 182,057,655

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AVERAGE NUMBER OF LETTERS POSTED PER UNIT OF POPULATION. 1923, 96-2 ; 1922, 93-5. NUMBER OF POST-OFFICES IN DOMINION. Offices opened during year, 35 ; offices closed during year, 52; offices remaining open on 31st December, 1923, 2,126.

NUMBER OF POSTAL PACKETS POSTED IN THE DOMINION FOR THE YEARS. 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1923.

NUMBER OF POSTAL PACKETS POSTED PER HEAD OF POPULATION FOR THE FIRST TWELVE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.

UNDELIVERABLE POSTAL PACKETS. The following is a comparison of letters anel other articles desalt with as undeliverable during the year, compared with those dealt with during 1921 : —

The proportion of uneleliverable letters to the total number of letters delivered was 0-43 per cent., as against 0-46 per cent, in 1922. MISCELLANEOUS. 1923. 1922. Letters anel letter-cards posted without addresses .. .. .. .. 16,173 11,553 Letters imperfectly and insufficiently addressed .. .. .. .. 20,823 17,849 Letters bearing libellous addresses intercepted .. .. .. .. 56 63 Registered letters unclaimed .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,047 8,604 Newspapers received without addresses .. .. .. .. .. 3,893 4,331 Other articles received without addresses .. .. .. .. .. 3,635 4,371 Newspapers returned to publishers as undeliverable .. .. .. 27,780 23,642 Articles bearing previously used, stamps ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 104 66

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Year. Returned direct Returned direct Returned to other Returned to other Destroyed to Senders to Senders Administrations Administrations (Senders unknown through Chief J through Dead through Chief through Dead and Conterrts of Offices. Letter Office. Offices. Letter Office. no Value). Total. Letters. .923 . . .922 .. 239,807 225,439 50,184 [ 36,857 16,810 275,553 201,465 I 46,061 I 32,272 25,664 j 569,097 581,015 Other Articles. 923 .. | 922 .. I 127,907 4,193 40,653 19,725 .. I 108,101 3,266 34,467 6,996 192,478 152,830

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PROHIBITED POSTAL PACKETS. During the year 1,428 letters addressed to persons or firms for whom the transmission of correspondence is prohibited under section 28 of tho Post and Telegraph Act, 1908, wore withheld from transmission. REGISTER OF NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES. Thirty-five newspapers were registered for transmission by post, and ton were removed from the register. Throe magazines wore registered, and twenty were removed from tho register. POSTAGE-STAMPS. The only new postage-stamp issued by the Dominion during the year was a Id. stamp to mark the reversion to penny postage on the Ist October, 1923. The main feature of the design is a map of New Zealand. The reductions in postage-rates from the Ist February and Ist October, 1923, were responsible for current issues of letter-cards, post-cards, and newspaper wrappers being withdrawn and reissued overprinted with a lower rate of postage. After the February reduction, letter-cards bearing tho 2d. stamp of tho King George series were overprinted " ljjjd.," post-cards of the same series were overprinted " Id.", and wrappers bearing the universal Id. stamp were overprinted " Jd." After the October reeluction the 2d. and l|d. letter-cards of the King George series were overprinted " Id.", and the post-cards bearing the ljd. and Id. stamps of the King Georgo and universal series respectively were overprinteei " J-d." In November a letter-card bearing the new Id. stamp of the Dominion was issued. In March, 1924, a wrapper bearing a |d. stamp of the King George series was issued. From the Ist October, 1923, the sale of social and business embossed envelopes was resumed. On account of the high cost of production, their sale had been suspended for about three years. New medium-size registered-letter envelopes embossed with 4d. postage were issued in March, 1924. On the Ist February, 1924, postage-stamps of the island dependencies of Now Zealand (Aitutaki, Niue, Penrhyn, and Rarotonga), and of the mandated Territory of Western Samoa were placed on sale at the chief post-offices at Christchurch and Dunedin. Hitherto such stamps had been on sale in New Zealand at Auckland and Wellington only. PARCEL-POST. Undeliverable Parcels. During the year the simplified system of dealing with undeliverable parcels was extended to parcels from and for nearly all countries of the world. Under this system, parcels which bear only one address are hold at the disposal of the addressee for thirty days ; and if not delivered within that period, and not marked " Abandon," are returned to the senders. But if the parcels bear an alternative address they are hold at the disposal of the first addressee for fifteen days ; anel if not delivered at the expiration of that period they are held at tho disposal of the second addressee for a similar period. If finally undelivered, the parcels (except those marked " Abandon ") are returned to the senders. Parcels marked " Abandon," if not delivered within the prescribed period, are forwarded to the Dead Letter Office. Customs Parcels. The following table shows the declared value of goods received from abroad by parcel-post and the Customs duty thereon, anel also the declared value of goods despatched by parcel-post for the year 1.923, compared with 1922 :— 1923. 1922. £ s. d. £ s. d. Declared value of received parcels .. 1,343,726 0 0 1,332,719 0 0 Customs duty .. .. .. 307,022 6 3 276,864 14 11 Declared value of forwarded parcels .. 73,793 0 0 67,324 0 0 BUILDINGS. The efforts of the Department to overtake the leeway in its building programme caused by the war and the subsequent financial depression have been successful to the extent of enabling increased or improved accommodation to be provided at many places at which it was urgently required. The expenditure on new post and telegraph buildings during the year far exceeded that of any previous year. Owing to the great building activity in the Dominion, and the consequent difficulty in obtaining tradesmen, tho cost of building is still comparatively high. The Department is therefore restricting its operations to cases in which improved accommodation is essential for the efficient conduct of its business. During the year buildings were erected at the following places (tho list includes a number of post-office buildings of the smallest type) : Awakino (lineman's residence), Dannevirke, Dunedin (automatic-telephone exchange), Kopaki, Ngongotaha, Ohinewai, Onewhero, Patea, Springburn, Tinui, Waharoa, Waimauku, Waitoa, Wellington (workshop, store, and garage). Aeiditions were made to the post-office buildings at Inglewood, Kaiapoi, and Motueka, and to portions of tho railway-station buildings used for post-office purposes at Midhirst and Normanby. At New Plymouth and Tokomaru Bay internal alterations were made, in order to incorporate in the postoffice buildings accommodation previously occupied by another Department, and by the Postmaster as residential quarters, respectively.

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It was necessary during the year to purchase at Maungakaramea, Plimmerton, Riccarton, and Waipahi buildings to accommodate the post-offices at those places. At Kohukohu a residence was benight for the Postmaster. Tho extended use of motor-vehicles rendered necessary during tho year the provision of workshop and garage accommodation at Invercargill, Palmerston North, Wanganui, and Wellington. Small garage buildings were provided at Matamata, Morrinsville, Opotiki, Papakura, Rotorua, Whakatane, anel Whangarei; and a garage and store building was erected at Masteirton. A portion of the new building ereoted for the Department in Hereforel Street, Christchurch, has bee'.n occupied by the Telegraph Branch, thus releasing for postal purposes accommodation urgently requireel in the Chief Post-office building. Necessary alterations are now being made to the latter building. A portion of the old post-office building at Patea was moved to Whenuaknra for use as a postoffice. At Lichfield and Okaramio small post-office buildings were provided by the settlers. In each case tho cost of the work was subsidized by tho Department. In consequence of the opening of the Otira Tunnel, the post-office building at Otira was moved to a position nearer the western end of tho tunnel and the site of tho railway-station. The now post-office building at Stratford has been completed, anel a building to house the automatic-telephone exchange in Wellington, is nearing completion. The post-office building at Paeroa, which has serveel its period of usefulness, is to be replaced by an up-to-date structure on a new site. Owing to increased business, additional accommodation for post-office purposes is requireel at Gisborno, Greymouth, Invercargill, Masterton, and Nelson, and the question of making aeklitions to the post-office buiklings at these places will require to be faced shortly. In the case eif Gisborne, it is hoped, to proceod during the ensuing year with an extensive addition to the existing building. MONEY-ORDERS. . Money-orders issued during the year numbered 684,979, for a total of £4,390,159 ; those paid 580,836, for £4,034,239. The total commission received for the transaction of money-order business amounted to £28,357. POSTAL NOTES. Twenty-one offices were openeel and five closed, leaving 1,099 postal-note offices in operation at the end of the year. At these offices 2,652,777 postal-notes, for £804,343 6s. lid., wore issued, and 2,633,537 were paid. TELEGRAPHS. TELEGRAPH AND TOLL TRAFFIC. The following comparative tables show the position in regard to telegraph and telephone traffic :—

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1923-24. 1922-23. Increase. Decrease. Increase Decrease per Cent. | per Gent. Ordinary Telegrams. Number .. .. I 5,581,185 I 5.285,175 ' 296,010 .. 5*601 | .. Revenue .. .. £291,225 i £324,771 .. £33,546 .. 10-329 Urgent Telegrams. Number .. ..I 265,772 ! 228,904 I 36,868 .. 16 106 I Revenue .. .. j £27,686 ) £27,448 1 £238 .. 0-867 | . . Press Telegrams. Number .. ... 432.120 j 389,607 , 42,513 I . ! 10-912 Revenue .. ..I £58,619 j £50,297 | £8,S22 ! .. | 16546 Night Letter-telegrams. Number .. .. 106,219 ! 32,880 i 73,339 .. I 223 050 | Revenue .. .. £5,287 ! £2,554 j £2,733 I .. | 107-009 Government Telegrams (for which no payment is received). Number .. .. 69,597 170,385 /1 .. 100,788 | .. | 59-153 Value .. .. £4,930 £9,727 ! .. £4,797 j .. 49-316 Toll Communications. Number .. .. i 8,021,973 7,406,257 615,716 ..I 8-313 Revenue .. .. j £317,512 £294,374 , £23,138 ! .. 1 7-860

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Telegraph and Toll Traffic— continued.

Schedule 'of Paid Telegrams, Cable Messages, and Toll Communications. Number. Vi £ uc - Ordinary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,581,185 472,091 Urgent .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 265,772 27,686 Press .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 432,120 61,661 Night-letter.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 106,219 5,287 Toll communications .. .. .. .. .. .. 8,021,973 317,512 14,407,269 884,237 Less net amount paid to other Administrations on cable and radio messages .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 183,908 Not total for paid messages of all codes, 1923-24 .. .. .. 14,407,269 700,329 Net total for paid messages of all codes, 1922-23 .. .. .. 13,342,823 699,444 Table showing Use by the Public of Telegraph and Toll Services. 1923-24. 1922-23. Number of orelinary telegrams sent per unit of population .. .. 4.38 3-98 Number of toll communications per unit of population .. .. .. 5-81 5-58 Number of paid messages, telegrams, or toll communications jier unit of population .. . . .. .. .. .. .. 10-38 10-27 Number of paid telegrams for every 100 letters posted .. .. .. 5-08 5-07 CABLE TRAFFIC. The number of cable messages, excluding Press, sent from New Zealand to International offices during the year shows an increase of 10-1 per cent, on the number sent during 1922-23, and the number sent to Australian offices shows an increase of 748 per cent. Messages received from International offices increasod by 8-62 per cent., and messages from Australia increased by 7-62 per cent. The proportion of cable messages sent " via Pacific " was less than that sent by the same route the previous year, the percentages being 65-9 and 67-4 respectively. The following table shows the total number of cable messages, excluding Press, forwarded by each route during each of the past five years, and also the percentage of such traffic falling to each.

Press messages numbering 2,674 were sent via Pacific and 4,177 via Eastern, compared with 2,051 and 2,835 respectively during 1922-23. The number received via Pacific was 6,817 and via Eastern 3,483, compared with 7,081 and 2,922 respectively.

1923-24. 1922-23. Increase. Decrease. per Cent. 1 Decrease per Cent. Decrease per Cent. Number Value Total of all Glasses of Message and Value thereof. 14,476,866 13,513,208 ' 963,658 .. j 7-131 £705,259 £709,171 .. £3,912 0-552 Telegraph and Telephone Receipts. Telegraph receipts Telephone reoeipts £ £ £ £ 711,896 713,380 .. 1,484 830,470 595,967 234,503 .. 39-35 0'21 Total Total 1,542,366 1,309,347 233,019 .. 17-79 1,542,366 Telegraph and Telephone Payments. Telegn Total Total £ £ £ 1,093,882 1,1.17,726 .. 23,844 £ 1,093,882 2-134

Paoimo. Eastern. Year. Messages. 6 Year. Messages. 6 1919-20 139,772 67 1919-20 68,832 33 1920-21 159,896 70 1920-21 68,406 30 1921-22 147,781 68 1921-22 69,515 32 1922-23 157,895 67-4 1922-23 76,455 32-6 1923-24 167,922 65-9 1923-24 86,797 34-1

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The following table shows the total number of each class of message, excluding Press, forwarded during 1923-24, as compared with the number forwarded during 1922-23.

WIRELESS TRAFFIC. The number of forwardeel and received radio messages shows an increase of 16-47 per cent, and 14-51 per cent, respectively. The amounts earned by Now Zealand show an increase under both headings of 15-77 pesr cent, and 16-06 per cemt. respectively. The number of words of forwarded radio Press telegrams decreased from 107,293 to 98,607. TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE TOLL LINES. Poles and Wire. During the year 142 miles of pole-line and 2,151 miles of wire were erected for telegraph and telephone (toll) purposes, while; 47 miles of pole-line and 144 miles of wire were dismantled, or, in localities where no longer required by the Department, sold to settlors for use as private telephonelines. The length of pole-line and wire in use for telegraph and. telephone toll purposes on the 31st March, 1923, and 1924, respectively, was as follows :-

The telegraph and telephone wire in use —viz., 52,910 miles —is classified as under : — Miles of wire used exclusively for telegraph traffic .. .. .. 12,124 Miles of wire used oxel usively for telephone toll traffic .. .. .. 7,958 Miles of wire; used conjointly for telegraph and telephone toll traffic .. 32,828 The total length of wire available for telephone toll traffic is therefore 40,786 miles; the total length available for the transmission of telegrams, 44,952 miles; the length of wire gained for telegraphic transmission by superimposing, 9,397 miles ; and the length of telephone toll lines over which telegrams may be transmitted by telephone, 14,032 miles. Phantom circuits were increased by 594 miles, and superimposed circuits by 2,013 miles. New Works. The more important of the telegraph and telephone circuits completed during the year are as follow : — Auckland-Waimauku. Palmerston North - Shannon. Amborley-Omihi. Taipa-Parapara. Shannon-Levin. Christchurch-Ashburton. Hamilton-Cambridge (2). Levin-Otaki (2). Christchurch-Prebbloton. Hamilton-Ngaruawahia. Otaki-Waikanae. Sockburn-Dunsandel. Taumarunui-Matiere. Wellington - Palmerston N. (2) Fairlie -■ Te Kapo. Te Awamutu - Ohaupo. Featherston - Cross Creek. Dunedin-Lawrenco. Stratf ord-Whangamomona. Christchurch-Greyiuouth. Lawrence-Heriot. Wanganui-Raetihi. Kumara-Otira. Balclutha-Clydevale. Uruti-Urenui. Kumara-Hokitika. Dunedin-Seacliff. Tahora-Tatu. Ross-Harihari. Tapanui-Kelso-Horiot. In addition to the above, the rearrangement of circuits consequent upon the erection of new wires enabled additional or improved telegraph or telephone facilities to be provided between the following places : — Tangiterbria-Tangowahino. Hamilton-Rotorua. Palmerston North - Napier. Auckland -Te Kuiti. Hamilton-Huntly. Palmerston North - Masterton. To Kuiti - New Plymouth. Ngaruawahia-Taupiri. Wellington-Napier. Hamilton - Te Awamutu. Taupiri-Huntly. Wellington-Taranaki. To Awamutu - Otorohanga. Wanganui-Kakatahi. Geraldino-Woodbury. Otorohanga - Te Kuiti. Wanganui-Pipiriki. Looston-Brookside. Te Kuiti - Ongarue;. Wanganui - Waimarino County. Waimatc - Waihao Downs. Ongaruo -Taumaruuui.

1923-24. 1922-: 23. Forwarded. ed. Received. Forwarded. Received. Full-rate international cable messages Deferred international cable messages Daily letter-telegrams Week-end telegrams Australian cable messages 79,824 16,149 11,803 25,216 121,727 4 76,454 9 17,010 3 6,343 6 15,568 7 115,937 80,481 17,868 76,622 16,220 22,434 113,567 13,369 107,723 Totals 254,719 231,312 234,350 213,934

M M Pole-line and Wire. liles of pole-line liles of wire Year ended Year ended 31st March, 1923. 31st March, 1924. 12,859* 12,954 50,903* 52,910 * Revised figures for 1923. Increase. 95 2,007

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NUMBER OF TELEGRAPH-OFFICES IN DOMINION. Offices opened during the! year, 38 ; offices closed during year, 50 ; offices remaining open on 31st March, 1924, 2,295. Of this number 334 are operated by Morse! and 1,961 by telephone, 9 having been converted from telephone to Morse-working during the year and 8 from Morse to telephone. The excess of offices closed eive!r the number opened, is due to the extension of the telephone-exchange system to rural and baokblocks districts by means of party lines. MACHINE-PRINTING TELEGRAPHS. Additional multiplex telegraph instruments have been installe-.d at Wellington and Auckland as part of tho general scheme for linking up the more important of tho provincial towns by means of the multiplex system of telegraphy. On the 23rd October, 1923, direct communication over machine-printing circuits was provided between Christchurch and Aueklanei through the medium of multiplex repeating apparatus at Wellington. Multiplex telegraph instruments are now being installed at Dunedin to provide for direct communication by multiplex from Dunedin to Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland. UNIVERSAL BATTERY. The telegraph instrument-room at Christchurch has been transferred to tho new building in Heroford Street. More modern methods of telegraph working have been introduced, including the universalbattery system, which, is the first installation of the kind in New Zealand. Tho installation of this system involved the replacement of a large number of primary batteries by storage cells, which, in adelition to providing a more efficient source of battery power, will effect a considerable saving in maintenance charges. Action is being taken to replace the primary-battery telegraph system at Other chief centres. NEW ZEALAND SUBMARINE CABLES. Only one of the Cook Strait cable-s was interrupted during the year, and this was repaired in September last with the assistance! of the Pacific Cable Board's staff and steamer " Iris." WIRELESS. GOVERNMENT STATIONS. During the year rarlio communication has been satisfactorily maintained by all Government coast stations. An effeotive watch has also been kept for signals of distress from ship stations. In September last arrangements were made to enable masters of vessels at sea to communicate with coast stations for the purpose of obtaining reports on tho weather conditions prevailing in important nautical localities. Radio-Awarua. Satisfactory communication was maintained by Radio-Awarua with tho Norwegian Whaling Expedition, headed by tho factory steamer " Sir James Clark Ross," during the whole period of its operations in Ross Sea. Radio-teilegraphic communication with the expedition was effected at 2,000 miles, and radio-telephone traffic was handled from tho " Sir James Clark Ross " at a distance of 1,400 mites. Although conversations by radio-telephone have been conducted on many previous occasions by vessels trading in these waters, this in the first case in which this agency has been employed for tho transmission of a radio-telegram to a New Ze:aland coast station. The transmitting equipment at Radio-Awarua is being supplemented by an efficient short-wave transmitter, in order to provide a more effective means of communicating in daylight with ships on the southern steamship routes. When this transmitter is installed the period of transmission at Awarua will be increased and the duration of the watch extended. Radto-Wellington. In June last the two wooden masts at Raeliei-Wellington, which had been in service since 1912, were replaced by a new 165 ft. steel self-supporting tower. The semi-umbrella typo of antenna erected on the new structure is proving equally as efficient as the " T " antenna erected on the old masts. Consideration is now beiing given to the matter of equipping Radio-Wellington with a continuouswave valve; transmitter. The installation of this equipment Would permit of the use of different types of transmissions for fixeel and mobile! service, facilitate long-distance communication with ship stations, and reduce tei a minimum interference with adjacent radio-telephone broadcasting transmissions. Radio Chatham Islands. Reliable and uninterrupted communication has been maintained during the year be>.twoon RadioChatham Islands and the mainland. With a view to facilitating the despatch of radio-telegrams over long distances, and also reducing interference, arrangements we're made in May last for Radio Chatham Islands to work overseas vessels on the Cape Horn and Panama transpacific routeis on long waves. Radto-Awanui. The proposed modernization of the radio-stations at Awanui (Ne;w Zealand) and Apia (Samoa) by tho installation of continuous-wave transmitters in place eif tho present spark equipment is being hold in abeyance pending possible developments in connection with the erection in New Zealand of a high-power station, which would probably incorporate the specific services at present performed by Radio-Awanui.

