COUNTRY TELEPHONES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2505, 19 May 1909, Page 6

COUNTRY TELEPHONES.

DEPUTATION TO THE POSTMASTER

A deputation from the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, consisting of Messrs J. Townley, A. F. Kennedy, J. W. Bright, and F. H. W. Traill (secretary). waited upon the Chief Postmaster (Mr Benner) at Gisborne to draw attention to the difficulty subscribers met with in trying to get connected with country bureaus. The speakers pointed out that in almost every instance when a country call was asked for, the subscriber was told the line was engaged, and lengthy delays occurred. They suggested that when a country line was required, and it was engaged, the call should be noted and the subscriber rung, in his turn, when the line was clear.

Mr. Benner stated that such a system was used, but that at certain hours, particularly' at 7 p.m., there Was a great rush for country lines and business became congested. The business was not sufficient to warrant duplicating the. lines, and the assistants did their best.

The deputation then mentioned the difficulty of calls being answered in case of fire or accident, and Mr Benner replied that if the exchange girl was told that there was a fire or accident, the calls on the line would be answered promptly. In' reply to ennui ries from tbe deputation as to whether the Waikohu railway station would be connected the Postmaster said he had recommended the laying of the wire, and anticipated that the connection would be trade at an early date. The visitors were then shown over the telephone room and the clock tower, and after thanking Mr Benuer withdrew.