NEW TELEPHONE LINES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 375, 5 July 1911, Page 2

NEW TELEPHONE LINES.

CONDITIONS ON WHICH LINES ARE ERECTED. Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., having received numerous inquiries re the above, forwards the following information for publication:—"A telephone line will be erected on a guarantee being given by the County Councial, or by six reputable settlers, for five years, or on a lump sum being paid, on the conditions stated hereunder: — "I.—The Department will assume half the risk of a deficiency. "2. —If the proposed line is guaranteed by the County Council, or by Bix reputable settlers, an annual payment to be made of half the estimated deficiency, in advance, for five years. Should the revenue, added to the subsidy, exceed the total expenditure —including maintenance charges and 4£ per cent, interest on cost of construction —half the amount of such excess to be refunded up to but not exceeding the subsidy paid. "3.—lf a lump sum is paid, an amount equal to the annual subsidy for four years to be accepted, and the revenue each year for five years credited with one-fifth of the amount paid, a refund being made on conditions similar to those detailed in the preceding paragraph. "4. —A suitable person proposed as telephonist to agree to provide accommodation, and to perform the duties for a salary based on a fee of 2d per telegram, with a minimum of £5 per annum, unless it is stipulated that the office is to be conducted gratuitously. Gratuitous service will mean the re-' duction of the total deficiency by the amount of the minimum salary.

"The above terms are conditional on funds being authorised by Parliament. "