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Radio-Apia and Radio-Rahotonga. In January last a direct-coupled semi-Diesel engine and charging generator were installed at Radio-Apia to replace the plant disabled by an accident in February, 1923. A system of broadcasting meteorological forecasts and hurricane! warnings throughout the Southern Pacific has been developed during the year by the Naval Department, and is now in operation. Radio-Apia receives meteorological reports daily from Tonga, Tahiti, Rarotonga, Fiji, Norfolk Island, New Hebrides, and New Zealand. These reports are correlated with the observations made at the Apia Observatory, and a forecast is broadcasted twice daily during the hurricane season, and once daily during the non-hurricane season. An independent rotary discharger was installed eluring the year at Rarotonga with a view to increasing the transmitting efficiency of that station. Cook Islands. Investigations have been continued during the year on behalf of the Cook Islands Department with a view to providing suitable wireless apparatus for installation at outlying islands in. the Cook Croup. In this connection two |- kilowatt raeiio-stations will shortly bo erected at Aitutaki and Mangaia to act as feeder stations into Radio-Rarotonga. A radio-telephone station is proposed for Niue Island as a feeder into Radio-Apia. PRIVATE STATIONS. The Radio-telegraph Regulations for Amateur, Experimental, and Broadcasting Stations, gazetted in January, 1923, have proved an effective means of regulating the operation of private radio-stations. Already 2,900 amateur receiving-station licenses have beem issued. Assistant Radio Inspectors were appointed during the year in tho Auckland and Wellington districts. The roeluction of mutual interference between " listeners-in," due to reaction effects causing radiation from tho receiving antennae, presents considerable difficulties, of which, judging by the reports received, this country possesses no monopoly. A very considerable relief has been obtaineel by the prohibition by regulation of certain well-known typos of receiving circuits which strongly energize the antenna system. It is recognized that practically any valve circuit may be caused to oscillate, and to communicate', a portion of its energy to the radiating member of the system, and for this reason complete immunity from interference of this kind is impossible. It is considered, howeiver, that tho nearest approach to immunity will be achieved by forbidding the use of those types in which radiation is inherent and in which reaction is not under convenient control. The roeluction of mutual interference then becomes, in a large measure, the responsibility of " listeners-in " and of the amateur associations which represent them. The Department will, if necessary, take strong legal measures against persons found to bo disregarding regulations designed to reduce the evil effects of interference. During the year several broadcasting stations of comparatively small power have been erected and operated by private, enterprise with a considerable measure of success, but through lack, of funds and other causes the development of this class of station has been retarded. TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE SERVICE. RATING SYSTEM. A comprehensive revision of the telephone rating system was undertaken e'.arly in the year, anel on the 17th September last regulations wore gazetted prescribing new rates and conditions under which telephone service should be furnished. The new rates became operative on the Ist October. The Department's action in submitting its original proposals to the various Chambers of Commerce and other organizations throughout tho country was approved of on all sides, and tho discussions that ensued — affording as they did opportunity for difficulties to be explaineel and differences of opinion adjusted — contributed largely to the generous manner in which the new rates were received by those who were eventually called upon to pay higher charges. The chief object of the new rating system was to provide a more equitable scale of charges ; and this was accomplished by increasing the rates for business stations anel reducing, as far as possible, the rates for residential stations in suburban anel rural areas. At the same; time an attempt was made to obtain by way of revenue an amount suffie-ient to provide for annual charges in the shape of maintenance, depreciation, and interest, t and thus relieve to seime! extent, the! general taxpayer. The chief features of the now rating system are : — (1.) The granting eif an unlimited number of calls lor a fixed rental: a prominent feature of the old system, and a factor which has contributeel largely to the popularity and development of the telephone system in New Zealand. (2.) The dividing of tho exchanges into four classes according to their size, and providing for each class of exchange a separate schedule of charges. Formerly the exchanges were classified under the headings of (a) continuous attendance, and (b) non-continuous attendance!. (3.) Defining for each exchange a zone or base-rate area within which the respective classes of service arc furnished on a flat-rate basis. (4.) An increase in the previous ratio of charges between business and residential stations. (5.) Extended hours of attendance at country exchanges. (fi.) Extension of the party-lino system at all (except Class I) exchanges to provide for as many as ten stations being connected with the same circuit, the annual rentals varying from £3 upwards,

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(7.) Providing for the joint use of telephones by persons occupying the same promises. (8.) Providing a fixed scale of charges for telephone removals and installations of miscellaneous equipment. (9.) The providing of annual charges in respect of all miscellaneous equipment, the upkeep of which was previously on a very unsatisfactory basis. (10.) The providing of a uniform extra mileage rate in respect of stations beyond base-rate areas, with proportionate charges for party-line stations. In addition to the foregoing, the new rating system contains a number of minor innovations designed to increase the popularity and foster the development of the telephone system. The new rates for business stations (individual-line service) vary from £8 per annum at the small country exchanges to £15 per annum at the Class I (four city) exchanges, while the rates for residential stations vary from £6 to £8 10s. per annum respectively. The base-rate areas within which these rates are applicable vary from thirteen square miles at Class IV (non-continuous attendance) exchanges to twenty-eight square miles at Class I exchanges. Two- to four-party line service is available at Class I exchanges, and two- to ten-party line service at all other exchanges. Within base-rate areas the annual rates for two-, three-, and four-party business stations, respectively, vary from £6, £5 10s., and £6 at Class IV exchanges to £10, £9 55., and £8 10s., respectively, at Class I exchanges, with correspondingly lower rates for residential stations. The charges for five- to ten-party line service (which is not available within base-rate areas) are computed on the distance of the respective stations from the exchange, the minimum rental being £3 per annum. Although sufficient time has not elapsed to determine the full effect of the new system of rating upon telephone business, development in the suburban and country districts has already been stimulated. This will undoubtedly enhance the value of the telephone to business people by placing them in telephone communication with an increasing number of customers. The fact that the number of applications for new connections shows no signs of diminishing, and that comparatively few connections were relinquished when the new rates came into operation, indicates that the new scale of charges is not unreasonable. The habit of using the telephone grows steadily, and all indications point to an increasing rather than a diminishing demand for telephone service.

TELEPHONE-STATIONS. Curve showing the Growth in the Number of Telephone-exchange Stations in New Zealand during the Period 1923-24.

25

26

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TELEPHONE STATISTICS. The manner in which the exchanges are classified, the number of exchanges in each class, and the number of stations connected therewith on the 31st March last, are shown in the following table :—

In addition to the above there are 4,263 stations connected by private telephone-lines with departmental toll stations, and 414 stations connected with non-departmental rural exchanges, which do not have communication with tho departmental systemi, making a grand total of 111,441 telephone-stations on the 31st March, 1924. The following table shows, for each class of exchange, the percentage of business and residential stations, also the percentage of individual and party-lino stations : —

The number of party lines now stands at 7,635, with a total of 27,467 stations connected therewith —an increase of 992 anel 3,314 respectively on the figures for last year. Despite the lack of switchboard accommodation at a number of the larger exchanges, a factor which affected to a groat extent the joining-up of new subscribers, the new connections made during the year totalled 11,135, a number which has not been exceeded in any previous year. Of the new connections 2,550 were with Class I exchanges, 1,596 with Class II exchanges, 1,592 with Class HI exchanges, and 5,397 with Class IV exchanges. The waiting-list at these exchanges now stands at 1,265, 394, 579, and 1,848 respectively : total, 4,086 —a reduction of 120 on the figures for the year ended 31st March, 1923. Although the waiting-list has not been greatly reduced, a number equivalent to those now waiting are provided with telephone connections every four months, so that, except at comparatively few exchanges where conditions are abnormal, applicants have not been waiting for telephone service more than four months. The waiting-list includes 700 applicants for connections at telephone exchanges authorized, but not yet opened ; tho figures for the previous year under this heading were 676. The number of subscribers' stations (main and extension) connected with each of the twelve principal exchanges on the 31st March, 1924, was —Wellington, 12,751 ; Auckland, 11,697; Christchurch, 9,238 ; Dunedin, 6,453 ; Wanganui, 2,750 ; Hamilton, 2,370 ; Gisborne, 2,368 ; Invercargill, 2,304 ; Napier, 2,285 ; Palmerston North, 2,196 ; Hastings, 2,163 ; Masterton, 1,640.

Class I. Exchanges or Networks observing Continuous Attendance anel having more than 3,500 Paying Subscribers' Main i Stations connected therewith Class II. Class III. Exchanges or Net-; Exchanges or Networks observing j works observing Class IV. Continuous 1 Continuous Exchanges Attendance and [ Attendance and or Networks Dominion having 1,01)1 to having 201 to where the Totals, 3,500 Paying 1,000 faying Attendance Subscribers' Main, Subscribers' Main is restricted. Stations con- | Stations connected therewith, nected therewith. Subscribers'main stations .. 29,297 Toll and service stations .. 543 Public call offices .. .. 284 Extension stations — P.B.X 3,856 Ordinary .. .. .. 6,161 < i 18,371 17,355 21,582 86,605 416 699 2,218 3,906 57 27 3 371 857 254 64 5,031 2,524 1,351 815 10,851 22,225 19,686 24,712 106,764 11 41 271 327 Telephone stations : Class totals .. 40,141 22,225 Number of exchanges in each class 4 11 Percentage of new connections made 23% with each class of exchange during the year 23% 14% 14% 49%

Percentage of Class I Class II Glass III, Class IV Dominion Exchanges. Exchanges. Exchanges. Exchanges. Percentages. Business stations Residential stations 48 36 33 27 37 52 64 67 73 63 100 100 100 100 100 Individual-line stations Party- and rural-line stations 83 17 75 25 61 39 46 54 68 . 32 100 100 100 100 100

27

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In the telephone statistics of the world the United States of America leads as regards density, with 12-7 telephones per 100 of population; Canada is second, with 10-2 telephones; Denmark is third, with 8-2 telephones ; while New Zealand takes fourth place, with 7*6 telephones. Australia anel Great Britain occupy seventh, and twelfth places respectively, with 4-4 and 2T telephones per 100 of population. Tho number of telephones per 100 of population of tho world is 1-3. NEW EXCHANGES, EXTENSIONS, ETC. Many inquiries have been made during the year respecting the installation of new exchanges. Wherever possible, petitioners for new exchanges in adjacent areas have been encouraged to combine their interests with a view to obtaining a centrally situated exchange capable of serving a comparatively large number of subscribers, and thus becoming eligible for extended hours of attendance. For the same reasons, negotiations aro in progress for the amalgamation of certain small exchanges already existing which can be better served by one exchange system. By this means the upkeep of a number of very small exchanges, which remain unattractive: on account of the small number of subscribers connected and the very limited hours of attendance, is avoided : — Among other operations, the year's work included — The opening of new manual exchanges at Clydovale, Hawea Flat, Hinds, Karamea, Matakana, Paraparaumu, Plimmerton, St. Heliers, Uruti, and Waipiro Bay : The conversion to automatic of the Wanganui Exchange : Tho extension of the automatic equipment at five exchanges : The extension of switchboard accommodation at thirty-five exchanges : Tho installation of underground anel aerial cables at a number of the smaller exchanges : The extension of the cable system at sixty-nine exchanges : The reconstruction of the aerial system at a number of exchanges : The prosecution of the new automatic installations at Wellcsloy Street (Auckland), Ponsonby, Mount Eden, Remucra, Onohunga, Devonport, and Takapuna : The maintenance of 106,764 te:lophone-stations.

NEW CONNECTIONS. Curve showing the Number of New Telephone-exchange Connections each Year since 1914.

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TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS FOR BACKBLOCK SETTLERS. Backblock settlers and.others continue to avail themselves of the very favourable terms under which materials may be purchased from the Department for the erection of private telephone-linos to connect with departmental exchanges and toll offices. During the year 335 licenses wore issued for the erection of private telephone-lines, anel by making use of the party-line system these private lines provided telephone communication for 694 settlers. TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE RECEIPTS. The telephone-exchange receipts for the year ended 31st March, 1.924, were £830,470, an increase of £234,503 on the previous year's figures, due largely to the reinstitution of the system of collecting rentals half-yearly in advance, the growth of the telephone-exchange system, and the institution of increased charges for business stations. PUBLIC (ALL OFFICES. Public call offices (coin-in-the-slot telephones) continue to prove remunerative in business and densely populated residential areas. During the year twenty new public call offices were established, bringing the total number in use up to 371. The number of offices of this class connected with each of the four principal city exchanges has now reached tho maximum, and further provision cannot be made for additional connections until these exchanges are converted to full automatic working. The revenue from public call offices during the; year amounted to £23,734, being an increase of £1,713 over the previous year. PRIVATE-LINE CIRCUITS BETWEEN PLACES OF BUSINESS. The receipts for the year in respect of rental and maintenance fees for private-line circuits between places of business &c, amounted to £5,292. TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE PLANT. The length in miles of the various items of telephone-exchange plant in existence on the 31st March, 1923 and 1924 respectively was as follows: —

The percentage of the total wire-mileage in underground cables grows steadily from year to year, thus adding to the stability of the plant through the lessening liability to storm damage. The percentages in this respect for the years 1919 and 1924 respectively are shown hereunder:—■ 1919. 1924. Per Cent. Per Cent. Telephone-exchange wire in underground cables .. .. 41 52 Telephone-exchange! wire in aerial cable .. .. .. 37 26 Telephone-exchange wire in open aerial wire .. .. 22 22 100 100 AUTOMATIC-TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE INSTALLATIONS. Auckland Metropolitan Area. In view of the early completion of tho full automatic system, no additions were made to tho auxiliary automatic switching-apparatus installed in the Auckland Exchange area during tho year. The number of waiting subscribers is approximately the same as at the 31st March last year, and, as stated in last year's report, no appreciable number of additional subscribers can be connected until the full automatic plant is brought into operation. Three-hundred pair trunk cables have been laid from the new main automatic exchange at Wellesley Street to the Remuera, Mount Eden, and. Ponsonby Exchanges, and a 200-pair trunk cable has been laid to the Devonport Exchange. Tho subscribers' cable, distribution from all but the lastmentioned of these exchanges is now practically complete, and will be ready for use when the full automatic apparatus is cut into service.

Polo line. U.G. Cable. Aerial Cable. Wire in U.G. Cable.. Wire in .erial Cable. „ Wire under Open a j, erial Wire. Headings . In existence on 31st March, 1923 Erected during year Dismantled during year In existence on 31st March, 1924 Miles. 6,872 Miles. 310 Miles. 558 Miles. 109,215 Miles. 66,612 Miles. 48,67] Miles. 229,882 479 16 7,605 100 ■ 4 406 43 12 589 33,118 1,368 140,965 4,349 1,619 69,342 5,985 329 54,327 43,598 4,059 269,421

29

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Steady progress has been made with the installation of the permanent apparatus at the Wellesley Street, Remuera, Mount Eden, and Ponsonby Exchanges, but the non-arrival of certain material delayed some; sections of the work. The material outstaneling is neiw being delivered, and is being installed as quickly as circumstances will permit. In a few months' time, whe-n the air-conelitioning plant is installcel anel in running-order, final adjustments and testing-out of the apparatus will be proceeded with. The work at the smaller exchanges —Devonport, Onehunga, andTakapuna —is not so far advanced, owing to the non-arrival of essential material ; and it is probable that these satellite exchanges will not be worked as automatic until some few months after the; " cut-over " of the central area. When the exchanges now under installation at Auckland were originally planned it was hoped that a hot-water-radiator heating-system would meet all the requirements of automatic-exchange operation. Subsequent experience has shown that some more efficient dehumielifying system is essential in a climate with the average relative humidity existing at Aueklanei. It has bcem found necessary to equip the Auckland exchanges with up-to-date air-conditioning systems suitable for correcting the existing conelitions of humidity, without at tho same time creating unbearable-, and unhealthy conditions for the staff, as is the case with the simpler dehumidifying systems which rely solely upon the heating of the; air for the reduction of the relative humidity. Wkllington Metropolitan Area. The capacity of the, automatic equipment in the, Wellington Exchange, area has been increased during the year as follows: Courtenay Place;, 200 indivielual lines, 100 two-party line's ; Wellingtem South, 140 individual lines, 100 two-party lines ; Kelburn, 400 individual lines. On the 31st March, 1924, the;re were 9,313 subscribers' main stations in Wellington, of which number 5,431 were operated automatically and 3,882 manually. In addition to these there were 3,438 extension stations, 899 of which wore associated with automatic stations and 2,539 with manual stations. The erection of the new automatic-exchange building at Stout Street has proceeded satisfactorily during the year. The switching-apparatus will be; installed on the top floor, which is now being finished off in advance of the; remainder of the building to enable a start to be made with tho installation work. It is anticipated that tho automatic equipment can be; installed and brought into operatiem within eighteen months of the completion of the building. When this equipment is brought into use the telephone service of the Wellington Exchange area will bo wholly automatic except for a small number of long-distance party lines. Christchurch Metropolitan Area. The; auxiliary automatic apparatus temporarily installed in the Christchurch Exchange area continues to give good service, and will not be extended in view of the proposed installation of a homogeneous full automatic system. The work of placing tho subscribers cables underground, which is necessary for the satisfactory automatic operation of the area, is procoeeling. The building at Hereford Street to house the main-office full automatic equipment was completed during the year. The apparatus to be installed in this building will commence to arrive shortly, when arrangements will be made for its installation. A portion of the apparatus for the branch exchanges is on hand, and will be installed in conjunction with the equipment at the main office. Dunedin Metropolitan Area. The erection of the automatic-exchange building at Upper Dowling Street to house the.mainoffice full automatic equipment was completed in December last. None; of the material to be installed in this building has yet been received, but the initial shipment is expected shortly. The progress that will bo made with the installation work is dependent to a large extent on regular supplies of material being maintained, but it is planned to have the installation completed and working before the opening of the International Exhibition at Dunedin in 1925. A start has also been made with the installation of equipment at the Roslyn Automatic Exchange, and good progress is being made. The South Dunedin automatic-exchange building was affected to some extent b}' the heavy floods experienced during the year. Certain alterations are now in progress, and upon their completion this installation will be proceeded with. The Roslyn and South Dunedin Exchanges will be cut over in conjunction with the main equipment of the; central exchange at Upper Dowling Street. Hamilton. Material for the extension of the toll-board at Hamilton to proviele two new positions was ordered during the year, and is now coming to hand. When this is installed it will enable rural lines, which are at present accommodated on separate switchboards, to be; worked from the toll-board. Owing to the excessively humid conditions prevailing at Hamilton it was found necessary to arrange for an up-to-date air washing and dehumidifying plant to be installed at this exchange. The installation of the plant was completed in August, and since that date it has been possible to control the atmospheric conditions inside the building and to operate the exchange with greater efficiency.

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30

Wanganui.

