DEPUTATION TO THE HON. J. T. FISHER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 828, 9 December 1878, Page 2

DEPUTATION TO THE HON. J. T. FISHER.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Evans (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), Sumpter, and Connell, introduced by Mr. Shrimski, M.H.B-., waited upon the Hon. J. T. Fisher, Commissioner of Telegraphs, this morning in reference to the opening of the Oamaru Telegraph Office between 5 and 7 p.m. daily.

The necessity for complying with the request was strongly urged by the deputation, who pointed out the very great disadvantage commercial men were placed at in consequence of the office being closed during the hours named, as it frequently happened that telegrams were received about five o'clock urgently demanding immediate replies, but which could not be answered in consequence of the office being closed. This was especially the case in regard to shipping matters. The Hon. Mr. Fisher replied that, from a tabulated statement, which he produced, showing the average number of telegrams put into the various offices in other parts of the Colony between five and eight, the arrangement had been unprofitable to the Government.

It was then pointed out that Oamaru occupied a very different position from some of the places mentioned in the statement, as regarded the business done or likely to accrue from the proposed arrangement. It was also pointed out that at present the Oamaru office was the third best paying office in the Colon}', and it was only right to assume that very little loss, if any, would be occasioned by granting the request of the deputation, particularly in complying with the request of the Chamber of Commerce to give the arrangement a trial. The Hon, Mr. Fisher then said that, looking at the matter from that point of view, it assumed a somewhat different aspect, and the request should receive his consideration. At the same time he might say that it was rather a difficult matter to keep up an efficient staff of operators to supply the wants of the public. The deputation then thanked Mr. Fisher, and the interview closed.