THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 316, 24 December 1862, Page 5

THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

The introduction of the use of the electric telegraph in New Zealand became lately an accomplished fact, by the contemporaneous construction of two short lines of wires—one between Lyttelton and Christchurch, and the other between Port Chalmers and Dunedin. Short as has been the time which has transpired since their completion, their public utility has been apparent enough, combined with the knowledge of the value of the telegraph all over the world, to induce a disposition on the part of the different Provincial Governments to extend the system over the country, and it may now be reasonably expected that in a short time communication by electric telegraph will be established between province and province, and between town and town, as is already the case in other parts of the colonies. As the nucleus of this contemplated general system, a description of the Otago line—that between Port Chalmers and Dunedin—may not be Without int^reatt

This line wag constructed, under contract with the Provincial Government, b\' 3lr Richard Woollcy, who had been previously engasjc.l in connection with railway and other public works in Victoria. Though only about nine miles in length it extends over a line of country of varied contour, making the line of wire an extremely angular and exposed one, while there is throughout its length very different, and often indifferent, holding-ground far the posts. By the adoption of an unusually large'proportion of angular brackets, and by other precautions, these .difficulties hare been comparatively overcome, and with a recent improvement in the character of the .posts towards the Dunedin terminus, the line is now received as satisfactorily constructed— a fact apparent by its very regular working, notwithstanding a severe probationary trial by. the prevalence of occasional thunderstorms and violent gales. As in the simple construction of the line, so in the details of the mechanical appliances for the development and reception of the electric fluid, everything is on the Victorian model—the several instruments being of the most approved descriptionand, on account of this perfect adaptation to the purposes of the telegraph, are well worthy of inspection. In attempting to convey an idea of them by description, it is necessary to premise that, whatever, form the electric telegraph assumes, it—as is well known—derives its efficiency from three conditions:—lst. A power to develope the electric fluid continuously and in necessary quantity ; 2nd. A power to convey it, without dissipation, to any distance required; and 3rd. A power to cause it, at its destination, to produce written •wr printed characters, or some sensible si»u serving the purpose of such. ° The first—the development of electricity —is effected, in the case of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers' Line by what are known as Chester's batteries. Ot these there, are two —the main and the local. The main battery consists of plates of zinc and platina placed alternately in glass cells, and worked with water slightly accidulated with sulphuric acid. The local battery is more powerful, and is composed of copper and zinc plates, worked with acidulated water and saturated solution of sulphate of copper. Being on the same principle as Daniel's constant battery, the current generated by it maintains, with certain conditions, a uniform strength. It is by this battery that the third essential—the " register," or printing instrument—is wrought. The second condition—the transmission of the fluid—it is scarcely necessary to say, is effected by the use of iron wire coated with zinc, to prevent oxidation, and attached, at each point-of suspension, to earthenware insulators.