The installation of the equipment at tho automatic exchange at Wanganui has been completeei, anel the change-over to automatic took place in Dece;mber. Tho cut-over was accomplished with a minimum of trouble, and the installation has since been giving satisfactory service. AUTOMATIC EXTENSIONS. Extensions to the automatic system during the year to meet the increasing demands for telephone service comprised the following : Courtenay Place, 200 individual lines, 100 two-party lines ; Wellington South, 140 indivielual lines, 100 two-party lines ; Kelburn, 400 individual linos ; Masterton, 200 individual linos ; Palmerston North, 200 individual lines ; Wanganui (now exchange), 2,000 individual lines, 100 four-party lines. Hereunder is a return showing automatic-exchange equipment installed anel in use in tho Dominion on tho 31st March, 1924 :—

Number of Individual Lines installed. Num I Party insta ber of Lines died. Number of Individual Line Stations. Number eif Partyline Stations. Total Number Of Main Stations. Numberof Extension Stations. Total Number of Exchange. Two- I party, j , Fourj party. Automatic Telephone Stations. Auckland Exchange Area — 377 Fort Street* 1,900 1,866 34 1,900 2,277 Retuuera* 600 599 2 601 109 710 Mount Eden* 500 496 8 504 39 543 Cltristohureh Exchange Area—■ 1,500 1,433 1,563 Hereford Street* 1,433 130 St. Albans* 500 500 500 48 548 Sydenham* 300 294 294 29 323 Wellington Exchange Area — 3,400 2,943 3,089 757 3,846 Courtenay Place 100 100 146 Wellington South 1,000 100 100 885 399 1,284 87 1,371 Kelburn 1,200 779 779 48 827 Khandallah 100 100 62f 217 279 7 286 Single-office exchanges — 700 740 821 Blenheim 100 648 92 81 Hamilton 1,400 100 1,384 327 1,711 322 2,033 Masterton 1,000 100 884 194 1,078 190 1,268 Oamaru 600 100 600 64 664 86 750 Palmerston North 1,800 100 1,546 151 1,697 283 1,980 Wanganui 2,000 100 1,857 226 2,083 323 2,406 Totals 18,400 300 900 16,776 1,860 18,636 2,916 21,552 * Auxiliary a tpparatus. t )2 lines tsed for indi ividual sta .tions.

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WAITING-LIST. Curve showing the Number of Applicants awaiting Telephone Connections at the End of each Month since September, 1920.

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APPENDIX.

DESIGNATION OF OFFICES CHANGED.

CABLE BUSINESS. The Dominion's outward International and Australian cable business, excluding Press, for the years 1923-24 and 1922-23 was as follows:— INTERNATIONAL. Number of Value. Messages. £ 1923-24 ... ... 132,992 ... ... ... 175,788 1922-23 ... ... 120,783 ... ... ... 172,767 Increase 12,209 — 101 per cent. Increase £3,021 = 1-74 per cent. AUSTRALIAN. Number of Value. Messages. £ 1923-24 ... ... 121,727 ... ... ... 26,555 1922-23 ... ... 113,567 ... ... ... 24,912 Increase 8,160 = 7-18 per cent. Increase £1,643 = 659 per cent. There was a total increase of 20,369 messages, and an increase in value of £4,664. Of the total revenue received on forwarded cable messages —viz., £202,343 —£192,144 was paid to other Administrations and £10,199 retained by New Zealand. RECEIVED CABLE MESSAGES. The number of cable messages received in New Zealand during the years 1923-24 and 1922-23, exclusive of Press, was as follows: — International. Australian. 1923-24 ... ...115,375 ... ... ... 115,937. 1922-23 106,211 107,723 Increase 9,164 = 8-62 per cent. Increase 8,214 = 7-62 per cent. The total revenue e-arned by New Zealand on received cable messages during the year 1923-24 was £8,441 as compared with £8,028 for 1922-23.

RADIO-TELEGRAMS. The radio business transacted by the New Zealand coast stations during the years 1923-24 and 1922-23 was as follows :—

Postal District. Changed from Changed to Auckland Auckland Auckland Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Napier Wellington Auckland East (B.O.) Onerahi Railway Bureau Whakarapa Dunedin Railway Bureau Matarehua Kumara Railway Bureau Ngatunui Matatera Muritai Park Auckland East. Onerahi Railway. Panguru. Dunedin Railway. East Cape. Kumara Railway. Ngutunui. Piripiri. Muritai.

Poi :warded. Receivei L. Year. Number of Amount earned by New Zealand. Total Value. Number of Amount earned by New Zealand. Messages. Words. Messages. Words. 923-24 ... 922-23 ... 13,907 244,955 11,940 230,481 £ 3,075 2,656 £ 6,414 5,628 22,576 242,390 19,715 215,013 £ 4,401 3,792 Increase 1,967 14,474 419 786 2,861 27,377 609

F.--1

GROWTH OF MOTOR TRANSPORT.

New Garage and Workshops, Wellington.

EXTENSION OF TPE AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM

New Automatic Telephone Exchange and Telegraph Office, Hereford Street, Christchurch.

Face p. 32.]

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GROWTH. OF POST AND TELEGRAPH BUSINESS.—TYPE OF BUILDING RECENTLY ERECTED,

Stratford.

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GROWTH OF POST AND TELEGRAPH BUSINESS.-TYPES OF BUILDINGS RECENTLY ERECTED.

Dannevirke.

Patea.

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GROWTH. OF POST AND TELEGRAPH BUSINESS. TYPES OF BUILDINGS RECENTLY ERECTED

Manurewa.

Waharoa.

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HOW TELEPHONE-CABLE IS LAID.

Earthenware Ducts for Telephone-cables, Christchurch.

Landing at Devonport of 20O-pair Submarine Telephone-cable from Auckland.

K.-l

OLD METHOD OF TELEPHONE-CABLE CONSTRUCTION.

Aerial Telephone-cable (Old System) Shortland Street, Auckland.

E-l

NEW IWKTHOI) OF TWLHIPHONKCABLE CONSTRUCTION.

Underground Telephone-cable (New System) Wellesley Street, Auckland.

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TELEGRAPH INTERCOMMUNICATION BY THE MURRAY MULTIPLEX MACHINE PRINTER.

Eight Messages Transmitted simultaneously over One Link, each Message at the Rate of Forty Words per Minute.

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Table No. 1. Table showing the Number and Amount of Money-orders issued and of Money-orders payable in New Zealand since the Year 1863.

5—F. 1.

Issued in the Dominion. 1 Where payable. Total. Year. Year. ' , ■ Commission In the Dominion. | United Kingdom.* Foreign Countries.t received. ' '__ No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Total. Amount. No. Amount. 1863 £ £ £ £ £ 1,057 2,201 9,614 4,740 21,944 4,645 24,145 .. .. 11,586 11,586 £ > 55,703 £ 55,703 1873 3,562 34.288 142.642 11,913 48,548 6,150 28,068 .. .. 52,351 52,351 i 219,258 219,258 1883 9,023 132,232 4°2,559 26,211 91,634 14,113 46,940 •■ •• I 7 2 ,556 172,556 5 541.133 541,133 ■893 10,249 146,133 576,359 29,616 86,545 35,208 88,025 •• •• 210,957 210,957 7 750,929 750,929 [903 15,882 273,535 1,108,067 63,309 j 157.790 59.468 150,368 j .. .. 396,312 396,312 ! 1,416,225 1,416,225 1913 [914 1915 1916 [917 1918 1919 [920 1921 [922 [923 16,872 j 516,536 2,821,624 100,634 j 336,992 73,575 i99. J 58 ! •• .. 690,745 16,336 1 536,674 2,933,911 87,774 299,155 67,070 194,439 .. .. j 691,518 ts.Sig 1 511,487 2,986,021 81,483 , 263,371 71,890 222,426 .. .. 664,860 r 5,966 520,476 3,108,197 60,876 214,254 70,817 221,700 17,186 62,936 j 669,355 16,077 508,209 2,977,997 54,852 216,835 63,662 212,144 '5.960 69,669 i 642,683 17,487 508,813 3,120,183 48,133 198,452 61,899 217,512 19,655 113,224 j 638,500 19.329 558,344 3.994.055 4 8 .592 1 224,667 58,974 240,437 24,381 [144,900 ! 690,291 31,302 572,432 4.691.717 49.184 235,295 66,027 310,409 12,031 39,355 699,674 31,268 535.897 4,276,158 52,021 254,342 67,893 292,036 13,572 28,284 669,383 27,431 526,906 3,776,896 53,079 221,447 64,523 249,454 15,435 30,732 659,943 28,357 545,605 3,849,423 54,461 223,143 68,044 284,778 16,869 32,815 684,979 690,745 691,518 664,860 669,355 642,683 638,500 690,291 699,674 669,383 659,943 684,979 > 3,357.774 5 3,427,505 ) 3,471,818 ; 3,607,087 ! 3,476,645 > 3.649,371 i 4,604,059 1 5.276,776 I 4,850,820 I 4,278,529 I 4.39o,i59 3.357.774 3.427.505 3,471,818 3,607,087 3,476,645 3,649,371 4,604,059 5,276,776 4,850,820 4,278,529 4.390,159 Drawn on the Dominion. Year. Year. Where issued. Tot In the Dominion. United Kingdom." 811 Forei S n Countries.* No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. ital. Amount. No. Amount. I " [863 £ £ £ £ 2,067 9,169 415 1,824 558 3,078 .. .. 3,040 2,067 £ 9,169 £ 1,824 £ 3,078 £ 14,071 863 415 558 1873 873 34,288 34,288 142,642 1,482 6,626 1,668 7,689 .. .. 37,438 142,642 1,482 6,626 1,668 7,689 156,957 [883 :88 3 132,232 402.559 3,725 15.553 5.697 23,300 .. .. 141.654 132,232 402,559 3,725 15.553 5.697 23,300 441,411 [893 893 146,133 146,133 576,359 8,746 32,617 10,679 40,929 .. .. 165,558 576,359 8,746 32.617 10,679 40,929 649,905 [903 903 273,535 1,108,067 13.035 49,181 17.777 68,340 .. .. 304,347 1 273.535 1,108,067 13.035 49,181 17.777 68,340 1,225,589 1913 [914 [915 tgi6 [917 [918 [919 [920 1921 [922 [923 913 914 915 916 917 :gi8 919 920 [921 922 923 516,536 536.674 5".487 520,476 508,209 508,813 558,344 572,432 535,897 526,906 545.605 516,536 2,821,624 12,693 70,084 31,450 110,487 .. .. 560,679 536,674 2,933,911 11,439 60,324 30,974 110,032 .. .. 579,087 511,487 2,986,021 12,409 58,189 30,356 107,510 .. .. 554,252 520,476 3,108,197 8,337 39.908 35.800 128,370 2,445 10,587 567,058 508,209 2,977,997 6,872 34.973 36,978 123,390 2,311 10,348 554.370 508,813 3,120,183 . 6,802 40,365 33,868 114,652 2,281 12,055 551,764 558,344 3.994.055 8,498 65,526 25,697 104,093 2,410 12,353 594,949 572,432 4,691,717 8,806 67,552 22,946 111,325 1,416 4,420 605,600 535.897 4,276,158 8,696 65,818 24,197 122,938 1,366 6,104 57°, J 5 6 526,906 3,776,856 8,788 65,516 25,095 121,331 1,587 6,124 562,376 545.605 3,849,423 11,042 , 63,313 26,042 123,703 1,813 8,669 584,502 2,821,624 2,933.9" 2,986,021 3,108,197 2,977,997 3,120,183 . 3.994.055 4.691.717 4,276,158 3,776,856 3,849,423 12,693 ".439 12,409 8,337 6,872 6,802 8,498 8,806 8,696 8,788 11,042 70,084 60,324 58,189 39,908 34,973 40,365 65,526 67.552 65,818 65,516 63.313 31.45° 3°.974 30.356 35.8oo 36,978 33.868 25.697 22,946 24,197 25.095 26,042 110,487 110,032 107,510 128,370 123,390 114,652 104,093 in.325 122,938 121,331 123,703 3,002,194 3,104,268 3.151.720 3,287,162 3,146,708 3,287,255 4,176,027 4,875,014 4,471,018 3,969,867 4,045, 108 * Ir nol tides foreign offices to year 1915. | In previous years included in United Kingdom and foreigi ncludes forei ign offices to ear 1915. f In pre' vious year; included i ;n offices.

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Table No. 2. Table showing the Money-orders issued in New Zealand on Offices beyond the Dominion, and Money-orders issued at offices beyond the dominion on New zealand, during the Years 1922 and 1923.

Issued in New Zealand. 1922. 1923. Where payable. . ' : Number. Amount. Number. Amount. ... £ £ United Kingdom anel Foreign Offices through United 54,773 229,348 56,499 230,508 Kingdom United States of America .. .. .. 13,660 ' 22,312 14,582 24,447 Canada .. .. .. .. 1,137 4,044 1,233 4,974 Ceylon .. . . .. 134 629 139 575 Fiji .. .. . .. 314 2,116 277 - I 1,627 Hong Kong .. .. .. 228 954 242 | 1,187 India .. .. .. \ 1,580 14,388 1,488 12,954 New South Wales ., .. 33,055 129,163 36,125 157,037 Norway .. . . .. 81 519 70 337 Queensland .. '.. ,. .. .. 3,104 14,715 3,533 14,509 South Australia .. .. .. .. 1,320 5,564 1,321 5,381 Straits Settlement .. .. . . .. 32 218 42 I 399 Tasmania .. .. .. .. .. 3,588 10,130 2,905 9,272 Tonga .. . . .. .. .. 57 460 30 353 Union of South Africa .. .. .. .. 471 2,242 | 425 2,355 Victoria .. .. .. ... .. 17,632 59,611 18,519 67,740 Western Australia .. .. .. .. 1,871 5,220 1,944 7,021 Totals .. .. .. .. 133,037 501,633 139,374 540,736 139,374 540,736 Drawn on New Zealam Drawn on New Zealand. V. 19! Where issued. !2. 19! 13. i Number. Amount. Number. Amount. £ 66,156 i 11,139 £ 64,060 United Kindgom and Foreign Offices through United 8,903 Kingdom United States of America .. .. .. 1,467 Canada .. .. .. . . .. 780 Ceylon .. .. .. .. .. 8 Fiji .. .. .. .. .. .. 909 Hong Kong .. .. .. .. .. 33 India .. .. .. .. .. 93 New South Wales .. .. .. .. 10,659 Norway .. .. .. , . .. 5 Queensland .. .. .. .. ,. 1,754 South Australia .. .. .. .. 1,045 Straits Settlements .. .. .. ... 22 Tasmania .. .. .. .. .. ! 1,717 Tonga .. .. ,. .. .. j 587 Union of South Africa .. .. .. ., j 326 Victoria .. .. .. .. .. 6,137 Western Australia .. .. .. .. 1,025 5,470 2,546 21 5,081 130 400 51,097 14 7,884 4,497 204 8,580 6,702 1,964 27,475 4,750 1,727 742 11 966 50 110 11,347 5 1,758 993 40 1,586 623 388 6,375 1,037 8,048 3,100 24 5,549 130 423 51,349 10 7,942 4,431 343 7,369 6,170 2,404 29,002 4,659 Totals .. .. .. .. 35,470 192,971 38,897 195,685

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Table No. 3. Table showing the Number and Value of Postal Notes sold from 1st January, 1886— the Date upon which they were first issued— to 31st March, 1924.

Number of Postal Notes sold. Total. Year. ' At Is. At Is. 6d. At 2s. j At 2s. 6d. At 3s. At 5s. I At 7s (Id. At ios. At 12s. 6d. At 15s. A 992 5,187 6,940 8.243 9,386 10,172 11,611 12,330 13,800 15,567 17,191 18,102 19,477 19,990 21,393 23,875 32,128 34,508 38,030 42,317 46,228 51.559 57,637 62,916 70,967 82,253 88,693 95,535 106,560 107,506 111,095 108,978 103,348 102.467 110,819 123,917 137.192 138,621 151.288 At 15s. At 17s. 6d. At 17s. 6d. At £1. | At £5.* j Number. Value. £ 425 2,866 .. 16,442 6,910 2,375 14,961 .. 92,546 37,659 2.952 17,578 .. 122,255 47,729 3,633 19,778 .. 149,879 56,842 4,158 22,596 .. 175,023 65,484 4,366 23,503 .. 189,915 69,722 4.953 25,839 i .. 220,683 79,326 5,369 28,969 ! .. 247,902 87,857 6,156 33,935 i .. 285,389 101,002 6,790 36,601 .. 319,368 112,308 7,020 33,390 1.192 ; 349.027 123,368 7,406 32,868 1,090 | 376,796 129,012 7,904 32,179 728 j 409,866 134,378 8,193 32,696 ! 673 i 431,449 13y,957 8,539 33,491 607 461,447 147,686 6,799 35,067 560 490,506 154,436 43,042 556 556,316 173,317 48,852 558 616.264 191,905 58,629 656 707,044 220,070 69,206 688 785,347 250,123 70,508 788 875,324 276,279 91,193 954 981,642 314,053 104,714 423 1,092,631 347,300 123,786 .. 1,222,280 389.143 143,611 .. 1,414,752 447,619 171,900 .. 1,666,959 524,943 190,823 .. 1,821,566 574,980 213,153 .. 1,970,643 636,473 245,230 .. 2,238.842 721,743 229,640 .. 2,314,327 725.118 211,543 .. | 2,370,079 723,314 211,000 .. i 2,286,463 695,819 194,180 .. I 2,166,597 638.2^6 192,751 .. 2.091,051 619,605 208,177 .. 2,197.520 655.910 234.601 .. 2,280,219 705,027 238.517 .. 2,377.622 739,783 233,809 .. 2,434,506 747 025 243,519 .. 2.652,777 804.343 2,046 .. 1,012 .. 2,039 12,283 .. 0,647 ., 11,566 17,167 .. ' 9,162 .. 15,553 21,900 .. 11,912 .. 19,741 25,387 .. 14,478 .. 23,550 28,559 .. 16,092 .. 25,204 33,722 .. 19,383 .. 29,550 38.849 .. ! 22,038 .. 33,012 44,706 .. i 25,461 .. 37,771 49.S46 .. '' 28,975 .. 43,829 56,185 .. 32,801 .. 49,204 62,056 i .. 35,322 .. 54,219 69,981 | .. 38.617 .. 60,843 72,710 .. - 41.991 .. 64,386 77,431 .. 44,384 .. 70,416 68,068 13,834 52,691 14,702 80,630 30,255 62,285 70,683 65,467 109,663 33,409 70,122 76,613 75,700 119,593 37,514 85,909 86,626 89,276 134.270 40,263 86,711 96.228 99.739 154,281 45.358 98,503 108,493 114,411 167,430 54,375 106,311 120,321 128,384 187,083 58,202 124,052 136.392 143,854 205,500 59,484 i 153,925 162,588 146,148 227,471 67,406 ! 181.791 195,168 166,486 261,045 79,792 211.298 244,941 201,569 301,707 85,130 236,665 263,829 215,984 337,338 92,342 264,844 279,311 220,109 367.942 103,753 298,669 324,417 256,231 418,712 107,483 307,934 346,011 263,522 444,427 114,570 319,115 I 364,086 267,383 461,137 112,639 322,946 ! 343,031 260,956 440,215 115,867 316,266 I 337,418 258,421 401,696 114,553 299,791 I 326,398 253,728 381,202 121,037 310,105 I 339,341 268,032 396,994 120,888 309,049 342,040 266,119 410,584 120.780 314,035 352,681 259.372 445,995 130.275 331,376 348,779 236,877 475.947 145.277 366,241 385,307 247,915 528,178 '■ Quarter ended Mar. 31,1886J 3,019 1886-87 .. .. 16,605 1887-88 .. .. 22,467 1888-89 .. ..27,428 1889-90 .. .. 32,754 1890-91 *'.'. .. 35,915 1891-92 .. .. 42,416 1892-93 .. .. 48,612 1893-94 .. .. 56,761 1894-95 .. .. 62,306 1895-96 .. .. 68,454 1896-97 .. -.1 74,534 1897-98 .. .. 81,958 1898-99 .. .. 86,529 1899-1900 .. .. 93,762 1900-1901 .. .. 85,478 1901-1902 .. .. 49,529 1902-1903 .. - .. 54,268 1903-1904 .. .. I 61,379 1904-1905 .. .. | 65,484 1905-1906 .. .. 74,389 1906-1907 .. .. 82,417 1907-1908 .. .. 89,906 1908-1909 .. .. 97,285 1909-1910 .. .. 113,825 1910-1911 .. .. 130,645 1911-1912 .. .. 141,504 1912-1913 .. .. 154,201 1913-1914 .. .. 172,400 1914-1915 .. .. 182,733 1915-1916 .. .. 186.873 1916-1917 .. .. 184,873 1917-1918 .. . 187,005 1918-1919 .. .. 181,824 1919-1920 .. .. 196,327 1920-1921 .. .. 217,553 1921-1922 .. .. 239.187 1922-1923 .. .. 262,172 1923-1924 .. .. 285,065 969 5,729 7,671 9,477 10,894 12.229 14,019 16,072 18,090 20,423 22,802 24,871 26,968 28.448 30,680 24,497 2,379 13,103 17,487 21,149 24,011 25.906 30,132 32,747 37,687 43,167 47,787 51,963 55,748 59,631 63,787 71,001 92,708 102,641 114,755 130,430 143,216 159,045 171,951 188,077 214,453 • 242,854 261,600 283,206 312,870 325,071 334.277 301,825 252,396 238,337 246.688 254, S68 269,863 276,650 299.987 695 4,090 5,278 6,618 7,809 7,969 9,058 9,904 11,016 11,864 13,601 14,365 15,463 16,202 16,957 13,304 I I III I * Issued only from 17th June, 1895. to 31st October, 1907.

