Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1927, Page 2

The intention to revive the request for the establishment of the continuous telephone service here has now been justified by the circumstances of the ease, in that the Hokitika telephone exchange has now so increased that it has passed into a new class, and the .subscribers arc entitled to have the continuous hours’ service, it they so petition the Depntrmcnt. The steady growth of the exchange is evidence that the utility of the service is being appreciated fully Deriving pleasure and profit from the restricted hours, it follows were the service extended to a round the clock attendance, it would he of greater utility still to the subscribers. With the “longer day which the daylight saving will create, the telephone will he more a necessary adjunct than ever, particularly in the earlier hours. As a means to communicate abroad tho continuous service is of special value, owing to the low tariff in the slack period of operating after the rush of ordinary business. This connection will he very useful now that telephone communication stretches ns far as the North Island. As to tho cost involved hv tho change proposed, for business premies there is an increase of £2 only in the ease of individual connections. Whore tlie business premises are on a two, three or four-party line, the increase is £1 only per annum. Tu the ease of residences, whether on individual or party lines tho increase whether for business or residences is only 10s per annum. For the increased change the subscribers have tho use of the telephone continuously. On Sundays and holidays under the present system, the service is very restricted, and it might he added, very inconvenient. That inconvenience will disappear with the continuous hours. There will he a special value to the subscribers by tho allnight connection in that in the event of sickness or fire, or other emergency, tho telephone will he evailahlo for urgent calls, and that need often recurs. The value for these at a distance from medical aid might he very material in special circumstances, while in town for fire alarm purposes the continuous connection will bo a special aid to deal with outbreaks in their incipient stages and so effect quick saves. Altogether the proposal merits the fullest public support, and no time should he lost in securing , the groat convenience.