BOOKIES’ PHONES

Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1930, Page 5

BOOKIES’ PHONES

CUT OFF AT WELLINGTON. (By Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, August 4. Consequent on a statement made in Parliament recently on the subject of the illegal use of telephones for the purposes of betting a move was made in AYellington this morning by the Post and Telegraph authorities. It is understood that a number of telephone connections which came under the suspicions of the Department were disconnected forthwith. CUTTING OFF TELEPHONES. AN OFFICIAL EXPLANATION. WELLINGTON, August 5. A statement that the cutting off of some telephones in AYellington was done by the P. and T. Department as the result of a statement made in Parliament is taken exception to by the Secretary of the G. P. 0. He pointed out to-day that such action is being constantly taken all over New Zealand, when the Department is supplied with facts. The secrecy of subscribers conversations is observed as strictly as possibly and therefore the Department must rely on outside information. The action taken here was not unusual, nor did it follow any statement made in Parliament. The customary action was to ask the police to report on any suspicious cases, and to submit a report to the Alinister, who alone had power to order the removal of any telephone used for illegal purposes. The tapping of subscribers conversateions is not permitted on any account.