The Gorge Telephone.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1487, 22 October 1885, Page 4

The Gorge Telephone.

(To the Editor of Woodville Examiner.) Sir,— Re your local on telephone communication through the Gorge, as there are always two sides to a question, I think when you have read mine, that neither you or the settlers in Woodville will throw the blame on to my back. Now, sir, in the first place, as soon as I heard that there was likely to be telephone communication between the bridge and the ferry, (not officially ; I think I first read of it in your valuable paper) I at once asked Mr Walker, who is employed by me as ferryman, if he would kindly undertake the duties of working the instrument. His answer !was that he really had not the time to spare, neither could he expect Mrs Walker who has a large family to attend to, without some remuneration should be given. Now, sir, to show you and settlers generally that I was not against it, but was in favor of it and ever keeping their interest in view, and rather than have communication, I consented to allow the instrument to be placed in my hotel, where I know a greater number of the travelling public are in favor of having it at the hotel in preference to the ferry house, for days and days together we are working at the river side for hours and hours, and some times have to have our meals brought down to us. You see, sir, we could not very well leave any work which we might be about doing to run ten or a dozen chains to send a message ; neither could we hear a call from the other end. I ask where is the difference between my house and the ferry house. It won't cost any more to lay it on to one house more than the other. Besides, my family are always at home, and some one or other could easily attend and transmit or receive replies without any delay whatsoever, which I am sure delays would occur was it in the ferry house. I am quite agreeable to work the instrument gratuitously for the good of the travelling public, and think on the other hand in consideration of so doing they ought so to place such instrument wher eit will give the operator the least trouble. However, I say now they can erect the instrument at the ferry house and I will work it myself when there, but will not be held responsible for anydelays which might occur. Apologising for trespassing so much on your valuable space.—I am, &c., Thomas Lowes, Lessee of Ferry.