Ihe third essential—the printing instrument—is as interesting an item of~the mechanism as any. To understand the working of this instrument it will be necessary to mention one of the peculiar properties of the electric current, and the application of it will then be readily comprehended. When a current oi electricity passes round a piece of soft iron it imparts to it strong magnetic virtue, which-magnetism is immediately withdraw oa the cessation of the current. So instantaneous is the action of the current that the iron may he made to acquire and lose the power many times in a second. The application of this principle to telegraphy is very simple. A small beam vibrates on centres carrying at one end a short bar of soft iron fixed at right angles to it, in the same horizontal plane, in the form of a cross. The other end carries a style or steel pricker. Just underneath the armature, or bar of soft iron, is placed the electro-magnet. This is a rod of soft pure iron, forming a core to a bobbin, on which is coiJed several hundred feet of copper wire, wrapped with silk and coated with sheliac for the purpose of insulating the numerous coils from each other, so as to preventthe lateral escape of the electric fluid irom coil to coil. Every additional coil within certain limits increases the power of the magne*. Above the style at the other end of the beam, are two tiny brass collars, moved by clockwork, and these draw the paper ribbon—upon which the message is impressed—through the instrument at a uniform rate of speed. On the roller nearest, and just above the style, and which is encircled by the paper ribbon, a small groove is cut. The clockwork is moved by a weight regulated by a governor or fan. The weight is placed on the principle of " sustaining power," and can therefore be wound up without stopping the movcmsEt of the rjllers. This arrange" ment of the different parts being understood, we proceed to show their action. The clockwork is set in motion, and the paper is drawn slowly and steadily through. A current o electricity is sent through the coil of wire, the iron core becomes a magnet and attracts and draws down the armature above it, elevating of course^jthe other end of the beam, and forcing the style and with it the paper into the small groove on the surface of the roller. This leaves an impression or raised line on the paper, similar to the mark of a finger nail" and if the current is continued, a long line is produced. Let the current act for an instant only and a dot is the result. The beam is restored to hs first position, when the current ceases, by the action of a sprin^. A small commutator or key, nearly similar In action to the key of a piano-forte is used for transmitting the current; when it is pressed down the current flows, when raised, the current censes. When the key at Port Chalmers is depressed the electric fluid immediately traverses the line to the Dunedin office, enters the coil of wire, imparting magnetic virtue to the iron core. The beam is depressed and the style indents the paper with a line or a dot, according as the current is of long or short duration. In fact every impulse of the key at Port Chalmers instantly produces a corresponding impulse of the instrument in Dunedin, and the combiiiation of lines, dots, and spaces hem«- perfectly under the control of the sender, it is easy to imagine how an alphabet composed of these symbols can readily be formed. We have supposed all this time that the "re- , gister " is worked directly by the current which traverses the line, but in practice such is not the case. Another instrument called a " relay "—the same exactly in principle as the " register," only far more sensitive and delicate is used. A much weaker current will work this instrument, and the constant variation of the line current affects it less. When the armature of the relay is attracted, it closes or completes the circuit of a local and more powerful current confined merely to the office and which works the register. Only the other day, during the prevalence of a thunderstorm, lightning struck the line at some elevated point between Dunedin and Port Chalmers, and this instrument—the " relay"—in the Port Chal-mers-office, having thus received in excessive quantity of the electric fluid, had its coils of fine wire completely destroyed, thus stoppinofor a time the working of the line, At the same time vivid sparks flashed from wire to wire in both offices, rendering the function of the operators apparently no enviable one, though danger always be averted when the presence of a storm is apprehended, by cutting off the instruments, and connecting the wires'with the earth. Moreover, in New Zealand, severe thunderstorms are of comparatively rare occurrence, and the chance 3of interruption to communication from this cause much less than in many parts of the worlds With good instruments, and a smoothly working line, the next requisite is the employ-? ment of efficient and attentive operators, and in this instance such were, with other accessories, secured, by Mr "VYoolley, who has since" disposed of his interest in the line to Messrs, Driver and H'Leab, Puuedrnj by itia aow carried bo.

TOWN BOARD. '