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Table No. 4. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the Money-order Offices during the Year 1923, and Savings-bank Offices of New Zealand during the Year 1923-24.

Table No. 5. Statement showing the Number of British Postal Orders of each Denomination sold and paid in the Dominion of New Zealand during the Financial Years 1922-23 and 1923-24.

Postal District. Money-orders. Issued. Paid. Number, j C ° s ™n. i8 " Amount. Number. Amount. Number of New Accounts opened. Dei Savings-b; losits. 1 hanks. Number Withd] of Accounts closed. Number. | rawals. Number. Amount. j Amount. Auckland Blenheim Christohurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth .. Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport Western Samoa .. £ £ £ 124,819 5,689 759,208 150,980 1,019,608 8,444 327 48,087 4,488 36,745 61,168 2,845 399,236 02,980 525.730 55,160 2,230 321,160 55,849 370,041 14,740 644 94,287 7,826 59.443 19,241 748 109,746 9,895 61,400 09.983 2,560 420,547 36,592 227,395 28,947 1,066 166,472 18,864 121,015 35,126 1,424 237,679 23,671 189,862 16,307 658 96,987 12,145 81,458 27,907 1,104 173,378 17.870 141,217 9,439 327 97,270 4,174 28,879 29,950 1,122 186,395 13,102 90,712 1.7,894 673 206,144 8,873 63,250 38,231 1,328 239,343 19,464 120,073 114,279 5,031 758,163 129,252 853,673 11,851 486 66,805 4,624 30,725 1,487 89 9,252 187 1.013 17,504 898 10,276 5,987 1,846 1,332 7,035 2,005 6,948 1,505 5,309 1.011 2,854 2.361 3,959 20,166 729 140 226,033 1.3,255 195,394 109,912 26,418 15,746 68,176 35,888 61,886 21,565 48,407 13,845 28,075 33,162 54,188 300,650 7,446 1,095 £ 5,059,241 I 314,083 4,662,093 2,430,423 500,256 351,572 1,424,641 857,320 1,683,584 500,828 1,342,774 370,455 631,872 922,010 1,157,301 6,544,298 I 163,104 22.517 14,0+2 218,938 765 11,725 7,2!J0 176,700 5,311 89,567 1,596 22,975 1,199 11,276 4,582 52,402 2,197 29,482 5,974 50,706 1,213 18,758 4,436 36,953 768 11,649 2,241 19,050 1,782 20,971 3,195 45.977 16,747 245,338 661 5,847 99 723 £ 5,851,899 305.749 4,584,432 2,570,334 566,020 379,792 1,367,039 869,059 1,661,081 488,598 1,286,561. 371,536 602,606 921,036 1,138,049 6,341,122 180,902 24,507 Granel totals.. 684,979 28,357 4,390,159 580,836 4,034,239 92,465 1,261,141 29,598,372 7 73,098 1,075,037 29,510,321

Denomination. s. d. 0 6 1 0 1 6 2 0 2 6 3 0 *3 6 *1 0 *i 6 5 0 *5 6 *6 0 *6 6 *7 0 *7 6 *8 0 *8 6 *9 0 *9 6 10 0 *10 6 *11 0 *11 6 *12 0 *12 6 *13 0 •13 6 *14 0 *14 6 15 0 *15 6 *16 0 *16 6 *17 0 •17 6 *18 0 *18 6 *19 0 *19 6 20 0 *21 0 Si 1922-23. 1,167 5,118 2,439 6,904 6,018 4,759 12,782 17,634 5|ol5 41,073 lid. 1923-24. 1 ,186 5,871 2.767 8,106 8,239 4,978 14,580 19,495 6,279 43,997 116,498 Paid. 1922-23. 1923-24. 185 229 765 882 307 443 790 863 1,349 1,465 099 750 201 210 309 375 100 129 2,590 3,001 149 135 629 647 168 199 129 145 196 242 124 161 44 52 56 84 36 46 2,600 2,788 105 95 90 94 100 99 194 243 183 172 78 91 50 40 70 66 23 34 641 807 18 27 59 81 40 25 66 61 66 67 63 87 35 23 41 48 36 37 8,415 9,400 547 608 22,341 25,051 Number 104,309 116,498 Value .. £61,538 £66,937 £66,937 £13,381 £14,943 £13,381 ♦ British h iPe ISt ttal Or ers of these denominatii ins have been withdrawn from issue at all ollici is in thi lii ti.

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Table No. 6. POST OFFICE SAVINGS-BANKS.— GENERAL STATEMENT. Table showing the Business of the Post Office Savings-banks in the various Postal Districts in New Zealand during the Year ended 31st March, 1924.

5 81*9 * II 02*'860'9*I£l'0li 860 '81 tWtB 8 f 916*6*9*1 *2-6 000'06 " 2 9 190*88 0 6 LZ 9 61 028"0I9"62 iS0'9I0'l * 6 {,'2 8 f 218*869*62 I*ri92'l 9*8 sibjoj, - . Z 9 16 8 BI 2*I'I8 10* 66 0*1 9 01 62*'I " " IT II 686 'I "* II II gg tl *1 909**2 gZl g II OZ 0 II 919*22 960*1 g •• tomsg I 91 69 9 8 88rise 889*9 199 621 9 Z 8*1' 21 " " S 9 161 'II " 01 81 08 9 SI 106*081 1*8*9 I 81 12 018 *0I'89I 9**'I 81 ' •• (JjoiI}S9a\ 6 * £9 II 0 I8I'*29'6 *00'9*T 1*1*9 1 991 '02 6 81 290'*gg 8 0 9Il'S02 II 91 £2 9 £ 221'1*8 '9 8SS'9*2 * £1 12 I 9 862'**9'9 0£9'00S £6 " • noQSnnPM 1 21 8£ g 91 g9I ' 106 I S££'2S 9618 6£6'g g £ 0Ig'I9 " •• 8 81 I£2'6I 0 £1 *2 I 8 6*0'8SI'I II6'9* 2 I 12 01 9 IOB'191'I 881**9 S* ' •• mnteSuE.vV II 01 61 01 81 8I9'g£9'l 881 '02 281*1 198*2 2 I 661 '69 " " " 16 *16 112 *8 S I 9S0'I26 U6'92 I 91 12 01 01 010*226 291*66 81 " " runraix 9 21 89 6 *1 616*960*1 69**02 1*2*2 *£8*2 2 81 026'8S " " " 9 8 192*62 8 21 Ig g II *09"209 0£0*6I I 01 22 6 6III8*Ig9 £10*82 8g " " samei^ 0 I 08 I I 1*8*669 011*8 891 IIO'I 2 01 622*£2 " 8 II 180*1 " II IT Ig n 8 9S£"IIS 6*9*TT 2 £T 92 g II *9**018 £*8'SI II " " iubtobo * *T 89 8 21 6I8'gg8'l 189*92 9g*'* 60g*£ g T 262**9 " " " 2 01 SI2'9£ * 91 *S II 01 09£*982*T g96*9g 6 *T 12 I I *II'2*g'l 10**8* *g " jm>£ 2 9 19 * 61 g9I'££6 06£'9I 8I2'l £0£*I I I lll'fg.i " " • Oil 622*21 II 0 92 6 8 869*88* 891*81 9 * S2 I 01 128*009 999*12 Ig " " iiosqax 01 II g9 8 I S6I*60g'2 Iie'9g *16*9 8*6*9 I 61 000*28 " ' " 0 £1 209*22 2 £1 2g 9 91 080*199*1 901*09 I * 12 9 II g89*g89'l 988*19 9* " 8 2 89 01 21 986*288*1 Ig9'I2 161*2 909*2 0 9 012*69 " 6 2 6gI*II " I 6 62 I I 690*698 28**62 6 II go * 81 6Ig'I98 888'9g 9g " n«3i* M8 - i ni 01 II 89 6 gl 919*800*2 880'62 28£'* £80*1 0 2 090*01 ' " " 2 II 209*19 6 I 92 I 91 880*198*1 20**29 [I II 02 6 I I*9'*2*'I 911*89 88 " •• uo<nraxe H 6 6 *9 I 91 9**' 161 99g'2I 661*1 286*1 9 I 991*62 " " 1181612*82 " 8 81 gg 2 8 26I*6Ig 912*11 I 9 22 8 6 219*198 9*I'9I £2 " ?,!W»<WHiwt> 0 9 99 1 1 £80"8£6 280*11 96£*I 9*8*1 I 9 **2'*g " * I *9I'£ • 6 21 *2 01 81 6I0'99£ £16*22 2 * 12 9 21 ££2'09£ 8I*'92 82 " '•* anjoqsif) * 81 19 8 9 198*021'* 019' 69 I[8'9 186*9 01 8 229**11 " "" 9 91 016*681 " II 81 82 6 91 86e'0I9*2 199*68 6 2 22 * 61 22**08**2 216*601 21 " • uipaunQ * 61 89 8 I 028 ' 1*8 'I 0*9'90I 062*1 9I2"0I 9 61 9**'S92 " " 8 21 099*11 II 81 92 * 2 28*'*89'* 001*911 2 II g2 0 91 260*299'* *6g'96I gl " qojmjo}SUTjo 9 01 19 g I Tig'669 2*1' 6 991 868 Oil I*8'I2 " | " 81 m ' 8 9 1 9g 8 SI 8*1*908 £21*11 II 81 82 * £1 280**18 ££2'8I 91 " •• xniequaja L 8 6S 6 81 921'28*' I 901' 92 1 2*0'*I *09*11 8 91 181*992 " | " 8 8 899*261 " I *1 92 I 9 668*198*9 886*812 6 0 92 £ II 0*2*6£9'9 860*922 281 " pu^any P 3 P s 3 -p -s 3 p 3 p -s 3 -p -g 3 -p -g 3 -p -g 3 -p g 3 p -s 3 I I •popaa 9m -P0U9J Twuup i 'pomj J JO 9SOI0 poi-raj 9q» JO 9SO10 £ • f -poiraj poiraa -q}I M pOTJOa p 0 U9J P°P®d 'DOU9J 9t t» J® jnnoo BIB 05 isawnai aq, sq, .to poi-raj 9q ? -poira j aq, eq, %n!> _<"» P ° , <1 ;JO9so 10 -aynado jo aAretqanj n;)d k a nI aa I- Itl P Sayjiip pouaj jisodaa Snunp Saunp Sapnp -poiaej aqj Snunp Snunp Sn ! Jn P pou9 tI 3 I[3 aq, qoB9 jo nad 0 ■ pasop pansdo 9 q, joj '0015 a J9A0 siBMBipqqufM lBHBjpqji A v sishi P9AM09J Snunp pgAiaoaj U ' J ''P uad 0 „„ on Jipajo aq? HBjojtpajo • aumoooy ?s9.ia((ni ■o»sdwj i spmu.ipq W M. jbao jo jo ?nnomy [i t ox -qiiM « soda a jo "I™ I«J«o,j o? gntpmjs 9q? 91 Snipu'Bis s ? n n° 0 °y ,0 JO q 0 «9 jo ssaoxa jo SB9 0 x a unnoray jo 1 3TO J° ?nnomy TO oa S " S °° 8 Q !-sSniAB S ,n " OUIV rB, ° X » q V N S , e „ i 3 9 8 ,,9a V J3q Ln N J 1 ! " jjoqran^i

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Table No. 7. POST OFFICE SAVINGS-BANKS GENERAL STATEMENT. Table showing the Business of the Post Office Savings-banks in New Zealand, by Ten-year Periods, from the Date they were established in February, 1867, to the 31st December, 1918, and Yearly Periods thereafter to the Year ended 31st March, 1924.

Year. Number of Post Office Savingsbanks Open at the Close of the Year Number of Deposits received during the Year. Total Amount of Deposits received during the Year. Average Aversion Amount of Number _..... Amount of 1 Excess of Deposit , ESS. ! T tt£=i 0t e-h With- over Excess of Withdrawals over Deposits during the Year. Average Cost of Cost of Manage- each ment Transacduring tion, Dethe posit or Year, j WithI drawal. Interest for the Year. Number of Accounts opened during the Year. Kiimhar Average Number juniper _ 0| . a ] Amount Amount of .™l. f . standing to the standingto Accounts remain Credit of all the Credit closed . J2rr" Open Accounts, of each during T?AffiS? inclusive of Open the I« tiJe Interest to the Account at Year. 2™ Close of the Year. Close of lear - the Year. Year ended 31st Mar., 846 1924 Year ended 31st Mar., 840 1923 Year ended 31st Mar., 831 1922 * Fifteen months ended 819 31st March, 1921 Totals for 1919 . - 794 1,261,141 £ s. d. 29,598,372 4 8 £ s. d. 23 9 4 £ s. d. 1,075,037 29,510,320 19 6 1,081,300 27,769,262 16 3 £ s. d. 27 9 0 £ s. d. 88,051 5 2 £ s. d. £ 90,000 s. d. 0 9-24 £ s. d. 1,649,976 4 8 92,465 73,098 710,157 £ s. d. £ s. d. 46,098,420 11 4 64 18 3 1,175,104 26,682,426 11 4 22 14 2 25 13 8 1 1,086,836 4 11 70,650 0 7-51 1,605,525 1 10 78,490 66,630 690,790 44,360,393 1 6 64 4 4 1.227,591 29,125,997 10 0 23 14 6 1,119,662 30,236,231 6 5 27 0 0 1 1,110,233 16 5 60,000 0 6-13 1,599,907 2 0 89,859 75,748 678,930 43,841,704 4 7 64 11 6 1,664,206 44,302,852 5 4 26 12 5 1,458,00841, 162, 4S0 9 10 28 4 8 3,140,365 15 6 80,000 0 6-14 1,818,534 5 2 152,930 118,894 664,819 43,352,030 19 0 65 4 2 1,289,161 29,758,448 9 7 23 1 8 994,247 25.962,378 2 6 26 2 3 3,796,070 7 1 52,000 0 5-46 1,178,935 6 6 118,109 77,531 630,783 38,393,130 18 4 60 17 4 IV „ 1918 .. 786 1,213,353 18,101,104 18 1 14 18 4 727.729 14,938,841 10 0 20 10 7 3,162,263 8 1 32,000 0 3-96 1,059,471 17 8 76,869 53,015 590,205 33,418,125 4 9 56 12 5 1908 .. 593 1898 .. 409 1888 .. 290 1878 .. 147 1868 .. 55 Totals from 1st Feb. to 46 3lst Dec, 1.867 706,101 281,749 145,355 9,674,075 4 0 3,279,611 7 5 : 1,544,747 7 11 13 14 0 11 12 lol I 10 12 0 484,672 9,417,820 10 3 196,764 3,194,893 16 7 96,204 1,387,471 1 10 19 8 8 16 4 9 14 8 51 256,254 13 9 84,717 10 10 157.276 6 1 27,000 8,500 4,000 0 5-44 0 4-26 0 3-97 379,808 6 7 128,128 16 6 78,080 6 0 80,133 37,265 21,307 57,829 26,628 16,543 342,077 169,968 84,488 12,159,293 18 1 35 10 11 4,957,771 5 5| 29 3 5 2,048,441 10 9 24 4 10 69,908 762,084 12 0 10 18 0 42,746 742,053 14 3 17 7 2 20,030 17 9 2,500 0 5-33 31,664 12 9 13,005 9,634 32,132 819,071 8 2 25 9 9 13,014 194,535 11 6 14 18 11 6,365 107,094 17 3 16 16 6 87,440 14 3 69,956 9 1 789 0 9-77 4,880 7 3 3,282 1,186 4,252 163,518 15 7J 38 9 1 6,977 96,372 7 10 13 16 3 1,919 26,415 18 9 13 15 3 822 1 1018 1,241 5 0 2,520 364 2,156 71,197 14 1 33 0 5 J I * Termination of Savings-bank year altered from 31st December to 31st March, with effect from 31st March, 1921.

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F.^l

Table No. 8. Balance-sheet of the New Zealand Post Office Account for the Year ended 31st March, 1924.

Balances on 1st April, 1923. Transactions. Balances on 31st March, 1924. I Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. Cr. Dr. i MONEY-OBDEK ACCOUNTS : Money-orders (general) United Kingdom, &c. United States of America Australia Canada Ceylon Fiji * Hong Kong .. .. .. .. India Norway Straits Settlements Tonga Union of South Africa Commission (foreign) Savings-bank Accounts :— Deposits and withdrawals Investments Accrued interest on investments Post-office Savings-bank Reserve Account Transfers — New Zealand Commonwealth Savings-bank of Austrafia .. State Savings-bank of Australia United Kingdom Home Savings-bank Profit and Loss Account Postal Accounts :— Stamps Postal Guides Postal notes Parcel-post (senders' charges collected on delivery) Private box and bag rents Rural-delivery fees Safe-deposit receipts Money-order commission British postal orders — Head Office Account Chief Postmasters' Account London Account British postal-order commission Clearance fees on overseas parcels Postal Revenue Account Telegraph, Toll, and Telephone Accounts :— Cable Accounts — New South Wales Eastern Extension Pacific Cable Board Radio Account £ s. d. £ s. d. 83,095 15 0 61,477 17 2$ 1,844 12 3 769 19 0 11,988 17 84 14 6 482 1 3 4 15 3,655 5 2$ 40 5 1 37 0 3 2,676 0 3 207 12 6 342 4 4 44,360,393 16 44,157,156 9 7 544,433 18 1 800,000 0 0 13,768 9 8 587 5 3 10,003 4 10 168,247 0 5 '.'. 366,053 0 4$ 75 18 2 192,704 14 9 900 9 7 24,947 16 3 16,812 9 4 4,987 5 10$ 3,244 11 4 900 14 9 8,512 6 5 149 8 2 £ s. d. £ s. d. 4,632,409 8 11 4,621,859 12 3 434,595 0 8 382,502 18 7 25,143 5 0 19,948 15 5 294,151 9 10 298,326 9 6 5,128 8 2 16,471 7 14$ 602 18 6 564 5 3 5,626 11 8 6,071 7 11 866 7 7 807 1 5 12,981 2 11 13,062 8 8 377 11 11 346 6 11 .505 14 1 408 6 0 6,632 6 8 5,929 16 10 2,298 0 4 2,745 14 9 2,621 14 3 2,672 16 5 31,248,348 9 4 29,510,320 19 6 10,014,241 0 0 11,959,865 0 0 544,433 18 1 552,921 11 11 200,000 0 0 3,698,089 8 2 3,686,838 6 5 49,693 1 9 51,558 16 9 114,836 1 2 123,856 15 4 56,189 8 7 56,189 8 7 541 12 0 492 8 0 2,477.828 1 8 2,485,895 14 7 1,474.549 0 10$ 1,490,911 12 1 677 18 6 721 17 6 814,235 8 4 800,469 19 11 5,453 16 10 3,872 5 5 27,819 19 10 27,819 19 10 8,782 5 3 8,782 5 3 136 8 6 136 8 6 31,803 17 10 31,803 17 10 85,704 3 4 67,940 12 6 67,940 12 6 67,194 9 3 66,034 16 6 66,034 16 6 1,114 7 3 1,114 7 3 3,264 18 4 3,264 18 4 1,300,948 8 9 1,297,497 8 6 55,175 0 0 54,373 5 4 14,551 14 8 14,406 7 2 126,317 0 5 129,744 1 7 7,895 11 4 9,105 14 9 £ s. d. 93,645 11 6 7,039 1 10 645 1 10-J 123 7 9 63 7 7 3,573 19 oi 71 10 1 60 7 10 46,098,420 11 4 1,000,000 0 0 25,619 11 5 982 10 8 49 4 0 160,179 7 6 349,690 9 2 31 19 2 206,470 3 2 2,482 1 0 42,711 7 1 17,558 12 7 4,046 6 0 1,046 2 3 5,085 5 3 £ s. d. 9,385 15 1$ 3,405 0 8 926 17 6 1,973 10 5 240 1 11 393 6 6 46,102,780 9 7 552,921 11 11 2,453 0 3 1,536 5 7$ 1,359 11 7

F;—l

40

Table No. 8— continued. Balance-sheet of the New Zealand Post Office Account for the Year ended 31st March. 1924— continued.

