TELEPHONE HOURS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5090, 18 February 1927, Page 2

TELEPHONE HOURS.

EXTENSION OF SERVICE SOUGHT. RECOMMENDATION BY CHAMBER. The question of a co itiaucus telephone service for Paeroa was introduced by the president (Mr P. Williams) at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce, when he moved that the chamber should take the necessary steps te have the Paeroa telephone exchange open continuously. In support of his resolution the president said he considered that the time had arrived when Paeroa should be placed on an equal footing with neighbouring towns. He instanced the serious inconvenience that farmers were put to when electric power for their milking plants failed, and how, through lack of telephonic information or instruction, they were frequently forced to hand-milk. The only alternative was to wait until the Paeroa exchange opened at 6 a.m., at which hour a serious delay had occurred. At present there were 92 business and 138 private subscribers connected to the Paeroa exchange. Rating of class 3— providing for. JJOI to 1000 subscribers and according to the Post Office regulations—gave Paeroa the right \o continuous telephone service. In order to obtain the desired facilities under the regulations it was necessary to obtain two-thirds of the signatures of bona fide subscribers to secure a continuous service. A petition was necessary, and it was requisite to obtain the signatures of 92 private and 62 business subscribers. The c°st for the extended hours was £1 extra, for private subscribers a eyar and £2 for business connections It was, in his opinion, a necessary step to take. The service would be an inestimable boon to the farming community, with which the interests and prosperity of Paeroa were inseparable. Mr D. Leach said that, the continuous service in other towns had proved a necessity. In view of the benefits and advantages that would accrue, as well as the assistance to farmers and others, he was strongly in favour of the extended service, and would willingly pay the extra cost.

Mr E. W. Porritt said it would mean progress in the town, and would place it on an equal footing with adjacent towns. It would be another means of putting Paeroa on the map.

Mr W. Marshall considered that tne time had arrived. Paeroa was an important link in the telephone service in the district. There were not only the hours of darkness to be considered, but also Sundays and holidays. Two hours a day was not enough on Sundays and holidays. The town required the service, and the chamber should put its weight behind any progressive movement to obtain it. In answer to Mr E. Edwards the president explained ihat no minimum number was required so long as twothirds of the signatures were obtained. Over 30 people had informed him that, they would be willing to pay the extra, fee.

Mr Edwards said that increased efficiency was wanted, and although the project was desirable, probably a considerable improvement could be effected at the local exchange. The service at the present time was not what ti should be. It was decided to approach the department and''requisition for a continuous service for Paeroa, and that the petitions be left, at the “Gazette” Office for signatures. The offer of the president to canvass for. the required number of business telephone signatures was accepted with thanks.