THE TELEPHONE SERVICE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2095, 3 June 1907, Page 2

THE TELEPHONE SERVICE

CONTINUOUS ATTENDANCE WANTED.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

Many times recently attention has been drawn to the question of continuous attendance at the telephone exchange. Tho Farmers’ Union affirmed the idea at a recent meeting, and other bodies have taken the matter up.

A good exemplification of the good continuous service would do was supplied yesterday in the case of tho ac-cident-to the Squall. A crew had to row about five miles from the ship to the town, which was a very uncomfortable trip. If the telephone exchange had been open the crew could have rowed to the Wainui beach and telephoned the news' to Gisborne from there. Yesterday the news took four hours to get to Gisborne, whereas the telephone would have brought it through in much less time. Yesterday’s accident was, happily, not very serious, and no great harm was done by the news of the accident being late in coming to town; but cases whore tho quick receipt of the news would be of vital importance can be easily imagined. Quite apart from the necessities of tho country districts is the necessity of the town. Gisborne is now a considerable mercantile centre, and sooner or later the business community will cry out for continuous service at tlie telephone' exchange. As mentioned a fow days ago, it will bo possible to get continuous attendance if £6 a year be paid for all business and private telephones in placo of the £5 now paid; and we understand that within a few days a potition will be drawn up for signature by those willing to make tlie extra payment for continuous attendance. Two hours on Sunday Is not sufficient. The hours are 7 to S a.m. and 4to .5 p.m. The'morning attendance is at an awkward and inconvenient time, and in tlio afternoon it is difficult to get attention, there being so many calls.