2 01 tsz'9 6 6 I 0S'I8 g L 06f'68 " f 8 TOl'f ! •• •• " s;di303j punj !ju9piA0ij 0 EI S 0 i f- •• 0 6 1 •• •• amiOAOj spjagpjoQ 0 01 I8S 0 6 881 0 61 681 ■' 0 0 188 '' "" " '' scfdiaoai (py Smuijt sauijf 8 Zl 88 Z SI 60S 8 61 088 " Z ZX II " " *' "' ' • sjdraoai pjsusQ 9 Zl 981 0 0 ?09'6I 9 Zl IS9'6I " 0 0 851 " " "" " " saaj Xiannjoirpjr auuupjr , 8 ft S60'f I Z 082'8I8'l f 9 t2l'668'l " 0 01 6t2'82 " " " " xm-amoorcr Z 91 I06'8 6 81 606'fI6 6 OT 082'9I6 "" 2 61 98l'l j " " " " " xB^-pwj —}U3U(-;j-fid 0(p x-ex auioauj pire pireq" 8 8 88 I I SIX'S f ST 960' 8 " 0 91 801 "" ' • sjdjaaaj ogeurejQ —}uora;it;do(]; spuB-f '' 0 Ot 0 0 01 0 "' " "' " ' "' " "' 0 H 91 0 H 91 " " •' " " • ajdiaoai jBiauaQ —luaiu i.ii:do( [ jnoqBi 0 II 5E o 11 ZZ " " " ajdraoai (joy SJupnraopi — siregy 800 800 " i "* S IT 6fO'TI f 81 ?I8'fI2 01 6 S86'6I2 " 6 6 IIS'6 " " "" aoumtiSTq ojtj 9 L f 01 tl 9 f L Z " " " " " 1°V Suisuojj }aauiu.i0AO0 0 01 28 0 01 28 " ' ' '' " "(.lanoissraiinoQ aoiAJagj ojiqnj) saaj uoypjnrnrBxg; OSS 020 " 0 I S usiajpaja; III 198 6 61 068'IT 9 8 I02'II ' Z f 300 1 " "" • • [ooqos-iBu^snpnj 01 Z 9S 9 0 I96'6 8 f 986'S " I 61 9 " " "" " • • rejauaj) —}uaiu j.i Ki 10( j uoi^anpg; I 8 ess f I 8SI'8I Z 61 861 'II " 8 01 6S6'I • Rjdraoai aouajaa; 9 I 891 'f I 8 LfZ' 9? 8 6 191 '9f 01 f SfZ'f " " " " " A'inp ,iaof[ 8 9 II9'22 S 61 991'60S Z 81 " 6 1 666'I2 " " " * * spared no pajaafioo a^hq; 9 8 II I 0 916 f II 806 8 9 82 '• " " " • • jujauaf) srao^sno f 9 ff f 8 221' I 9 01 9W'I " 2 f 02 " " " ■' " xt^-pieqaio 8 n 19 6 01 912' I I 91 III 'I " 01 8 991 " " " " " pMauaQ -—"luaui j.i k(1 -:)( j aitt}jnoii8y 0 91 I 0 91 I " '' " '" '" pajoa[[oo 0 0 668 0 0 668 '" '" I "" '' " "" sasuaot] nmssodo 9 SI 91 0 6 ire 'I 0 f 619 '9 " 9 81 28l'l •• •' " " " sasnaon aureQ 9 0 669 9 2 116' I 0 0 IS6'I " 0 S 699 ' •' " sasnaon Sun^ 0 8 806 | "' 0 8 806 "' "' •' '" " " ' '" sasuaoij jssq; —S8IQ.8IOOS —: sxN;aPMi^:vja(j 1 I 09 III 9. Z0G'6fL' I fe 8 180?LfL'l " f 61 " ft OT S05'9S8 ft 01 " ** " ** ** 9§uBqox9-9noqd9[ax f c g62'6 f 6 262'6 "" "* " " " saiui. jo fll II 9I2'2 112 I62'6S fo II 8S6'88 " 018 tS6'2 " euoijdaia; pu« aoj paSpoj s^isodaa; 01 91 862 '9 01 91 S62'9 " ■ • j • * " * * ' ' ' '' saaj sassajppi? apog 'P " R 3F 'P 's J 'p - -p -s y -p -s 3 -p -s j -psnutptoo —Si-Moooy ssOEJaui akT "nox 'fwva'ir-ntrx J ; 1 I . _1 , I 1 ' ... '•■a -io 'ja j -jo -ia -jo no saon«i«g[ j *8361 'mdy *si no saon«i«a

41

F.—l

6—F. 1

Pensions Department — Imperial pensions Old-age pensions War pensions Miscellaneous pensions Public Health Department — General receipts Hospital and charitable aid receipts Sanatorium, Hanmer Springs Public Trust Registrar-General's Department — Registration of births, &c. Samoan revenue State Advances Department State Forests Department Superannuation, funds — Public Service Superannuation Teachers' Superannuation Treasury Department — Miscellaneous revenue Rents collected Loan receipts — Educational Purposes Act 5-per-cent. War Loan inscribed stock Valuation Department —Genera! receipts War Loan Certificates :— Head Office Account Fund Account Sales Investment Account For Custody Account Interest Account .. .. Interest Investment Account Interest Investment Interest Account Post Office Investment Certificates :— Head Office Account Chief Postmasters' Account Fund Account Sales Investment Account Interest Account Interest Investment Account Suspense Account General Accounts — Miscellaneous receipts (general) Postage Account (other Administrations) Mail Settlement Account (other Administrations) Departmental and Treasury Expenditure Account Treasury postal drafts Discount stamps Post Office Account Postmasters and telegraphists 1,268 18 11 126 16 9 2,239 16 1 0 7 1 295 0 3 14,208 5 10 262 19 0 384 17 10 68,082 6 0 811 9 11 14,267 17 4 65 0 11 619 13 2 4,300 0 0 1,343 10 0 148 1 8 175 5 0 4,836 14 1 174,200 0 0 771,637 10 3 1,262,000 0 0 308,460 0 0 13,120 7 11 95 10 4 4,998 8 0 626,513 16 3 3,489 7 0 7,777 2 8 6,080,396 11 9 61,308 4 1 320,980 5 9 145,750 14 5 1,414 7 0 8,339 9 3 200 0 0 162,160 0 0 10,234 14 10 179,690 1 10 771,816 6 3 1,264,128 14 10 308,777 18 1 14,003 17 10 90 15 5 5,017 9 8 622,051 18 1 3,594 14 0 8,064 8 1 6,027,813 1 0 58,907 8 2 319,466 2 2 140,001 18 1 1,207 11 6 8,314 16 2 200 0 0 165,310 0 0 10,989 7 4 1,356 6 2 5 2 0 275 18 7 18,670 4 0 157 12 0 97 12 5 120,665 16 3 3,212 5 10 15,782 0 11 912 2 3 271 16 5 644 6 3 1.150 0 0 588 17 6 4,221 2 11 326 1" 8 2,303 19 10 191 1 4 1,530,142 15 7 662,541 12 0 1,304,350 0 0 295,356 0 0 86,571 2 9 33,350 0 0 1,293,705 0 0 898,979 7 7 1,671,800 0 0 367,450 0 0 798,754 5 2 295,356 0 0 662,541 12 0 222, 7S3 15 11 423 6 2 807,960 0 0 423 6 2 774,610 0 0 40,315 0 0 114,461 15 0 260,361 14 1 9,221 13 4 20,486 0 4 9,221 13 4 91,650 14 4 21,500 0 0 16,000 0 0 31,093 6 8 32,032 14 0 280,847 14 5 32,495 2 6 24,181 7 4 257,500 0 0 279,000 0 0 8,313 15 2 25,050 0 0 41,050 0 0 5,027 1 10 26,109 6 6 26,004 15 8 123,084 9 11 53,626 2 6$ 31,908 17 2$ 6,911 9 4 3,959,490 4 5 111,924 8 5 330 0 0 33,714,513 15 11$ 56,793,651 6 1 55,524 11 10$ 22,807 13 1 15,075 8 1 4,069,671 7 0 111,924 8 5 303 15 0 33,791,249 15 7$ 56,716,864 12 10 3,128 12 6 35,210 10 7$ 17,840 16 11 12,903 7 4 2,001 17 6 1,975 12 6 486,788 14 6 1,182,629 6 4 563,524 14 2 1,105,842 13 1 Totals 49,209,219 19 2 49,209,219 19 2 171,232,307 9 8 171,232,307 9 8 49,815,896 0 1$ 49,815,896 0 1* i

-P.—l.

Table No. 9. Securities, etc., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st March, 1924.

42

Description of Security. Rate per Cent. Cost Price. Nominal Value. Accrued Interest on 31st March, 1924. Aid ter Publio Works and Land Settlement Act, 1896 .. Aid te> Publio Works and Land Settlement Act, 1900 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1900 Aid ter Publio Works and Land Settlement Act, 1901 .. Aid to Public Works anel Land Settlement Act, 1901 Aid to Publio Works and Land Settlement Act, 1902 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1902 Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903 . . Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903 Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1903 Aid to Public Works anil Land Settlement Act, 1905 . . Aid to Public Works anel Land Settlement Act, 1906 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1906 Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1906 .. Aid ter Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1907 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Aot, 1908 . . Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1911 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1911 Aid to Publio Works and Land Settlement Act, 1912 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1914 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1914 Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1914 Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1921 .. Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1921 Aid to Water-power Works Act, 1910 Aid to Water-power Works Act, 1910 Aid to Water-power Works Act, 1910 Akaroa County Council debentures Appropriation Aot, 1912 Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 38) Auckland Harbour Board debentures Canadian stock Canaelian stock Capo of Good Hope consolidated stock Coal-mines Act, 1908 Coal-mines Act, 1908 Consolidated Loan Act, 1867 Consolidated Stook Act, 1884 Consolidated Stock Act, 1884 Consolidated Stock Act, 1884 Defenoe and other Purposes Loan Act, 1870 Defence and other Purposes Loan Act, 1870 (New Zealand Loans Act, 1908) Devonport Borough Council dobontures Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915 Discharged Soldiors Settlement Act, 1915, and Amendment Act, 1916 (see. 7) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, and Amendment Act, 1916 (see. 7) Discharged Soldiers Sottlemont Act, 1915, and Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 82) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, and Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 82) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Loans Act, 1919 (sec. 4), (Lands for Settlement) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Loans Act, 1919 (sec. 4) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Loans Aot, 1919 (sec. 4) Discharged Soldiors Settlement Loans Aot, 1919 (sec. 4) Discharged Soldiers Settlement Loans Act, 1920 (sec. 2) District Railways Purchasing Act, 1885-86 Education Purposes Loans Act, 1919 Education Purposes Loans Act, 1919 Education Purposes Loans Act, 1919 Ellesmere Land Drainago Board debentures Finance Act, 1909 Finance Act, 1915 (sec. 105) Finance Act, 1915 (sec. 1.05), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1916 (sec. 35) .. Finance Act, 1916 (soc. 35) .. Finance Act, 1916 (sec. 49), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1916 (soc. 50), (State Forests) Finance Act, 1916 (sec. 50) .. Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 77) .. Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 77), (Aid to Public Works) Finance Act, 1918 (sec. 10) .. Finance Act, 1918 (soc. 29), (Aid to Publio, Works) Finance Act, 1.918, No. 2 (sec. 29), (Aid to Public Works) Finance Act, 1918, No. 2 (sec. 30) .. Finance Act, 1918 (sec. 30), (Cold Storage Advances Account) 4$ 4 4$ 4$ 4.', 4.', 4 4$ 4 4$ 4 4$ 4 4$ il 4$ 4 I 4 4$ 4 4$ 4.! 4" 4£ 4 4 !', 4 4 »i 3 2$ 3.1 4 41 4$ 4 4 41 41 \l £ 3. d. 175,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 90,300 0 0 32,900 0 0 71,600 0 0 128,000 0 0 14,900 0 0 25,100 0 0 170.100 0 0 181,825 0 0 16,000 0 0 600,000 0 0 70,500 0 0 5,000 0 0 200,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 49,000 0 0 186,500 0 0 525,000 0 0 59,900 0 0 1,805.100 0 0 150,000 0 0 645,500 0 0 50,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 324,000 0 0 900 0 0 10,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 500 0 0 4,800 0 0 10,133 8 9 186 1 3 135,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 13,000 0 0 194,200 0 0 283,500 0 0 165,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 8,100 0 0 £ s. d. 175,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 90,300 0 0 32,900 0 0 71,600 0 0 128,000 0 0 14,900 0 0 25,100 0 0 170,100 0 0 181,825 0 0 16,000 0 0 600,000 0 0 70,500 0 0 5,000 0 0 200,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 49,000 0 0 180,500 0 0 525,000 0 0 59,900 0 0 1,865,100 0 0 150,000 0 0 645,500 0 0 50,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 324,000 0 0 900 0 0 10,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 500 0 0 5,000 0 0 12,666 15 11 200 0 0 135,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 13,000 0 0 194,200 0 0 283.500 0 0 165,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 8,100 0 0 £ s. d. 1,251 7 2 16 8 9 1,669 18 6 361 0 0 1,059 5 8 1,846 7 0 195 18 11 179 9 7 1,081 3 8 1,224 10 4 19 5 9 5,621 18 4 746 2 8 54 17 3 2,194 10 5 1,125 0 0 739 14 6 477 18 4 3.839 17 0 8,630 2 6 81 4 8 34,191 19 11 180 16 5 8,206 0 1 821 18 4 1,232 17 6 5,991 15 5 3 6 7 164 7 8 246 11 6 5 15 1 36 11 6 158 6 8 4 10 1 2,700 0 0 675 0 0 267 13 2 1,234 7 3 2,790 3 4 1,810 9 7 1,(544 3 6 88 17 6 4$ 4$ 4$ 100 0 0 26,000 0 0 64,000 0 0 100 0 0 26,000 0 0 64,000 0 0 2 5 0 96 3 3 236 14 2 4$ 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 36 19 9 4 210,000 0 0 210,000 0 0 648 15 3 4$ 170,000 0 0 170,000 0 0 628 15 3 4 250,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 821 18 3 4 4$ 4$ 4$ 4 4 il 5 4 4$ 4$ 4$ 4$ 4$ 4$ 4$ 4$ 4 4$ 4$ 4 4$ 4$ 4 103,000 0 0 2,135,000 0 0 160,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 40,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 480,000 0 0 60,000 0 0 2,850 0 0 46,901 0 0 555 0 0 550,000 0 0 500 0 0 1,100 0 0 900,000 0 0 3.100 0 0 41,900 0 0 375,000 0 0 350,000 0 0 1,800,000 0 0 1,950,000 0 0 550,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 29,500 0 0 163,000 0 0 2,135,000 0 0 160,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 40,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 480,000 0 0 60,000 0 0 2,850 0 0 46,901 0 0 555 0 0 550,000 0 0 500 0 0 1,100 0 0 900,000 0 0 3,100 0 0 41,900 0 0 375,000 0 0 350,000 0 0 1,800,000 0 0 1,950,000 0 0 550,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 29,500 0 0 196 9 10 7,896 10 0 552 6 4 924 13 0 390 2 9 36 3 3 5,266 17 0 731 10 2 52 9 5 . 335 7 5 7 5 1 7,187 12 10 1 17 0 4 1 4 5,856 2 4 22 3 4 299 12 3 2,383 11 1 2,502 14 2 22,598 10 6 12,394 9 8 3,932 16 11 184 18 6 96 19 8

¥.— 1

Table No. 9 — continued. Securities, etc., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st March, 1924 — continued.

