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Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 29 November 1880, Page 2

Dn. Lemon', the energetic and progressive Superintendent of New Zealand Telegraphs; lias originated a system of telephonic ex-: changes, and is now soliciting applications from merchants and others desirous o' availing themselves of an easy method of, establishing communication between their warehouses and residences, or with other offices. A supply of the Edison and Bell telephonic apparatus- has been ordered by the Department, and an attempt is being made to bring into operation a system of carrying on business which has proved highly successful in England and America. It is only intended, we believe, at present to establish telephonic exchanges in the larger cities, but it is probable, if the experiment proves successful, that it will be made general. The establishment of the system in any town will, depend entirely upon the extent to which the public express their readiness to avail themselves of it. The fee for the use of the instrument and wire for the year is set down at Ll7 10s where the office or residence is within half a mile of the Telegraph Office, with an extra charge of L2 for every additional quarter of a mile. Here is the only weak point in the proposal. The figure charged is rather high, and may have a deterrent effect upon many who would otherwise become subscribers ; but Dr. Lenion is probably actuated by a desire to obtain for an impoverished country a slight amount of profit out of the novel undertaking, and is, if such be the case, entitled to receive some amount of commendation.