THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 86, 13 April 1917, Page 8

THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

ITS COMPLETION IN SIGHT

At the meeting of the Borough Council last night Councillor E. 8. Parker referred to the fact that the expert engaged in the work of installing the automatic telephone system had been called up in the recent ballot. He understood that the work could be finished in three weeks providing that the remaining material was available. 'He moved that, if on inquiry it1: was found /that the early completion of the work depended on the retention of the services of the expert, "the Efficiency Board be asked to use its influence in the direction of obtaining an extension of time in his case. He suggested that the Chamber of Commerce also should look into the matter. The subscribers to the exchange had been waiting a long time for the new system and should not be subjected .to further delay if it could be avoided. Moreover, the £60,000 Spent-by _ theGovernment should not be allowed to remain idle indefinitely.

The Mayor seconded the motion. The Government had not treated the district fairly in regard to the carrying out of public works, as witness the construction of the Opawa bridge, the slow progress of which was nothing less than scandalous.'. He hoped that the war would;-"hot be mada an. e>;cuse in the case of the telephone system.■ . Councillor Curry opposed the motion, protesting against it as a superfluous dictation to the Government and as an interference with the calling up of eligible men for active service.: -■"".■

The motion was carried on a division by 6 to 3.