JOINED BY TELEPHONE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1923, Page 2

JOINED BY TELEPHONE.

CHRISTCHURCH TO HOKITIKA

CONGRATULATORY SPEECHES

The through telephone service her tween Hokitika and Christchurch is now completed, and last night at the invitation of the Postmaster (Mr C. Coles) the Mayoress, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, County Chairman and President of the Progress League gathered at the Customs bouse for the purpose of being present at tin* official opening of the telephone connection. The through connection was made about f) o’clock, after Greymouth had been 'connected, and those present spoke with the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr Flesber), Mrs Flesher, Mr McAlpine (President of the Canterbury Progress League), Mr Stronacli Patterson (Acting President of the Chamber ot Commerce), and Mr Horrell, of Rangiora Countv Council.

The speakers were heard very cleatlv, there being no difficulty whatever in recognising the voices. Congratulatory remarks were extended from East'and West, good wishes being expressed at it further closer touch being made between the two districts, and hopes wore expressed that the new tie would add to the present good relations between the two provinces, while good wishes for the success of the Exhibition were also extended and heartily reciprocated.

At the conclusion the connection was rung off, so that Christchurch could speak with Westport. Mr Coles then stated that the line carried over IH2 miles of wire, though the distance charged for would be 162 miles. The line came through the tunnel and the arrangements made included preparation for a heavy increase in traffic. Me mentioned that the fees to be charged for the through connection between Hokitika and Christchurch would he

Between 8 a.in. and 9 p.m., 2s 8d for 3 minutes and one-third more [ter minute after. Between 9 p.m. and midnight, Is Id for 3 minutes and 5d for each additional minute. Between midnight and S a.m., Is -Id for first 6 minutes and 3d for each additional minute.

Of course on the present service in Hokitika, the telephone will only be available between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. At the conclusion .Mr Perry congratulated Mr Coles on the excellent arrangements made and desired him to convey to the authorities their appreciation of the convenience of the installation and to congratulate the Department on the enterprise which it was hoped would be largely availed of and prove payable and successful. He felt that the connection would be more and more appreciated and used as the days go by and that the enterprise of the Department would be fully warranted.