43

Description of Security. Rate per Cent. Cost Price. Nominal Value. Accured Interest on 31st March, 11)24. Finance Act, 1918 (see. 32), (Stato Forests) Finance Act, 1918, No. 2 (sec. 32), (State Forests) Finance Act, 1918 Finance Act, 1920 (sec. 15), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1920 (soc 15), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1919 (sec. 5), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1920 (sec. 15), (Nauru and Ocean Islands) Finance Act, 1920 (sec. 15), (Publio Works) Finance Act, 1921 (sec. 10), (Public Works) Finance Act, 1921 (sec. 10) Fishing Industry Promotion Act, 1919 Fruit-preserving Industry Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 80) Fruit-preserving Industry Act, 1913, and Financo Act, 1917 (sec. 80) Fruit-preserving Industry Act, 1913 .. General Purposes Loan Act, 1873 Government. Aeivances to Sottlers Act, 1908 Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1908 Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1908 Government Advances to Settlers Extension Act, 1901 . . Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1908 (Part III, Workers) Government Railways Act, 1908, and Railway Improvement Authorization Acts, 1904 and 1907 Government Railways Act, 1908, and Railway Improvement Authorization Acts, 1904 and 1907 Government Railways Act, 1908, and Railway Improvement Authorization Acts, 1904 and 1907 Government Railways Act, 1908, and Finance Act, 1909 Government Railways Act, 1908, and Finance Act, 1909 Government Railways Act, 1908, anel Railways Improvement Authorization Acts, 1904 and 1907 Government Railways Amendment, Act, 1910 .. Government Railways Amendment Act, 1910 Government Railways Amendmont Act, 1910 Government Railways Amendment Act, 1910 Greymouth Harbour Board debentures Hamilton Borough Council debentures Hamilton Borough Council debentures Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1913 Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1918 Hauraki Plains Amendment Acts, 1913 and 1914 Haur-aki Plains A nondment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Act, I918i Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1918 Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Aot, 1919 (sec. 18) Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1.913, and Finance Act, 1920 (see. 16) Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1921 and 1922 (sec. 23) Hauraki Plains Amondment Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1922 (sec. 17) Housing Act, 1919 (sec. 30) .. Housing Act, 1919 (sec. 30) .. Housing Act, 1919 (sec. 4.6) .. Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Act, 1910 Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Acts, 1903, 1905, and 1907 Hutt Railway and Road impr-eivomont Acts, 1903, 1905, 1907, and 1910 Hutt Railway and Road Improvement Acts, 1903, 1905, 1907, and i910 Immigration and Public Works Loan Act, 1870 India Stock India Stock India Stock Inscribed stock Inscribed stock .. .. .. . • . . • New Zealand Inscribed Stock Act, 1917 Neev Zealand Inscribed Stock Act, 1917, and Finance Act, 1917 (Post Office 5-pcr-cont. War Bonds) New Zealanel Inscribed Stock Act, 1917 New Zealanel Inscribed Stock Act, 1917 New Zealand Inscribed Stock Act, 1917 New Zealanel inscribed Stock Act, 1917 New Zealand Inscribed Stock Act, 1917, and Discharged Soldiers Settlement Loans Act, 1920 4 4 J 4$ 4" 4$ 4$ 6 5 4 4$ 44 4 £ s. el. 60,000 0 0 73,000 0 0 61,900 0 0 37,000 0 0 1,113,000 0 0 150,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 349,240 0 0 63,000 0 0 87,000 0 0 520 0 0 5,450 0 0 £ s. d. 60,000 0 0 73,000 0 0 61,900 0 0 37,000 0 0 1,113,000 0 0 150,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 349,240 0 0 63,000 0 0 87,000 0 0 520 0 0 5,450 0 0 £ s. d. 329 17 3 621 It) 11 1,037 17 8 44 12 0 10,466 5 1 1,072 11 11 4,109 11 8 5,740 18 6 75 18 10 1,287 2 5 7 13 10 108 8 2 *» 29,400 0 0 29,400 0 0 657 17 6 4$ 4* 4} 4" 4$ 4$ 4$ 17,300 0 0 5,200 0 0 105,000 0 0 12,964 10 0 100,000 0 0 80,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 17,300 0 0 5,200 0 0 105,000 0 (I 12,900 0 0 100,000 0 0 80,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 632 5 0 107 1 3 1,553 8 5 125 16 5 309 17 2 1,183 11 2 3d!) 17 3 4$ 2,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 14 (i 0 ii 30,300 0 0 30,300 0 0 332 9 5 4$ 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 10 I!) 5 4. 4$ 4$ 50,000 0 0 5,500 0 0 141.000 0 0 50,000 0 0 5,500 0 0 141,000 0 0 554 15 10 39 6 7 1,564 10 3 4$ 4 4 4i 4 4$ 4$ 4 4450,350 0 0 21,400 0 0 35,000 0 0 36,350 0 0 260,000 0 0 3,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 20,000 0 0 34,000 0 0 50,350 0 0 21,400 0 0 35,000 0 0 36,350 0 0 260,000 0 0 3,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 20,000 0 0 34,000 0 0 300 0 8 68 10 9 341 7 4 39S 10 1 2,535 17 7 21 9 1 22 10 0 100 10 5 243 2 5 4$ 4. |19,000 0 0 |30,000 0 0 19,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 135 17 3 190 13 8 41 6,000 0 0 6,000 0 0 42 18 1 44 20,000 0 0 20,000 0 0 143 0 3 41 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 71 10 2 4 7,000 0 0 7,000 0 0 8 8 9 4 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 12 1 1 4$ 4 4$ 4 41 180,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 3,150 0 0 2,000 0 0 127,000 0 0 180,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 3,150 0 0 2,000 0 0 127,000 0 0 1.975 1 5 30 2 9 34 11 3 32 17 6 2,348 12 7 4$ 100,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 1,849 6 3 41 42,590 0 0 42,590 0 0 304 10 11 ■11 2$ 3$ 3 3$ 3 41 5 20,900 0 0 51 15 0 213 18 9 45 15 0 618.000 0 0 2,244,582 18 0 200,000 0 0 300 0 0 20,900 0 0 109 4 8 216 14 5 52 13 9 618,000 0 0 2,260,495 11 1 200,000 0 0 300 0 0 430 6 3 16 5 3 13 1 0 12 0 5,274 3 7 33,907 8 7 567 2 0 5 11 9 41 5 51 41 5_ 189,060 0 0 1,122,260 0 0 13,500 0 0 500 0 0 3,100 0 0 189,060 0 0 1,122,260 0 0 13,500 0 0 500 0 0 3,100 0 0 3,776 0 5 11,530 1 4 99 13 6 0 13 7 5 2 9

F.—l

44

Table No. 9 — continued. Securities, etc., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st March, 1924 — continued.

Description of Securities. Rate per Cent. Cost Price Nominal Value. Accrued Interest on 31st March, 1924. Irrigation and Water-supply Act, 1913 Irrigation and W'atcr-supply Act, 1913 Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, and Appropriation Act, 1918 Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914 Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 45) Land for Settlements Act, 1908 Land for- Settlements Act, 1908 Land for- Settlements Act, 1908 Land for-Settlements Act, 1908 Land for Settlements Act,. 1908 Land for- Settlements Act, 1908 Land for- Settlements Act, 1908 Land fin- Settlements Aot, 1908 Land for Settlements Act, 1908 Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 1894 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Aot, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (seo. 42) Land Laws Amenelment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amenelment Act. 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 42) Land Laws Amenelment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amendment Act, 1913 Land Laws Amenelment Act, 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 42) Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908 .. Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908 Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908 Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908, and Government Loans to Local Bodies' Act, 1880 Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1908 Maori Land Settlement. Act, 1905 Maori Land Settlement Act Amendment Act, 1907 Mining Amendment Act, 1913 Mining Amendmont Act, 1913 Mining Amenelment Aot, 1913, and Amendment Act, 1919 Native Land Amendment Aot, 1913 .. Native Land Amondmcnt Act, 1913 Native Land Purchases Act, 1.892 New Zealand Consols Aot, 1908 New Zealand Consols Act, 1908 New Zealanel Consols Act, 1908 New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Advances to Settlers Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Advances to Settlers Branch) New Zoaland State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Advances to Settlers Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 19.10 (Aeivances to Settlers Branch) New Zealanel State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 and 1910 (Larrel for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Aeivances to Workers Branch) New Zealanel State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Advances to Workers Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Aeivances to Workers Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Guaranteed Mining Advances Branch) New Zealanel State-guaranteeel Advances Act, 1909 (Land for Settlements Branch.) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910, and New Zealand Loans Act, 1908 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-sruaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) 4 4$ i £ s. d. 35,000 0 0 54,900 0 0 15,000 0 0 £ s. d. 35,000 0 0 54,900 0 0 15,000 0 0 £ S. d. 696 3 3 1,228 9 8 246 11 6 41 41 33,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 33,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 010 5 0 30 19 9 4$ 41 4 4 41 41 4$ 4$ 44 4$ 62,000 0 0 29,500 0 0 177,215 0 0 67,000 0 0 68,125 0 0 400 0 0 10,000 0 0 259,770 0 0 382,485 0 0 341,000 0 0 02,000 0 0 29,500 0 0 177,215 0 0 67,000 0 0 08,125 0 0 400 0 0 10,000 0 0 259,770 0 0 382,485 0 0 341,000 0 0 1,395 0 0 545 10 11 1,126 8 1 80 15 4 747 10 2 36 19 9 1,857 10 4 4,196 17 1 4 4 4$ 4 4$ 4$ 44 4 14,200 0 0 90,800 0 0 244,800 0 0 518,000 0 0 8,000 0 0 155,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 530,000 0 0 14,200 0 0 90,800 0 0 244,800 0 0 518,000 0 0 8,000 0 0 155,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 530,000 0 0 138 9 11 577 2 9 905 8 4 10,303 4 9 67 1 4 3,468 7 9 1,479 9 0 10,000 0 0 4$ 4$ 54,200 0 0 8,600 0 0 54,200 0 0 8,600 0 0 387 11 3 94 7 3 4$ 4$ 4$ 20,000 0 0 85,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 20,000 0 0 85,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 1,912 10 0 225 0 0 4$ 4$ 41 4 785,000 0 0 416,000 0 0 370,000 0 0 231,500 0 0 785,000 0 0 416,000 0 0 370,000 0 0 231,500 0 0 8,613 9 11 1,538 13 3 1,308 9 7 761 1 10 4$ 44 41 4" 44 41 4" 44 44 3$ 4 4 3$ 300,000 0 0 179,175 0 0 50,000 0 0 7,000 0 0 4,500 0 0 11,000 0 0 455,900 0 0 1,201,500 0 0 125,000 0 0 340 0 0 1,000 0 0 14,400 0 0 100,000 0 0 300,000 0 0 179,175 0 0 50.000 0 0 7,000 0 0 4,500 0 0 11,000 0 0 455,900 0 0 1,261,500 0 0 125,000 0 0 340 0 0 1,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 100.000 0 0 1,109 11 7 1,966 0 4 548 12 7 115 1 4 83 4 4 203 8 6 8,929 15 6 20,126 3 6 2,327 1 2 1 17 10 0 7 2 101 14 0 1,750 0 0 3f 37,000 0 0 37,000 0 0 693 15 0 4$ 205,000 0 0 205,000 0 0 3,032 17 0 4$ 750,000 0 0 750,000 0 0 14,701 19 10 4$ 2,093 15 0 2,093 15 0 14 19 5 3$ 325,000 0 0 325,000 0 0 5,687 10 0 3| 100,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 1,875 0 0 41 406 5 0 400 5 0 2 18 1 3| 5,000 0 0 5,000 0 0 93 15 0 3J 25,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 437 10 0 4$ 99,000 0 0 99,000 0 0 2,215 5 11 4 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 493 3 0 4$ 741,066 0 0 741,066 0 0 13,796 0 7 4 15,300 0 0 15,300 0 0 251 10 2

F.—l

45

Table No. 9— continued. Securities, etc., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st March, 1924 — continued.

7—F. 1.

Description of Securities. Rate per Cent. Cost Price. Nominal Value. Accrued Interest on 31st March. 1924. New Zealanel State-guaranteed Aeivances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 anel 19.10 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Land for- Settlements Branch) New Zealanel State-guaranteed Aeivances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 anel 1910 (Land for Settlements Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Aelvaneies Act, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) New Zoaland State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) Now Zealanel State-guaranteed Advances Aot, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) Now Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Aot, 1909 (Local Authorities Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Aeivances Act, 190!) (Native Land Settlement Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Acts, 1909 and 11)10 (Native Land Settlement Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed Aeivaneies Acts, 1909 and 1910 (Native Land Settlement Branch) New Zealanel State-guaranteed State Advances Aot, 1909 (Native Land Settlement Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed State Aeivances Aot, 1909 (Native Land Settlement Branch) New Zealand State-guaranteed State Advances Act, 1909 (Native Land Settlement Branch) Patea Harbour Board debentures Post and Telegraph Act, 1908 Public Revenues Amenelment. Act, 1.915 (War Expenses) Public Revenues Amendment Act, 1915 (soo. 5) Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 1914 Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 1914 Railways Improvement Authorization Act, 1914 Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 191.3, and Finance Act, 1923 Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and Amenelment Aeit, 1914 Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and amendments Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1917 (sec. 81) Rangitaiki Lanel Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and amendments Rangitaiki Lanel Drainage Amenelment, Act, 1913, and Appropriation Aot, 1918 (sec. 44) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amenelment Aot, 1913, and Appropriation Act, 1919 (sec. 1.9) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 191.3, and Amendment Act, 1914 Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amenelment Act, 1913, and Finance Aot, 1920 (sec. 16) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and Finance Aot, 1920 (sec. 16) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and Finance Aot, 1921-1922 (soc. 23) Rangitaiki Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1913, and Finance Act, 1923 (sec. 5) South Australian stock South Australian stock State Advances Act, 191.3 (Advances to Settlers Branch) State Advances Act, 1913 (Advances to Workers Branch) State Advances Act, 1913 (Local Authorities Branch) .. State Advances Aot, 1913 (Aeivances to Settlers Branch) Swamp Drainage Aot, 1915 .. Swamp Drainage Act, 1915 Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, and Appropriation Aot, 1918 (see. 46) Swamp Drainage Act, 1915, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 46) £ s. d. 78,700 0 0 £ s. d. 78,700 0 0 £ s. d. 452 16 10 4 41 6,000 0 0 6,000 0 0 22 3 10 3J 410,000 0 0 410,000 0 0 7,687 10 0 4 22,500 0 0 22,500 0 0 446 6 0 4 141,165 0 0 141,165 0 0 1,370 16 8 44 48,100 0 0 48,100 0 0 1,043 19 7 41 48,000 0 0 48,000 0 0 1,074 1 8 31 400,000 0 0 400,000 0 0 7,000 0 0 31 975,000 0 0 975,000 0 0 17,062 10 0 31 112,000 0 0 112,000 0 0 1,960 0 0 31 275,000 0 0 275,000 0 0 4,812 10 0 3| 96,000 0 0 96,000 0 0 1,800 0 0 4 9,000 0 0 9,000 0 0 180 0 0 34 381,600 0 0 381,600 0 0 0,078 0 0 341 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 562 10 0 4 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 3f 54,500 0 0 54,500 0 0 1,021 17 0 4 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 590 14 3 41 80,000 0 0 80,000 0 0 1,790 2 9 41 41 41 41 4 4$ 4 35,000 0 0 200,000 0 0 390,000 0 0 1,703,750 0 0 72,000 0 0 588,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 35,000 0 0 200,000 0 0 390,000 0 0 1,703,750 0 0 72,000 0 0 588,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 220 1 3 2,194 10 5 7,212 6 it 12,182 17 7 457 12 10 4,204 11 4 238 7 2 32 .17 0 4 7,000 0 0 7,000 0 0 23 0 3 4 5,000 0 0 5,000 0 0 16 8 9 41 25,000 0 0 25,000 0 0 92 9 3 4 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 98 12 7 44 22,000 0 0 22,000 0 0 81 7 5 41 60,000 0 0 60,000 0 0 221 IS 4 il 19,000 0 0 19,000 0 0 70 5 0 5 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 164 7 8 41 20,000 0 0 20,000 0 0 295 17 10 41 24,000 0 0 24,000 0 0 220 13 8 4 10,000 0 0 .1.0,000 0 0 131 10 2 4 31 4' 4 4 41 4 41 ■ 4 1,861 9 0 11,700 0 0 573,200 0 0 50,000 0 0 200,000 0 0 550,000 0 0 15,000 0 0 15,000 0 0 45,000 0 0 1,772 10 2 12,000 0 0 573,200 0 0 50,000 0 0 200.000 0 0 550,000 0 0 15,000 0 0 15,000 0 0 45,000 0 0 70 18 2 312 8 3 7,537 18 10 657 10 8 2,630 2 6 17,044 9 6 246 11 6 277 7 11 739 14 6 4 1 145,000 0 0 145,000 0 0 2,681 10 1

F.—l

46

Table No. 9— continued. Securities, etc., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the Post Office Savings-bank Fund on the 31st March, 1924 — continued.

Table No. 10. Post Office Savings-bank. Receipts and Payments for the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1924. Dr. £ s. d. I Or. £ s. d. Balance at credit of depositors on Ist ! Withdrawals, Ist April, .1923, to 31st April, 1923 .. .. .. 44,360,393 1 6 ; March, 1924 .. .. .. 29,510,320 19 6 Deposits, Ist April, 1923, to 31st j Balance at credit of depositors, 31st March, 1924 .. .. .. 29,598,372 4 8 March, 1924 .. .. .. 46,098,420 .1.1 4 interest credited to depositors, Ist April, 1923, to 31st March, 1924 .. 1,649,976 4 8 £75,608,741 10 10 j £75,608,741 10 10 Reserve Fund Account. Dr. £ s. d. Or. £ s. d. Balance at credit on Ist April, 1923. . 800,000 0 0 Amount at credit of Reserve Fund Amount transferred from Profit and Account on 31st March, 1924 .. 1,000,000 0 0 Loss Account .. .. .. 200,000 0 0 £1,000,000 0 0 £1,000,000 0 0 Liabilities and Assets. Dr. £ s. d. Or. £ s. d. Balance at credit of Post Office Savings- Securities (Post Office Savings-bank) 40,102,780 9 7 bank depositors on 31st March, .1924 40,098,420 11 4 Balance uninvested .. .. 1,179,908 11 1 Balance on transfer .. .. 24,149 1 10 Balance at credit of Reserve Fund Account .. .. .. .. 1,000,000 0 0 Balance of assets over liabilities .. 160,1.79 7 0 £47,282,749 0 8 £47,282,749 0 8 Profit and Loss Account. Dr. £ s. d. Or. £ s. d. Interest credited to depositors during Balance forward .. .. 168,247 0 5 the year ended 31st March, 1924 .. 1,649,976 4 8 Interest received dur- £ s. d. Amount transferred to Reserve Fund ing the year .. 1,918,538 6 10 Account .. .. .. 200,000 0 0 Accrued interest, 31st Paid Public Account for cost of Sav- March, 1924 .. 552,921 11 II ings-bank management .. .. 90,000 0 0 Balance forward to next account .. 160,179 7 6 2,471,459 18 9 Less accrued interest on 31st March, 1923 544,433 18 1 1,927,026 0 8 Sundry receipts •■ .. 4,882 11 1 £2,100,155 12 2 £2,100,155 12 2

Description of Securities. Rate per Cent. Cost Price. Nominal Value. Accrued Interest on 31st March, 1924. Swamp Drainage Aot, 1915, and Appropriation Act, 1918 (sec. 46) Swamp Drainage Aot, 1915, and Appropriation Act, .1918 (sec. 46) Thames Harbour Board debentures Timaru Borough Council debentures Victorian steick Waihi Borough Council debentures Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Aot, 1910. . Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 1910.. Waihou anel Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Aot, 1910, and finance Act, 1919 (sec. 6) Waihou anel Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement. Act, 1910, and Finance Act, 1919 (sec. 6) Waihou anil Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 1910, and Finance Act, 1919 (sec. 6) War-loan certificate . . .. .. ■ British War Loan stock War Purposes Loan Act, 1917 War Purposes Loan Aot, 1917, and Finance Aot, 1917 (sec. 68) Wellington City Council debentures Wellington City Council debentures Wellington Harbour Board debentures Wellington Harbour Board debentures WeUington-Manawatu Railway Purchases Act, 1908 Westport Harbour Board debentures 5 £ s. il. 5,000 0 0 £ s. d. 5,000 0 0 £ s. d. 102 14 10 H 11,000 0 0 11,000 (I 0 203 8 (i 4 4 3 54 4 41 4 10,000 0 0 4,000 0 0 10,708 13 10 12,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 120,000 0 0 60,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 4,000 0 0 12,379 19 10 12.000 0 0 30.000 0 0 120,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 200 0 II 39 9 1 270 5 1 216 19 S 190 13 8 858 I ti (it) 5 5 41 10,000 0 0 . 10,000 0 0 71 10 2 4 35,000 0 0 35,000 0 0 42 3 10 41 5 4 5 80 0 0 400,000 0 0 250,000 0 0 100 0 0 80 0 0 421,052 12 8 250,000 0 0 100 0 0 5 5 7 6,921 .8 0 301 7 4 I 17 .". 4 4 4| 4 41 4 99,000 0 0 24,500 0 0 25,400 0 0 45,000 0 0 500,000 0 0 489,500 0 0 11 Ml, 000 II 0 25,000 0 0 25,400 0 0 45.000 0 0 500,000 0 0 18!),500 0 0 975 ti 9 240 I I 0 91 13 7 162 17 6 1.849 5 1 I 4,774 5 8 Totals 46,102,780 9 7 46,147,418 8 6 552,021 II II

47

P.—l

Table No. 11. Savings-bank Accounts remaining open on 31st March, 1924, classified according to Balance at Credit of each Account.

