F.—i

19

TELEGRAPH AND TOLL TRAFFIC. The figures which follow show the position in regard to telegraph and telephone traffic; Fuller information is contained in Table 10.

Total of all Classes of Messages and Value thereof.

Schedule of Paid Telegrams, Cable Messages, and Toll Communications. Number. Value. Ordinary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,646,947 484,386 Urgent .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 234,102 22,722 Press .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 577,327 77,590 Letter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 402,517 17,895 Toll communications .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,655,450 442,896 17,516,343 1,045,489 Less net amount paid to other Administrations on cable and radio messages .. J 98,028 Net total for paid messages of all codes, 1928-29 .. .. .. 17,516,343 847,461 Net total for paid messages of all codes, 1927-28 .. .. .. 16,523,001 801,946 UNIVERSAL-BATTERY SYSTEM AT PALMERSTON NORTH. The universal-battery system of telegraph operation was installed at Palmerston North on the 2nd May, 1928, some ] ,500 primary cells being replaced by 160 secondary cells. In consequence a considerable reduction in maintenance costs has been effected and a better and more efficient service obtained. In connection with the above-mentioned installation, a system was introduced whereby small neighbouring towns having a community of interest are given direct telegraph communication with each other, thus obviating re-transmission by Palmerston North. MACHINE-PRINTING TELEGRAPHS. Machine-printing telegraph circuits continue to function satisfactorily. Several local modifications and improvements have been made which have increased still further the efficiency and reliability of the system. TOLL COMMUNICATIONS: REDUCTION OF RATE FOR URGENT CALLS BETWEEN 8 P.M. AND 8 A.M. The rates for urgent toll communications between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were reduced from the 24th September, 1928, to one-half the urgent rates ruling between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., except that the minimum charge for an urgent call is fixed at Bd. The effect of the change is to make the urgent rate at all times double the rate applicable at the time the call is made. LISTS OF TOLL STATIONS IN TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES. In addition to the list of exchanges with which communication may be obtained, each telephone directory will in future contain a list of toll stations in the postal district in which the directory is distributed. TOLL SERVICE : IMPROVED METHODS OF OPERATION. The speeding-up the time of completion of toll calls and reducing to a minimum the number of uncompleted calls were given attention during the year. The system of direct dialling between exchanges, to which reference was made in last year's report, was extended, and resulted in a much speedier toll service being provided between the various exchanges concerned without involving any increase in the toll operating staff.

1928-29. 1 1927-28. ! Increase. j I nc » asE > per Cent. I Number.. .. .. 17,560,372 16,567,514 992,858 5'65 Value .. .. .. £851,159* £805,560 i £45,599 5'35 * Includes £3,698 representing the value of franked Government telegrams and urgent marine telegrams.