F.—l

Telephone Exchanges. An exchange was opened at Hokitika during the year with 42 subscribers, which increased to 95 by 31st March. The exchanges at Nelson (138 subscribers), Greymouth (128), and Blenheim (98) are in good order, and the number of subscribers steadily increasing. The total number in the district is now 459, an increase of 147 for the year, connected by 46| miles of poles and 238 of wire. Canterbury. Construction. The following lines were erected and wires run during the year:— Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Timaru to Temuka (trunk, metallic circuit) ... ... — 24 Yaldhurst to West Melton ... ... ... "... 7 7 Christchurch to Akaroa (trunk) ..." ... ... — 49 Springfield to Kowai Bush ... ... ... ... — O^ Darfield to Coalgate ... ... ... ... ... — 7-J For Public Works Department— Waipara to Cheviot Eailway ... ... ... ... 11£ 22J For Eailway Department— Christchurch to Christchurch Eailway ... ... ... — 1 Eangiora to Southbrook ... ... ... ... — 2 Totals ... ... ... ... ... 18£ 118$ Morse instruments were placed in the offices at Bennett's and Doyleston. One office was closed (French Farm). Maintenance. The Christchurch-Lyttelton section has received considerable attention between Christchurch and Heathcote, 30 ft. poles being substituted for 25 ft. The line is good now for some time, but existing poles over the hill are heavily loaded, and the question of a duplicate line, or substitution of larger poles on existing line, will have to be considered. Christchurch-Akaroa line has been overhauled, strengthened where necessary, and portions of it shifted from the hills to the road. Other sections have been attended to when necessary, but a large amount of work will be necessary during the coming year on the south and west coast lines. Telephone Exchanges. The telephone exchanges and sub-exchanges are working satisfactorily. A new sub-exchange, with 10 subscribers, was opened at Temuka, and placed in metallic circuit with Timaru. It works most satisfactorily. Another sub-exchange was opened at Akaroa with 21 subscribers, and is in circuit with Christchurch Exchange. All the telephone-offices connected with Akaroa are now bureaux. There are now three exchanges and four sub-exchanges in the Canterbury District, with two more of the latter to be constructed shortly. The Christchurch Exchange is increasing. 116 new subscribers have been connected during the year, making a total of 1,164. Timaru list has increased to 162. The total subscribers of all exchanges in the district numbers 1,504. The poles and wires connecting subscribers total 116| and 1,663J miles respectively. • Otago. Construction. The following extensions were carried out during the year : — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Dunedin to Port Chalmers (second trunk wire) ... ... — 16 Wedderburn to Eough Eidge... ... ... ... — 8£ Otautau to Orepuki (Morse circuit) ... ... ... 5 30£ Main line to Hamilton South... ... ... ... 0J Mount Stewart to Adam's Flat ... ... ... 3} 3J Arrowtown to Kawarau Bridge ... ... ... — 6 Eanfurly to Waipiata ... ... ... ... 5 Main line to Barkly Village ... ... ... ... 0£ South Dunedin to Caversham ... ... ... 1 For the Eailway Department— Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Ida Valley to Ophir... ... 10 16 W T aitati-Mosgiel (tablet block system) 4 37 -. fiil fifll Milton-Clarksville 2 2 iD ± DU * Sundry telephone and indicator wires Of 5J Totals ... ... ... 251 130 i

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