TELEPHONE SERVICE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5238, 13 February 1928, Page 2

TELEPHONE SERVICE.

WHANGAMATA SETTLERS’ PLEA. BETTER SERVICE ASKED FOR. The opportunity was taken by the Whangamata Settlers’ Association durinlg the visit of some members of the Waihi Chamber of Commerce who accompanied the members of the Ohinemuri County Council tpi Whan)gamata on Saturday, to ask that s,teps be taken to provide for a better telephone service.

Speaking for the settlers concerned, Mr P. Williamson sijid that the desire was to 'have a party line from Waihi to Whangamata instead, of from Hikutaia, as at present. If the route could be altered it would mean that the settlers would have the advantage of an exchange which was open longer hours than Hikutaia. It would also mean that the telephones) could be used during certain hours on Sundays and departmental holidays, whereas Hikutaia was closed on such days. The service would be a boon to the settlers, and it was pointed out that a telephone line from Waihi to Mr O. Bjerrimg’s residence, a distance of about six miles, was already in operation.

In reply to the settlers Mr J. Beeche, president of the chamber, said that representations had been made peviously and the chamber had taken the matter up on behalf, of the settlers. About 12 months ago the department had had the line surveyed from Waihi to Whangamata, but at that time it was found that the expenditure involved in erecting the line greatly exceeded the .revenue anticipated and the matter was deferred. However, the chamber would again take up the question with the Post and Telegraph Department and the association would be advised in due course.