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Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1925, Page 2

It is satisfactory to see that the question of the continuous telephone is "not being lost sight of. The local bodies are co-operating, as it will be seen that the County Council is asking the Borough Council to move in the matter, and promises support. She matter lias been fairly well ventilated, and it would appear requires only : lead now to have something definite done. Other towns much smaller i: population than this, have the convenience of the ever open telephone exchange, and it can he well understood it is a great lxxm to the community. Other towns on the Coast have the continuous service established already, and this community would not like to admit that it is less progressive than any other sister town. The continuous service will keep the district in touch with the outside world all round the clock. At week ends Hokitika is sadly cut off, just the time when conversation over long distance calls would be most convenient. The odd couple of hours the telephone is open on Sundays are not of real convenience, while on statutory holidays like Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, and Easter Monday, it proves very inconvenient indeed to have both telephone and telegraph closed almost for the full 24 hours. In regard to sudden outbreaks of fire through the night, the telephone would be a useful auxiliary for supplying a quick alarm, and might be the means easily of saving hundreds of pounds worth of property by greater celerity in the arrival of the fire-fighting appliances. In the same way with urgent medical calls, the continuous service would be of great advantage. Indeed this would be one of the most advantageous uses of the all night service, and might save much personal suffering and even life, in great emergency. Altogether, the advantages are so many, that the small increase in the fee to secure the coiii

tinuous nervice can hardly he a drawhack. About £1 per year extra on tho average will meet the requirements of the Department which will then be giving a very complete service indeed for a most reasonable charge. There will be eight hours daily extra use. and 22 hours extra on Sundays, or 70 hours extra during the week to say nothing of the holiday service. In the light of this material extension the sendee is one in the interests of the town and community which should be availed of to the fullest, and no doubt if extended hours are ensured the number of subscribers will increase thus adding to tlie usefulness of the telephone svstem.