| • 8S6I 06i '069 Lf 86 SOT EOS OfS'S f6S'I ffL'l 69f'S 988'8 L86'9 666'8 869'SI IS6'SS 888'ff 9l8'8f S6f'99 fS6'69f 'q^M^'IS fS6I iBI'OH f6 99 SIT 61 f 969 '8 0S6'I S96'T 90L'S 8f 6 '8 969'!) 8S8'6 fS8'8T L86'SS IS6'8f Sf8'8f Of9 '69 I98'T8f s t^ox gTf'I •• •• •• 6 8 f I - 6 fl 68 Sf 09 881 S8T L8S 6L9 " meSum^ LOf ■■ I I Z I f Z Z 9 6 6 8 58 Sf f9 fSS Boureg ujajso^ 8£9'c J i l 08 OT 81 81 fl 68 S9 16 991 OLS LS8 OSf 691 'f " M efs'oei oi i eg so 6sl S6s fss soe S9L lk>'t 6ls't sts's 8i8'8 ih'l see's slo'st zzf'06 " «ojSm n 8^ 8BC'S8 T f 9 61 TIT If 16 TOT 981 96Z 90f rgq g<)8'I LZf'Z 601'8 ffS'SS j "" tmreSire^ 881 'OS e f 81 Zfl f9 fS 801 Zfl 68S 868 ISB If 8 ZZ9 'I 586'! 9Z9'Z OSS'SI ! i'"™!! 66f 'OS X S 8 9 16 88 8S 09 OOT 891 SOS 888 18 9 9SI'I -08S'I I98'T f89'fl : " sanreqx I Of'SI T I fi 81 f8 OS 9f 16 f8 fSI IOS fLS 8ff 608 068 66T'I 681 '8 W>N! noisjainp^ OTi'8 I Z 8 fS 81 f8 9f 8f 8ST 09T i8I 988 889 86i iS6 I9S'S " n.reureo 889'fS I S S 9S 181 9t fi 16 SSI 8LS 808 ISf 669 96S'I 06f'I OOS'S 0L6'LI •" 06°'oi Z I 8 86 18 8S 8f 89 6fl 061 f6S 886 LfO'l ifO'I 06f'T I09'0I "" nospn f6S ' 88 ' S f I IS ill f6 fOI 181 f9I 88S Ti8 609 818 868*1 660'S 6S6'S 8i9'8S " jaid^ SOT'S I S I 88 9 81 81 08 68 96 89 OST 89S SfS SfS S88 " uo^sn W 189' 'S T "8 IT LOT 69 69 801 S6T T08 S6f fS9 880'T LIO'S 080'S I08'S Ui'Ll " n! are3JaAU I OSS'S " " Z 8 9 01 61 LS ff 19 1ST Oil Til 889'I " "TOPIOH 866 'I " S 61 L 91 91 61 S8 16 TL 6SI 8SS 68S S88 6f8 " bi8aibh 2,66 'S I S fS 9 II 8S 8S S6 8L 06 fLT 098 SSf T06 8LI'I "" sgu^s-eg; 880'6S T 9 IT £91 Si 6i SII S6I I6S SIf 686 fS6 S06'I SOf'S 888'8 6Ti'8T " uo^irati H 9fI'0I " I 9 f9 SS 6S Zf S9 601 86T OSS SfS TS9 199 688 LL6'9 q^nora.fojQ S80''T T f 8 ii It S6 69 96 6fl 9SS 98S 061 868 9i0'l 9Sf'l LOS' ST " atuoqsi*) SSI 'I •• 8 T 6 Z 9 S 8T IS 8S 86 99 Ifl 0.91 961 S 9f j " StnpiJ 8 .! Oie'69 f S f IS 60S TOT 861 06S 9Sf 8SL L06 8TS'I TOS'S SLS'f 6S9'f 6f0'9 Sf8'8f " uipatmd Of 6 '90T 6 6 fl 66 L66 6fS 6S8 86f | 919 L60'l 806'T I9T'S 0SL'8 SIS'L 6S6'L f69'0I LT6'69 " qojnqo^sr.iqQ Sfi'6 " " 6 6f 91 IS i8 86 SOT 6ST f9I 688 986 866 8S6 6TL'9 " raraiprajg f69'8SI il il IS 68 819 888 fSS OSf j f09 fSO'T Blf'l 880'S 666'8 SS9'9 86S'L L96'ST SIS'98 puBpiany •U9do *000'S5 'OOO'S? *000*25 "OOO'IS *0065 00S5 00A5 "0095 '0095 '00?3 "008? '0035 *00X5 - Q1 dn - n7 ~ '000'§3 dn put: dn pui? dn pun dn par; dn pue dn put? 04 dn put? o; dn pnB 04 dn | 04 dn put? 0} dn put? o; dn pue 0% dn put? 03 dn pue u -f + gninlaoxs •louasinSuipaaoxg; OOO'fS 000*85 OOO'S? 000*15 0065 0085 00Z5 0095 0095 i 0085 ; 0035 0015 0Q5 eniDaaow aovr +-*•**. guip980XH Suipaaoxa Suipaaoxg; Suipaaoxg; Surpaaoxg; §uip990X[j §uip99oxg; Suip990xg[ Suip99Dxg[ j Suip99oxg[ ! guip99OX0[ guip990xg; Suip990xg; y 4

F.—l

48

Table No. 12. Table showing the Estimated Number of Letters and Letter-cards, Post-cards, Book-packets, Newspapers, and Parcels posted and delivered in the several Postal Districts of New Zealand during the Year ended 31st December, 1923.

Posted in the Dominion. Delivered in the Dominion. Total posted and delivered. (1923). Letters and p . , Letter-cards. P° st - C arus. Books, &c. Newspapers. Parcels. Letters and p ost . ear(ls Letter-cards. ™ Ma 'rtls Books, &e. Newspapers. Parcels ' Letters and ±-arcers. better-cards. Post-cards. Books, &c. Newspapers. Parcels. Auckland Blenheim Christchurch .. Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport Western Samoa 29,218,144! 1,335,3711 15,444,7831 10,206,150 2,318,936 1.495,185 7,404,866: 5.818,807 0,037,097 2,038,735 4,066,743 1,329,004 2.708,229 2.626,841 4.919.881 24,711,089 784.025 94,410 724,178 18,434 430,742 377,676 24,115 20.046 177,229 169,728 79,846 38.987 81,874 56,121 38,428 63,076 110,526 524,404 13,104 1,600 10,802,559 381.345 5.094,250 3,897,676 619,147 282.259 1.343,321 1,743,214 2.022,422 359,271 1.098.012 372,111 609,071 649,296 1,515.995 10,569,090 91,670 2,109 4,516,633 193,427 1.780,730 1.539,413 557,033 243,880 856.459 627.593 655,087 188.832 4o3,067 127,413 291.037 211,445 750,544 3,875,457 123,500 8.900 900,263 25.280,463 19,916 1,466.777 438,438 16,986.645 332.462 9,660,703 44,473 2,743.8S4 39.988 1,880,177 109,408 9,324.601 82,875 6,348.628 104,845 7,085.221 45,344 2.234,245 70,278 4.821,908 21,723 1,484,288 45,617 3,580.811 49.166; 3,151,915 92,5341 4,960,436 928,315! 27,290,417 15.951! 1.047.332 612 115,212 645.203 26,637 833,144 336,037 56.615 31.941 253.513 178.451 146,510 40,014 118,872 78,468 114,387 103.441 119,483 534,912 32.929 2,622 7,571,733 355,927 4,704.089 3.107,923 1,099.813 37S.846 2,580,708 1,654 .575 '3,060,538 661,349 1,607,489 396.461 950,365 942.045 1,690.130 7.138,949 189,254 2.988 3,844,490 368,303 2,022,358 1,480,440 844.753 451,672 1,640,782 866.697 1,478.932 500,136 775,008 252,096 637,702 493,740 958,191 4,161,397 281,528 50.022 636,363 63.973 372.879 313,079 103.116 94.120 336,518 165,321 122.300 102.414 175.058 44,434 144.469 95.160 210,808 516.679 45,175 2,784 54,498,607 1.369,38118,374,292 8,361,123 1,536,626 2,802.148 45,071 737,272 561,730 83,889 32,431,428 1,263.886 9,798,339 3,803,088 811.317 19,866,853! 713,713 7,005,599 3,019,853 645,541 5,062.820! 80,730 1,718,960 1,401.786 147,589 3,375.362; 51,987 661,105 695,552 134,108 16.729,467i 430,742 3,924,029 2,497.241 445,926 12.167,435! 348,179 3,397,789 1,494.290 248.196 13,122,318 : 226,356 5,082,960 2.134,019 227,145 4,272.980 79.001 1,020,620 688,968 147,758 8,888.651! 200,746 2.705,501 1,258,075 245,336 2.813,292 134,589 768,572 379.509 66,157 6,289,040 152,815 1,559.436 928,739 190,086 5,778,756 166,517 1,591.341 705.185 144,326 9,880,317 ! 230,009 3,206.125 1,708,735 303.342 52,001,506 1,059.316 17,708,039 8,036.854 1.444,994 1.831,357 46,033 280.924 405,028 61,126 209,622 4,222 5,097 58,922 3,396 Totals . . 122,558,296 2,950,114 41,452,818 17,030,450 35,486,768 15,534,666 3,342,208429,463.663 3,653,179 38 093,182 21,108,247 3,544,650 252,021,959 6,603,293 79,546,000 38,138,697 6,886,851 20,100,553 3,480,127 239,997,081 6,277,42867, 578, 435 35,635, 2196, 700, 12 Previous year 117,047,262 2,841,939! 3,219,9941122,949,819 3,435,489 32,091,667

F.—l

Table No. 13. Eegistered Articles. The number of registered articles dealt with in 1923, compared with the number in 1890, 1900, 1910, and 1922, is as follows :— 1890. 1900. 1910. 1922. 1923. Prom places beyond the Dominion 26,374 52,343 132,493 176,853 177,332 Eegistered in the Dominion ... 169,321 464,036 993,675 1,820,942 1,825,874 Totals ... ... 195,695 516.379 1,126,168 1,997,795 2,003,206

Table No. 14. Parcel-post. The following shows the number and weight of parcels posted during the vears 1890, 1900, 1910, 1922, and 1923 :—

The following table shows the number and weight of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom and the undermentioned places during the years 1922 and 1923 :—

49

Table No. 14. Parcel-post. The following shows the number and weight of parcels posted during the vears 1890, 1900, 910, 1922, and 1923 :— — 1890. 1900. 1910. 1922. 1923. 1900. 1910. Number .. 121,292 199,413 1,190,711 3,219,994 3,342,208 Weight .. 336,6431b. 12 oz. 682,104 lb. 7 oz. 3,953,284 lb. 15 oz. 16,206,2291b. 16,821,332 1b. The following table shows the number and weight of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom and the undermentioned places during the years 1922 and 1923 :— Received. Despatched. Received. 1922. 1923. Weight. Number. Weight. Despi 1922. Number. Weight. Country. 1922. 1923. 1922. 1923. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. ii. ii. ii. ii. lb. lb. 1,040,270 174,859 1,128,219 lb. 18,094 72,617 lb. lb. lb. lb. United Kingdom and foreign 181,141 1,040,270 174,859 1,128,219 18,094 72,617 18,546 73,883 countries (via London) United States of America .. 55,643 375,532 59,424 396,686 3,764 15,050 3,795 15,341 Canada.. .. .. 7,588 54,750 9,338 07,384 1,111 3,851 1,323 4,770 Victoria .. .. 18,858 77,401 21,305 91,708 3,854 12,594 4,033 13,287 New South Wales .. 30,219 123,043 20,746 104,601 7,590 24,441 8,159 20,545 South Australia .. .. 855 1,878 924 2,393 544 ■ 1,529 580 1,908 Queensland .. .. 971 2,434 1,179 2,929 830 2,237 977 2,947 Tasmania .. .. 391 820 505 994 523 1,484 500 1,278 Western Australia .. 028 1,388 051 1,440 429 1,200 487 1,338 Fiji .. .. .. 380 .1,147 552 1,386 1,494 5,204 1,507 5,155 Ceylon .. .. .. 501 2,518 538 3,098 109 414 131 524 Cape of Good Hope .. 880 2,521 1,000 3,979 101 309 110 428 Natal .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 308 944 305 900 India .. .. .. 2,004 17,543 3,843 29,509 744 4,187 709 3,707 Tonga .. .. .. 00 233 74 250 840 3,305 943 3,954 Tahiti .. .. .. 68 455 57 289 841 5,855 435 2,013 Hong Kong .. .. 512 2,957 1,412 9,784 351 1,480 398 1,919 Straits Settlements .. 320 931 258 805 237 847 233 983 Solomon Islands .... 3 3 2 2 1 14 21 New Hebrides .. .... .. 3 0 4 29 2 7 Uruguay .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 170 57 245 Pitcairn Island .. .. .. .. :»79* 606* 80 343 117 530 Norfolk Island . . .... .. 1 3 5 18 I 3 EUioe Island .. .... .. 0 11 2 11 Aden .. .. .. 31 129 19 119 Fanning Island .. .... .. .. .. .. .. 80 374 China .. .. .. 1,514 13,139 181,141 18,094 lb. 72,617 18,546 lb. 73,883 55,043 7,588 18,858 30,219 855 971 391 028 386 501 880 375,532 59,424 396,686 54,750 9,338 07,384 77,401 21,365 91,708 123,043 20,746 104,601 1,878 924 2,393 2,434 1,179 2,929 820 505 994 1,388 051 1,440 .1,147 552 1,386 2,518 538 3,098 2,521 1,006 3,979 3,764 15,050 1,111 3,851 3,854 12,594 7,590 24,441 544 ■ 1,529 830 2,237 523 1,484 429 1,200 1,494 5,204 109 414 101 369 3,764 1,111 3,854 7,590 544 830 523 429 1,494 109 101 308 744 840 841 351 237 1 4 38 80 5 2 15,050 3,851 12,594 24,441 1,529 2,237 1,484 1,200 5,204 414 369 944 4,187 3,305 5,855 1,480 847 I 29 170 343 18 11 3,795 1,323 4,033 8,159 580 977 500 487 1,507 131 110 305 709 943 435 398 233 4 2 57 117 I 15,341 4,770 13,287 20,545 1,908 2,947 1,278 1,338 5,155 524 428 900 3,707 3,954 2,013 1,919 983 21 7 245 530 3 2,004 00 08 512 320 3 17,543 3,843 29,509 233 74 250 455 57 289 2,957 1,412 9,784 931 258 805 3 2 2 3 0 308 944 744 4,187 846 3,305 841 5,855 351 1,480 237 847 1 I 4 29 279* 000* .. 1 3 0 11 129 19 1.19 38 170 80 343 5 18 2 11 31 80 1,514 1.3,139 '.'. .'. 374 Totals .. .. 302,039 1,725,098 303,041 1,840,207 42,500 158,240 43,510 102,792 302,039 1,725,098 303,041 1,840,207 42,506 158,246 42,500 158,240 43,510 102,792 * Estimated.

Table No. 14. Parcel-post. The following shows the number and weight of parcels posted during the vears 1890, 1900, 910, 1922, and 1923 :— — 1890. 1900. 1910. 1922. 1923. 1900. 1910. Number .. 121,292 199,413 1,190,711 3,219,994 3,342,208 Weight .. 336,6431b. 12 oz. 682,104 lb. 7 oz. 3,953,284 lb. 15 oz. 16,206,2291b. 16,821,332 1b. The following table shows the number and weight of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom and the undermentioned places during the years 1922 and 1923 :— Received. Despatched. Received. 1922. 1923. Weight. Number. Weight. Despi 1922. Number. Weight. Country. 1922. 1923. 1922. 1923. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. ii. ii. ii. ii. lb. lb. 1,040,270 174,859 1,128,219 lb. 18,094 72,617 lb. lb. lb. lb. United Kingdom and foreign 181,141 1,040,270 174,859 1,128,219 18,094 72,617 18,546 73,883 countries (via London) United States of America .. 55,643 375,532 59,424 396,686 3,764 15,050 3,795 15,341 Canada.. .. .. 7,588 54,750 9,338 07,384 1,111 3,851 1,323 4,770 Victoria .. .. 18,858 77,401 21,305 91,708 3,854 12,594 4,033 13,287 New South Wales .. 30,219 123,043 20,746 104,601 7,590 24,441 8,159 20,545 South Australia .. .. 855 1,878 924 2,393 544 ■ 1,529 580 1,908 Queensland .. .. 971 2,434 1,179 2,929 830 2,237 977 2,947 Tasmania .. .. 391 820 505 994 523 1,484 500 1,278 Western Australia .. 028 1,388 051 1,440 429 1,200 487 1,338 Fiji .. .. .. 380 .1,147 552 1,386 1,494 5,204 1,507 5,155 Ceylon .. .. .. 501 2,518 538 3,098 109 414 131 524 Cape of Good Hope .. 880 2,521 1,000 3,979 101 309 110 428 Natal .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 308 944 305 900 India .. .. .. 2,004 17,543 3,843 29,509 744 4,187 709 3,707 Tonga .. .. .. 00 233 74 250 840 3,305 943 3,954 Tahiti .. .. .. 68 455 57 289 841 5,855 435 2,013 Hong Kong .. .. 512 2,957 1,412 9,784 351 1,480 398 1,919 Straits Settlements .. 320 931 258 805 237 847 233 983 Solomon Islands .... 3 3 2 2 1 14 21 New Hebrides .. .... .. 3 0 4 29 2 7 Uruguay .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 170 57 245 Pitcairn Island .. .. .. .. :»79* 606* 80 343 117 530 Norfolk Island . . .... .. 1 3 5 18 I 3 EUioe Island .. .... .. 0 11 2 11 Aden .. .. .. 31 129 19 119 Fanning Island .. .... .. .. .. .. .. 80 374 China .. .. .. 1,514 13,139 181,141 18,094 lb. 72,617 18,546 lb. 73,883 55,043 7,588 18,858 30,219 855 971 391 028 386 501 880 375,532 59,424 396,686 54,750 9,338 07,384 77,401 21,365 91,708 123,043 20,746 104,601 1,878 924 2,393 2,434 1,179 2,929 820 505 994 1,388 051 1,440 .1,147 552 1,386 2,518 538 3,098 2,521 1,006 3,979 3,764 15,050 1,111 3,851 3,854 12,594 7,590 24,441 544 ■ 1,529 830 2,237 523 1,484 429 1,200 1,494 5,204 109 414 101 369 3,764 1,111 3,854 7,590 544 830 523 429 1,494 109 101 308 744 840 841 351 237 1 4 38 80 5 2 15,050 3,851 12,594 24,441 1,529 2,237 1,484 1,200 5,204 414 369 944 4,187 3,305 5,855 1,480 847 I 29 170 343 18 11 3,795 1,323 4,033 8,159 580 977 500 487 1,507 131 110 305 709 943 435 398 233 4 2 57 117 I 15,341 4,770 13,287 20,545 1,908 2,947 1,278 1,338 5,155 524 428 900 3,707 3,954 2,013 1,919 983 21 7 245 530 3 2,004 00 08 512 320 3 17,543 3,843 29,509 233 74 250 455 57 289 2,957 1,412 9,784 931 258 805 3 2 2 3 0 308 944 744 4,187 846 3,305 841 5,855 351 1,480 237 847 1 I 4 29 279* 000* .. 1 3 0 11 129 19 1.19 38 170 80 343 5 18 2 11 31 80 1,514 1.3,139 '.'. .'. 374 Totals .. .. 302,039 1,725,098 303,041 1,840,207 42,500 158,240 43,510 102,792 302,039 1,725,098 303,041 1,840,207 42,506 158,246 42,500 158,240 43,510 102,792 * Estimated.

p.—l

50

Table No. 15. Comparative Table showing the Progress of the Telegraph Department during the Ten-year Periods ended 30th June, 1866 and 1876, the 31st December, 1886, the 31st March, 1896 1906, 1916; and the past Five Years.

