D.-l.

XXVIII

and night. On Sundays and holidays, and after the usual busy hours on week-days, the range is extended as far south as Invercargill, and includes a number of centres telephonically too remote from the main arterial routes to be given a full intercommunication service during the whole of the twenty-four hours. The availability of long-distance communication will be further increased during the next twelve months, in order that other centres may be brought into the full benefits of a continuous long-distance service. In addition to the extension of carrier-current telephony, a considerable amount of work has been done in the erection of additional physical circuits and in necessary reconstruction. These capital works have resulted in the augmentation of existing facilities, and in the provision of telephone service in localities not previously catered for. The local telephone-exchange systems throughout the Dominion showed a marked development, the number of new connections installed being 12,781, as against 12,110 for the previous year; and an average of 12,112 a year during the preceding five years. The total number of telephones connected to departmental exchanges on the 31st March was 157,023, and the number connected with toll stations and non-departmental stations was 4,300, making a total of 161,323. To provide service for the 157,023 telephone stations connected to departmental exchanges on the 31st March, there were in existence at that date 490 single miles of underground conduit or duct line, 1,051 miles of underground cable, 564 miles of aerial cable, and 14,349 miles of pole-line, a total of 513,096 miles of wire being provided from these sources. As may be imagined, the steady and well-maintained development of the local exchange systems during the past several years has necessitated a continued demand for capital to provide the plant and equipment required to connect the subscribers offering and to render service after they had been connected. Owing to the fact that continuous development in the past presages similar development in the future, it is necessary when making extensions to plant and equipment to forecast and make due provision for future extension. In many cases this entails the installation of plant and equipment considerably in excess of present - day requirements. As a result, a certain amount of capital is absorbed in plant and equipment which for the time being is non-revenue producing, but which for reasons of economy in installation and developmental considerations it is desirable to provide in advance of immediate requirements. This provision of capital in advance can be regarded as a contribution to the well-being and future progress of the country. The cut-over of the Christchurch telephone exchange to automatic working was accomplished at midnight on Saturday, the 14th September, 1929. The conversion was accomplished with a minimum of trouble. Since the cut-over the equipment has been giving a highly satisfactory service and is meeting all the demands made upon it. This operation marked a distinct step forward in the development of automatic telephone exchanges in the Dominion, and increased the number of dial telephones in use to approximately 50 per cent, of the total. The coast and point-to-point radio stations in New Zealand have continued to function efficiently. In November last a 5 kw. short-wave transmitter was installed at Wellington Radio. As a consequence of this installation, the Pacific Islands service has been improved and extended, and it has been possible to close down the high-power long-wave spark apparatus at Awanui Radio. An order has been placed for a new tower for supporting the aerial system at Wellington Radio. Improved receiving-apparatus has been provided at Awarua Radio. In consequence of the cessation of high-power working from that station the large aerial associated with the high-power apparatus has been dismantled. At Auckland Radio a low-power battery-operated transmitter has been installed with a view to guarding against possible interruptions to the service from such causes as the failure of the normal power-supply system. WORKS FOR DEFENCE DEPARTMENT. The mobilization base and training-camp at Ngaruawahia, Waikato, has now been completed, and handed over to the Defence Department. Trentham Camp has been maintained in good order, and a contract was recently let to paint a number of the buildings. Burnham Camp has been maintained in good order.