A CHRISTCHURCH COMPLAINT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2878, 16 September 1916, Page 10

A CHRISTCHURCH COMPLAINT

TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Chrlstchurch, September 15. Dr. Thacker, M.P., has telegraphed, to the Hon. Dr. M'Nab, PostmasterGeneral, as follows: —"The repeated serious interruptions by storms of the North and Soutli Island wire communication (seriously affecting business and denying us late war news) still continue. Will you obtain at once a comprehensive report for the securing of at least one safe line of telegraph or. cable between the two islands? This matter is urgent." Dr. Thacker also brought the matter under the notice of the Hon. G. W. Russell tp-day, and the latter promised to communicate with on the subject. Mr. Ell, M.P., said,that officers of the Tolegraph Department, as on previous occasions, urged that a sccoud cable should be laid, but the question of expense had prevented this being done. Dr: Thacker' said his ideavwas there should be a second cable to Kaikoura, or some other safe place on the coast. The Hon. Mr. Russell thought- it was extraordinary that the land _ lines could not bo strengthened .sufficiently to ensure their safety. It would he a huge expense to provide another cable station and staff, and it- would be better to strengthen the land lines. The Mayor suggested that what was wanted was a wireless station at Christchurch. . " .Mr. Tucker: Wo ought to have one on Godley Head. The Hon. 0. W. Russell remarked that one wireless station would not- be sufficient to tope with the work between the two islands