NEW TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

Chronicle (Levin), 18 July 1946, Page 4

NEW TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

PROPOSED SITES INSPECTED Provided accommodation difficuities can be overcome, it is hoped to have the new telepnone exchange in use in the next few months, states the postmaster (Mr. L. A. Whitham). In view of the possibility of the erection of a new post office in the next few years, it is not 'proposed to install the exchange equipment in the present building. A temporary building may be ereeted to house the new switchboard, which will be of a modern design, known as a "branch multiple." It will enable each operator to contact all subscribers from his owh switchboard, instead of through a second operator, as is the case in many instances at present. Last Tuesday proposed sites were inspected by P. and T. Departmpnt head office officials, including Messrs. E. A. Munden (divisional director), S. .Hall (architectural section), R. J. Goldfinch (superlntending engineer's staff) and R. Aldridge (chief postmaster, Palmerston North) . The new equipment is expeqted from overseas very soon. Its installation will be a boon, not only to subscribers but'alsb to the operators, who at present have to contend with equipment that is not only antiquated but worn out. To maintain it in a workable condition demands constant attention from the technicians. The difficulties under which telephone service is rendered in Levin are probably not appreciated by most of the 800-odd subscribers, especially when the seven switchboards are in operation during peak periods.