Table No. 16. Table showing the Number forwarded and the Revenue derived from Toll Calls and Paid Telegrams of all Codes and the Value of Franked Government Telegrams at the undermentioned Postal Districts during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1924.

vS Number of Telegrams and Toll rt_i_i___.i S §> Total Total Number Number £ =• Messages forwarded during the Year. milium g Misiei- g« Value of Expendiv_- »_«h Of of J ° lanoous Receipts). _ | Business ture loareuueu Miles of Miles of |S -gW done (excluding Line. Wire. Jo Private Onvom. S_ during Cable *0 a nd r p re L. men™ Total. Telegraph. Telephone. S S the Year. Subsidy). Number of Miles of Wire. £ £ £ £ £ 30th June, 1866 699 1,390 13 24,761 2,746 27,407 5,562 .. 483 6,045 6,377 1876 3,154 7,247 142 890,382 100,704 1,051,086 62,716 .. 1.6,154 78,870 82,771 31st Dee., 1886 4,546 11,178 412 1,583,717 252,549 1,836,266 106,639 .. 27,281 133,920 98,875 31st Mar., 1896 6,245$ 15,764-} 743 1,899,632 224,579 2,124,211 97,178 25,933 25,844 148,955 143,066 1906 8,355 25,116 1,312 5,351,084 289,135 5,640,219 184,369 89,542 24,168 298,079 276,580 1916 13,684 48,052 2,413 10,708,910 127,841 10,8,36,751 549,627 287,547 9,085 846,259 658,572 1920 13,721 50,751 2,339 14,957,615 116,452 15,074,067 619,188 419,318 5,8301,044,3301,078,901 1921 13,724 51,043 2,338 13,884,466 116,385 14,000,851 704,228 533,535 7,036 1,244,7991,369.780 1922 13,767 52,176 2,327-12,782,037 152,428 12,934,465 697,864 614,367 8,458 1,320,689 1,314,068 1923 11,912 48,616 2,307 13,342,823 170,385 13,513,208 713,380 595,967 9,7271,319,0741,117,726 1924 12,951 52,910 2,295] 14,407,269 69,597 14,476,866 711.896 830,470 4,9301,517,2951,093,882 Note.--Inland Telegram Tariff: Prior to the 1st September, 1869, inland telegrams were charged for on a mileage basis. From that date a uniform rate was fixed of 2s. 6d. for ton words, and 6d. for each additional five words. From the 1st April, 1870, the minimum charge was reduced to Is. From the 1st November, 1873, the rate was further reduced to Is. for ton words, and lei. for each aelditional word, address and signature, hitherto charged for, being free up to ten words. From the 1st July, 1877, there was introduced the "urgent" code, at double tho ordinary rate. From the 1st July, 1878, a " delayed " system was introduoed, the rate being fixed at Od. for ten words, exclusive of address and signature up to ten words, and $el. for each aelditional word. From the 1st February, 1892, the number of words allowed for the minimum charge in each case was increased to twelve, with free address and signature up to six words. From the 15th August, 1892, the ordinary rate was fixed at Is. for eighteen words, including address and signature. From the 1st June, 1896, tire rate was fixed at (id. for twelve words, including address and signature, and Id. for each additional word; and "delayed" telegrams wore abolished. From the 1st November, 1906, the charge for additional words was reduced to $d, each. From the 23rd September, 1915, the ordinary rate was increased from 6d. to 8d. for twelve words (" urgent " Is. 2d.); and orr the 1st August, 1920, it was further increased to Is. for twelve words, and Id. for each additional word ; (" urgemt," 2s., and 2d. for each additional word); Sundays and holidays, elouble rates. From the 1st November, 1920, there was introduced a system of night letter-telegrams, to be delivered by post on the morning following the day of presentation. The rate (since altered) was Is. (id. foi thirty-six words and $d, for each additional word. From tho 1st February, 1923, the rate for ordinary telegrams was reduced to 9d. for twelve words, the charge for each additional word remaining at Id. ("urgent" Is. 6d., and 2d. for eaoh additional word). From the same date the night letter-telegram rate was reduoed to 9d. for twenty-seven words and Id. for oaoh additional three words.

Postal District. Revenue derived from Paid Value of franked Telegrams of all Government Codes and Toll Telegrams. Calls. Total Value of Telegrams of all Codes and Toll Calls. Number of Paid Telegrams and Toll Calls. Number of franked Government Telegrams. ; ; Total Number of Telegrams of all Codes and Toll Calls. Auckland Blenheim Christohuroh Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hamilton Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport £ £ 110,906 834 11,600 102 74,966 552 53,497 290 21,553 150 14,611 264 51,979 23 32,657 89 46,689 182 13,650 158 30,313 58 9,936 52 21,322 53 22,482 112 35,135 83 143,399 1,792 5,634 136 £ 834 102 552 290 150 264 23 89 182 158 58 52 53 112 83 1,792 136 £ 111,740 11,702 75,518 53,787 21,703 14,875 52,002 32,746 46,871 13,808 30,371 9,988 21,375 22,594 35,218 145,191 5,770 2,379,745 263,671 1,428,933 1,055,408 356,827 270,705 1,216,730 726,234 1,032,553 303,884 698,594 163,857 497,219 441,033 706,471 2,751,805 113,600 10,854 2,126 7,656 4,023 1,850 5,593 902 1,463 2,350 3,525 1,291 089 1,136 2,099 1,634 20,186 2,220 2,390,599 265,797 1,436,589 1,059,431 358,677 276,298 1,217,632 727,697 1,034,903 307,409 699,885 164,546 498,355 443,132 708,105 2,771,991 115,820 Totals, 1923-24 700,329 4,930 700,329 1,930 705,259 14,407,269 69,597 14,476,866 Totals, 1922-23 699,444 9,727 699,444 9,727 709,171 13,342,823 170,385 13,513,208

51

F.— 1

Table No. 17. Table showing Toll Calls and Paid Telegrams of all Codes forwarded during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1924, and the Revenue received therefrom.

Table No. 18. Table showing the Class and Number of Instruments and Batteries in use at Telegraph Offices for the Year ended 31st March, 1924.

Table No. 19. Table showing Cost of Construction and Equipment of Telegraph and Telephone Lines during the Year ended 31st March, 1924. Telephone Exchanges. £ Telephone Exchanges— continued. £ Auckland .. .. .. .. 90,281 Eeatherston .. .. .. .. 000 Albany .. .. .. .. .. 043 Eeilding .. .. .. .. 1,356 Dargaville .. .. .. .. 5,286 Eitzroy (slot telephone) .. .. .. 130 I levonport Automatic .. .. .. 85 Gis borne .. .. .. .. .. 8 485 Krankton Junction (slot telephone) .. .. 60 Hataitai (slot telephone) .. .. .. fjO Hamilton group .. .. .. .. 29,573 Hastings .. .. .. .. .. 5,975 Hamilton East (slot telephone) .. .. 16 Hawera .. .. .. .. .. 2,910 Herekino .. .. .. .. .. 1,172 Kelburn Automatic Exchange .. .. 200 Hikutaia .. ... .. .. .. 2,299 Levin .. .. .. .. .. 4,395 Kawakawa .. .. .. .. 2,784 Marton .. .. .. .. .. I 990 Mangonui .. .. .. .. 503 Masterton.. .. .. .. .. (i,892 Matakana .. .. .. ..2,148 Master-ton Automatic Exchange No. 3 .. '369 Maungakaramoa .. .. .. .. 3,810 Napier .. .. .. .. .. 4,340 Mokauiti .. .. .. .. .. 837 Napier Working-men's Club (slot telephone) .. ' 73 Mount Albert - New North Road (slot telephone) 55 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. 22 925 Mount Eden Automatic .. .. .. 931 New Plymouth .. .. .. .. 9,031 Onehunga Automatic .. .. .. II Ngaio (slot telephone) .. .. .. 74 Otaha (toll station) .. .. .. 17 Pahiatua .. .. .. .. .. 1,059 Otorohanga (slot telephone) .. .. 72 Palmerston North .. .. .. .. 5,041 Ponsonby Automatic .. .. .. 1,033 Palmerston North Automatic No. 3 .. '.128 Kaweno (underground cable extension) .. 79 Paraparaumu .. .. .. .. 1,580 Remuora Automatic .. .. .. 1,044 Patea .. .. ~ .. .. 879 Rotorua .. .. .. .. 1,722 Port Nelson (slot telephone) .. 108 Silver-dale .. .. . . 2,174 Plimmerton .. .. .. . . 1155 St. Heliers . . . . .. .. 1,924 Stout Street Automatic .. .. .. 49 Takapuna Automatic .. .. .. 10 Stratford .. .. .. .. .. 0,298 Taumarunui .. .. .. .. 2,979 Taihape .. .. .. .. .. 4,012 Tauranga .. .. .. .. 2,051 Waipawa .. .. .. ~ .. 0,297 Te Kuiti .. .. .. .. .. 2,257 Wairoa .. .. .. .. .. 0,009 Te Uku .. .. .. .. .. 22 Wanganui .. .. .. .. 14,730 Thames .. .. .. .. .. 4,913 Wanganui Automatic .. .. .. 10,390 Waharoa .. .. .. .'. .. 878 Wellington .. .. .. .. 38,312 Warkworth .. .. . . .. 200 Palmerston North Rangitikei-Eeatherston Street Wellesley Street .. .. .. .. 5,822 (slot telephone) .. .. .. .. 90 Whakatane .. .. .. .. 1,102 Palmerston North Broadway (slot telephone) .. 80 Whakapara .. . . .. .. 950 Wellington South Automatic .. .. 377 Whangarei .. .. .. .. 8.377 Whan gam omona .. .. .. .. 1,489 Whangarei Town Wharf (slot telephone) .. 92 Ashburton .. .. .. 4 088 IMeuheim.. .. .. .. .. 2,018 Cheviot .. .. .. .. .. 58 Blenheim Post-office (slot telephone) .. .. 82 Christchurch and branches .. .. .. 33,420 Brightwater .. .. .. .. 34 Christchurch Post-office (slot telephones) .. 105 Carterton .. .. .. .. 5,003 Culverden. . .. .. .. .. 02 Courtenay Place .. .. ..' .. 711 Oreymouth .. .. ,'.' 039 Dannevirke .. .. .. .. 10,874 Hinds .. .. .. .. .. 3,027 Dannevirke (slot telephone) . . . . .. 91 Hokitika and branches .. .. .. 447 Eketahuna .. .. .. : 3.300 Kaikoura .. .. .. .. .. 95 Eltham .. .. .. .. .. 5,020 Rakaia and branches .. .. .. 1,209

June Quarter, 1923. Number. Revenue. September Quarter,' December Quarter, March Quartf _ 1924 Number. Revenue. Number. Revenue. Number. I Revenue. . . __J Totals. Number, i Revenue. Ordinary telegrams Urgent telegrams Pross telegrams Night letter-telegrams Toll calls £ 1,300,043 112,618 62,090 6,593 101,925 13,629 18,509 935 1,898,042 75,231 £ £ £ 1,279,487 109,973 1,488,274 121,297 1,512,781 128,203 60,168 6,314 ! 67,427 6,884 76,087 7,895 108,887 16,427 103,627 14,537 117,681 17,068 23,443 1,208 i 26,283 1,282 37,984 1,862 1,928,338 75,753 2,047,112 80,895 2,148,481 85,633 £ 5,581,185 472,091 265,772 27,686 432,120 61,661 106,219 5,287 8,021,973 317,512 Gross teitals Less other linos and credits 3,381,209 209,006 44,933 3,381,209 209,006 44,933 3,400,323 209,675 43,661 3,732,723 224,895 45,692 3,893,014 240,661 49,622 14,407,269 884,237 183,908 Net totals, 1923-24 164,073 164,073 166,014 179,203 191,039 700,329 Net totals, 1922-23 3,094,059 164,937 3,094,059 164,937 3,107,569 164,489 3,508,968 188,490 3,632,227 181,528 13,342,823 699,444

District. _ g a £ «o o o Morse Instruments in use. Number of Cells. 1_ ii 18 E ! B BE «i 2 86 13 8 ..25 9 11,041 .. .. 201 326 58 8 8 .. 9 4 0,626 82 160 2 4 341 74 1 2 .. 6 3 5,167 72 243 340 ! 31 118 12 20 1 22 26 15,939 2,170 1,020 281 373 822 331 34 38 1 62 42 38,773 2,324 1,423 623 ! 609 1,489 i I >, tH a, HH» S s -r > '3 P I 1 ~nd .. ! 49 Janterbur-y .. 67 )tago .. ! ."i4 Wellington .. 118 Totals .. 288

F.—l

52

Table No- 19 — continued. Table showing Cost of Construction and Equipment of Telegraph and Telephone Lines during the Year ended 31st March, 1924 — continued. Telephone Exchanges— continued. £ Lines —continued. Rangiora and branches .. .. .. 3,319 Mangapurua (telephone-office) .. .. 20 Reefton exchange (converted to M.C.) '.. 1,718 Napier-Wairoa (M.C.) .. .. .. 2,553 St. Albans Automatic .. .. .. 473 Pine Valley (telephone-office) .. .. 187 Springburn .. .. .. .. 705 Pukcrua Bay (telephone-office) .. .. 144 Timaru and branches .. .. .. 7,668 Rarigiwalria'(extension and M.C. to Mangaweka) 1,225 Timaru (slot telephone) .. .. .. 12 Rata (conversion to Morse) . . .. .. 10 Waiau .. .. .. .. .. 42 Stratford-Whangamomona (M.C.) .. . . 1,224 Waimate and branches .. .. .. 2,113 Tahora-Tatu (telephone line) .. .. 1,854 Westport and branches ... .. .. 1,762 Te .Ranga (telephone-office) .. .. .. 10 Balclutha .. .. .. .. 975 Tutira-Putorino (telephone-office) .. .. 886 Clyde .. .. .. .. .. 398 Umutaroa and other places (M.C.) .. .. 492 Dunedin .. .. .. .. .. 25,925 Wakefield-Kohatu (M.C.) .. .. .. 48 Dunedin (slot telephones) .. .. .. 137 Wanganui-Kakatahi, &o. (M.C.) .. .. 1,717 Gore .. .. .. .. .. 4,004 Wanganui-Raetihi (toll circuit) .. .. 6,047 Invercargill .. .. .. .. 3,218 Wellington-Napier (telephone circuit) .. 2,340 Maori Hill .. .. .. .. 44 Wellington - Palmerston North (additional cirMilton .. .. .. .. .. 429 cuits) .. .. .. .. .. 9,881 Oamaru .. .. .. .. .. 789 Wellington (miscellaneous services) .. .. 2,022 Otautau .. .. .. .. .. 720 Amberloy-Omihi (M.C.) .. .. .. 271 Palmerston .. .. .. .. 474 Ashburton Methven (telephone-line reconstrucQueenstown .. .. .. .. 514 tion) .. .. .. •. .. 09 Ranfurly .. .. .. ~ .. 2,378 Ashburton - Ashburton Porks - Springburn Roxburgh.. .. .. .. .. 733 (M.C.) .. .. .. .. .. 35 Tarras .. .. .. .. .. 2,308 Christchurch (telegraph-office) .. .. 4,930 Wyndham .. .. .. .. 1,637 Ohristchuroh-Prebbleton (M.C.) .. .. 99 Christohurch-Greymouth (M.C.) (Otira Tunnel' £494,788 cabling) .. .. .. .. 1,470 Christchurch-Orevmouth (M.C.) .. .. 5.773 Linen. £ Christchurch-Ashburton (M.C.) .. .. 4,893 Auckland-Waimauku-Reweti-Kiimeu (M.C.) .. 587 Darfield-Otira (M.C) .. .. .. 201 Atuakahae (telephone-office) .. .. 29 Eairlie-Pukaki (M.C.) .. .. .. 959 Campbell's Bay (telephone-office) .. .. 174 Greymouth-Oameron's-Kumara (M.C.) .. 435 Dargaville-Kaihu (M.C.) .. .. .. 239 Greymouth - Arthur's Pass (M.C.) .. .. 120 Glen Murray-Rangiriri (M.C.) .. .. 68 Greymouth-Kumara (diversion) .. .. 1,089 Hamilton-Ngaruawahia .. .. .. 532 Hokitika-Callaghan's (M.C.) ■• •• 301 Hapuakohe (telephone-office) .. .. 40 Kumara-Wainihinihi-.laekson's (M.C.) . . 281 Kaipara Flats (Morse office) .. .. 25 Leeston-Brookside (M.C.) .. .. .. 37 Mangatarata (telephone-office) .. .. 439 Ross-Harihari (M.C.) .. .. .. 1,024 Matiere-Taumarunui (M.C.) .. .. 190 Templeton-Rolleston (new pole line) . . .. 129 Maungaturoto-Marohemo (telephone circuit) .. 108 Timaru Fairlie (M.C.) .. .. .. 880 Mount Beach (telephone-office) .. .. 88 Timaru-Waitaki (M.C.) .. .. .. 524 Ohaeawai-Kaikohe (M.C.) .. .. .. 137 Waimate (reconstruction and diversion of branch Ohaupo -Te Awamutu (bureau line) .. .. 208 circuits) .. .. ■• •• 1,118 Papakura-Clevedon (M.C.) .. .. .. 09 Balclutha - Port Molyneaux .. .. 414 - Papatoetoe Manurewa (reversion to Morse) . . 52 Clydevale (telephone exchange and trunk circuit I'atetonga Tahuna (M.C.) .. .. .. 78 to Balclutha) ... .. .. .. 4,749 Pirongia -Te Bauamoa (line-reconstruction) .. 701 Dunedin-Lawrence (M.C.) •• .. .. 1,132 Surfdale (telephone-office) .. . . .. 51 Duncdin-Palmerston-Oamaru .. .. 504 Tai pa-Para para (telephone extension) .. 55 Hawea Elat .. .. .. .. 1,948 Takahiwai (telephone-office) .. .. 209 Invercargill-Winton-Dipton (M.C.) .. .. 387 Tangowahine-Tangiteroria (conversion to M.C.) 44 Invercargill-Otautau-Riverton (M.C.) .. 277 Tapuwae (telephone-office) .. .. .. 43 Invercargill-Wyndham (M.C, looping WaimaThames - Hauraki Plains (telephone-line) .. 35 haka) ... .. .. .. .. 84 Torehape (telephone-office) .. .. • .. 254 Lawrenee-Heriot (M.C.) .. .. .. 2,003 Tuhipa (telephone-office) .. .. .. 104 Lawrence-Roxburgh (M.C.) .. 1,971 Turua (conversion to Morse).. .. .. 20 Lowburn Eerry-Mount Pisa (telephone lino) .. 101 Waharoa (telephone-offiee) . . .. .. 17 Mihiwaka-Purakanui .. .. .. 124 Waiharara-Houhora (M.C.) .. .. .. 86 Oamaru-Waitaki (M.C.) .. .. .. 589 Waitoa (telephone-office) .. .. .. 21 Tapanui-Kelso-Heriot (M.C.) .. .. 492 Waitomo Caves -To Kumi (M.C.) .. .. 288 Tarara (telephone-offiee) .. .. .. 440 Cross Creek (telephone bureau) .. .. 278 Tiromatau-Tuapeka Month .. .. .. 18 Eitzroy-801l Block (M.C.) .. .. .. 121 Toa (telephone-office) .. .. .. 118 Kaitoke (toll station) .. .. .. 207 Miscellaneous .. .. .. •■ 213 Kaponga Stratford (M.C.) .. .. .. 1,172 Koru (telephone-offiee) .. .. .. 158 (irand total .. .. £577,023 Mahana (telephone-office) .. .. . . 90 -

Table No. 20. Table showing the Number of Telephone-stations in each Telegraph Engineer's District in the Dominion.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (975 copies, including graphs and illustrations), £158.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner., Government Printer, Wellington.—l924.

Price 2s. 6d.]

Engineer's District. Main Stations. Number of Station 1924. Extension T _ tal Stations. i on 31st March, 1923. Main Stations. Extension Stations. Total. ,—_ 28,059 44,242 16,021 13,710 ,—„ Auckland Wellington Canterbury Otago Totals 25,618 39,267 13,994 12,003 90,882 3,974 29,592 6,791 46,058 2,952 16,946 2,165 14,168 15,882 106,764 24,292 37,632 13,193 11,549 3,767 6,610 2,828 2,161 102,032 90,882 15,882 106,764 86,666 15,366