THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1908. BACK-BLOCK TELEPHONES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 66, 24 January 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1908. BACK-BLOCK TELEPHONES.

THE decision of the members of Mokauiti branch of the Farmers' Union to take steps to have a telephone service installed in the district, for the purpose of enabling the settlers to have constant and efficient communication with each other, is an example which should be widely followed. To anyone acquainted with the conditions which govern life in the backblocks, one of the most trying features is the intense loneliness and isolation of some of the settlers. Such conditions possibly hold no terrors for the men folk, but women and children arc as essential to pioneers as to other sections of humanity, and, in order to overcome some of the disabilities of backblock living, and make life possible to all, no effort should be spared towards minimising the loneliness. There are, of course, other advantages to be derived from the introduction of a telephone service, and with business and social reasons operating together, !the settlers have every incentive towards carrying through the scheme. The cost of the work is naturally one of the most important features, but it is stated that with a fair number of settlers co-operating, it can be carried out for about three pounds for each connection. Local conditions, of course, affect tiic cost considerably, but assuming a district to be averagely easy to work, the amount stated is sufficient to connect the majority of settlers with each other. In the circumstances it is to be hoped no effort will be spared to carry out the project. Anything which makes for freer social intercourse, apart from the important business aspect of the case, should be heartily encouraged, and the all round benefit to the district should be widespread. It is to be hoped the£movement initiated by the Kaeaea settlers will be the beginning of a great effort in the same direction. To attempt to catalogue the benefits would be superfluous, while the cost is a small item in comparison. In the future we may confidently expect the out-back settler to regard the connection of his farm by telephone with his neighbours, as an absolute necessity, and as the consequent advantages become revealed. £he cost and labour of obtaining the boon will appear as a negligible quantity. No time should be lost in promoting the project, and in view of the probable visit of the Premier to this district, it is to be hoped the position will be placed before him, with a view to obtaining sonic advice and assistance in carrying out the work. The Premier's wide experience in such matters would be invaluable at such a time, and in obtaining the benefit thereof, the promoters would bu doing good work. The members of the Union are to be complimented upon their efforts, and are-deserving of the support of all settlers in their endeavour to better conditions in their district.