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For communications on toll lines over 25 miles long, between 8 p.m, and 8 a.m., half the above charges are to be paid—for example, 3d. instead of 6d., 4Jd. instead of 9d. Half-rates apply only at telephone exchanges which are open after 8 p.m. A toll line is any Departmental line (as distinct from a subscriber's line) connecting two places or exchanges, for the use of which a charge is made. Until further defined, all lines, except subscribers' lines are toll lines. 3. Owners of private telephone lines led into a bureau may use the departmental lines when available for speaking purposes through such bureau. The charges for this service are the same as those payable by non-subscribers, the distance being calculated from the telephone bureau. 4. When a message to the effect that any person is required to attend at a telephone bureau is sent to such bureau for delivery beyond the premises in which the bureau is situated, 3d. will be charged for delivery. These charges must be paid by the sender. Messages for addresses outuide the ordinary delivery limits are subject to special charges for delivery, according to the extra expense thereby incurred. 5. Any one person may use the wire for six minutes only at a time—that is to say, if another person requires the wire, at the end of six minutes it must be given up. Should the wire not be asked for, then the person using it may continue to do so at tariff rate. On Sundays ordinary rates only are charged. Long-distance Communications. 6. The following are the charges for the use of Government telephones, when prearranged by " reply paid" telegram or otherwise, for the purpose of conversing over long-distance wires on Sundays or at other times approved by the Minister, usually between midnight and 8 a.m.:— (a.) When the conversation takes place through exohaoges which are open oontinuously, or through other exchanges or bureaux during the ordinary hours of attendance of switchboard or bureau attendants: For a period not exceeding six minutes, 2s. 6d. ; and a further charge of sd. for every additional minute or fraction thereof. (6.) When special attendance of switchboard or bureau attendants out of ordinary hours of attendance is required, then for each switchboard or bureau attendant called upon to make the necessary wire-connections: For every hour or less, 2s. 6d., in addition to the charges set forth in paragraph (a). 7. No free conversations on public service are permitted over long-distance oirouits. 8. The long-distance circuits are : Dunedin-Christchuroh, Wellington-Napier, Wellington-Auckland, Napier-Gisborne, and Napier-Auckland. 9. A long-distance communication is a communication made by telephone over one of the Morse (telegraph) circuits named above. 10. Communications under these regulations may also be obtained at intermediate offices on any of the above-named long-distance circuits or over a portion or the whole of any two of them if circumstances permit. PBIVATE LINES. Conditions undbb which Line will be constructed, supplied with Instruments, and maintained. 1. Application should be made direct to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, for any information regarding the cost of construction and the conditions under whioh private lines will be constructed or supplied with instruments. 2. The erection of private lines is not permissible on telegraph or telephone poles, nor may such lines be connected with departmental earth-wires, except as specified in clause 3. 3. Private wires between places of business or other premises within towns where there are telephone-poles available, which in the opinion of the Secretary, General Post Office, may be used for carrying suoh private wires without detriment to the Department's business, may be erected on such telephone-poles at the cost of the applicant, and maintained by the Department at the following rates, payable yearly in advance:— For the first mile or fraction thereof, £2 per annum, and 10s. per annum for every additional quarter of a mile or fraction thereof. i. If a private line or any portion thereof cannot be erected on any existing telephonepoles, and therefore necessitates the erection of new poles, then for suoh new line the maintenance will be at the rate of £4 per annum for the first mile or fraction thereof, and £1 per annum for every additional quarter of a mile or fraction thereof. 5. The applicant must use the line for his own bona fide business only, and must on no account, directly or indirectly, allow the line to be used for any purpose which might be construed as an attempt to defraud the Department of its revenue. 6. The Department may construct private'telephone-lines on behalf of the owners, but will not license any person to construct his own telephone-line. 7. The construction of a line erected by its owner and at his risk is subject to the oonsent of the County Council, Road Board, or other local body; but such consent will not abrogate the claims of the Department to the right of road. Any private line interfering with the construction or maintenance of any departmental line will be liable to removal on the order of. the Minister. 8. Private lines intended to be connected with a telephone bureau must be equipped with bridging-bell telephones supplied by the Department, the cost of whioh, including battery, is £5 each. Any other apparatus or material required for the construction of a private line may also be purchased from the Department, provided it can be spared by the Department and cannot be obtained from any dealer in such goods. 9. The Department does not maintain private lines or telephones constructed as indioated in clauses 6, 7, and 8. 10. A private line may be connected with a telephone-office at whioh there is no telephone exchange on the following conditions:— (a.) The line must be led into the office under the supervision of a departmental lineman to a lightning-guard, switch, and telephone. The owner will be charged with the lineman's time and expenses while engaged in the work.