27

F.—l

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.