TELEGRAPH MESSENGERS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18219, 1 November 1924, Page 14

TELEGRAPH MESSENGERS.

AN ACUTE SHORTAGE. (special to "the press.") AUCKLAND, October 31. A considerable shortage of messenger boys is being experienced by the Auckland Telegraph Office. Though the latter part of tlie year is generally responsible for a falling off in the number of boys applying for employment, the present shortage is more than usually pronounced. The Auckland office messenger staff is about sit when at full strength, but at present is over 20 short of that total. The Telegraph Department is trying to meet the difficulty by telephoning some of the telegrams from the office instead Of delivering them in the ordinary manner. This temporary measure has been met by business houses in a helpful spirit once the difficulty has been explained. Still, the Department is reluctant to extend this practice more than is absolutely necessary. Schoolboys are also being employed for three or four hours after they have left school, and this is also helping to meet the position. It is anticipated that the shortage will be got over at the end of the year, when boys leaving school make applications for employment. The present state of affairs has lasted for about two months, and a similar difficulty has been felt in the Wellington office.