The oulin.'iry meeting for business of the Town Board was held yester.Jay afternoon. In the course of the mcce-iutf, Vhic'.i was ,very protnicted, all ihe "ie<tjbers were p-^sent for some time, 3Hr M'Lccd excepted. Sir WebD was iv the chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. AN OU> WATER COTJESE. , A letter was read from Messrs E. B. Martin and Co, High-street, stating that they were in course of m:king the foundation for a new store, j and that an old water course was Interfering with their plans. •■'■'; ! The clerk was instructed to inform Messrs Martin that any waste, water which came they were to make use of as they chose PRIXCES-STBEET PUMP. A letter was read from Mr P. Barker complaining of annoyance caused by the pump near the Theatre Hoyal. ■ •••'■ ; After discussion the pump was considered too useful to be removed 'altogether-as yet, but it was agreed to remove it to the kerb stone under direction of the clerk. PUBLIC WATER CLOSETS. A letter from Inspector Nimonwas read calling attention to the .absence of public water closets, and recommending that one be immediately erected in connection with the urinal in Jettystreet. " ■-■■■' '-.'■■■■■ ■■■..■; Mr Jenkinson moved that the erection be immediately proceeded with.After some conversation it was agreed to have plans prepared and submitted to the Board, with an estimate of the probable cost. STAGNANT WATER IN HOPE-STREET. A report on; this subject by Messrs Griffin and Webb was read. . Several plans were proposed for removingl the nunisanee. ...... Mr Switzer moved that the hole be filled up so far as to avoid stagnant water on the street, until it could be dealt with by the City Engineer. Mr Cargill seconded the motion, which was agreed to. OFJFICKS FOR ENGINEER. A letter from Messrs Lambeth and Co. was read, offering to let two rooms in Stafford-street for this purpose, at a yearly rent of Ll5O. Objection was taken to the matter not having been made sufficiently public, aud.it was agreed that offices be advertised for. BLASTING IN" TUB CUTTING. A letter from Inspector Klrnon was read, complaining of blasting being carried on in the cutting in Princcs-^treet during the day, and without any precaution being taken for the protection of passengers. Mr Jenkinson retcrrcd to a previous resolution of the Board on the subject, by which it was ngrfed that no firing be allowed after a certain hour in the morning, or bejbre another hour in the evening. Agreed to refer the inspector to that resolution, with instructions that he should act upon it. ORNAMENTAL LAMPS. An application from Mr James Osgood, Empire Hotel, loi* leave to erect two lamp-posts opposite his premises. Leave was given. J"! TOXWELL'S RESIGNATION. A letter ironi this gentleman was read, resigning his appointment in consequence of beinoobliged to leave town. The resignation was accepted. THK CEMETERY. The following letter from the Provincial Secretary was read :— Provincial Secretary's office, ' T Dunedin, i7ch Dec, 1862. Sir,—ln answer to your letter of he 26th ult., I have tlie honor to convey to the Town Board the assurance of the Government that the hitherto unallocated portion of the present cemetery reserve will not be further sub-divided aud appropriated as Denominational cemeteries. I have the honor to be, &c, ~' ~, (Signed) Tnos. Dick. Mr Cargill thought it was locking the door when the steed was stolen, but it was so far satisfactory. After some conversation, Mr Cargill moved that at next meeting of the Board the matter be brought up and considered. TOWN HALL, HELL TOWER, &C. The following report from the committee appointed to inquire into the question of a Town < Hall was next read ::— _ Thei Committee appointed to inquire into the ad- I visabilyof erecting a suitable building for a Town. \ Hall, and an appropriate site for the same, beg to re- : port that they have taken into consideration the'l absolute necessity of providing inov-i office room than '. is afforded by the present building, they would recommend that such portions of a Town Hail be built ' as would meet the present reQuirements, and that ' such portions should contain a Board Room and not ': lessen an four offices. ' . ; Your Committee would further recommend that the ■ building at present occupied by the Board, on account '• oi its centra! position is a convenient site to appropriate for a fire engine, hook and ladder house; as a small outlay will make it suitable for these purposes Several sites present themselves as eligible for a. iown Hall, but until further informed about these and as to the general idea of the Board on the subject, the Committee is unable to report. Signed oa behalf of Committee, rp, - „ . , THOS. ReDMAYNE. Tlie following were the sites referred to: Section 20 Block XV, site in Dowling-sfcreet, ditto adjoin- ■ ing-present offices, ditto ia Manse-street, and ditto near the future Government offices. The report was received, and on the motion of ; Mr Redmayne further time was giv^n the com- '■ mifctee to look for a site for tlie Town Hall. i A long discussion followed on the fire engine j accommodation. j Mr Catgill moved that, in order to meet pre- i sent requirements, the staircase of the present j Board Room be removed, and the whole space ) given for accommodating the fire engine, &c. j'•: that a bell tower and watchman's house h& erected in Dow ling-street on a plan to be provided by the Board ; and that Government be appealed to for a farther portion of the Reserves on which the Board House at present stands, topermit of present offices being enlarged. ■:- The motion was ultimately agreed to, and the i Clerk instructed to draw up a plan for erecting- ! the staircase on the north side of the present building. PLANS FOR ENGINE HOUSE, &C. _ The Board then proceeded to consider the designs fr>r the proposed engine house and bell tower. Eor the two prizes of £10 and £5, there were &even .competitors, and the Board had great difficulty in arriving at a decision on the subject. Several members were of opinion that a building from anyone of the designs could not be erected for the stipulated amount £500, and therefore that they could not entertain them. A motion to that effect was put and lost. The designs were voted upon seriatim, ■. but rio. single oue commanded}:a ; majority^ it being contended that this was placing those who had iried to keep to £500 in an unfair position. Several other methods of arriving at a decision were proposed without success. Ultimately it was agreed on the Chairman's suggestion to vote by ballot on-them without taking into consideration the conditions stated in. the advertisement. This was done, when it was found that the competitor with the motto " Labor Omnia Vincit" had gained the first prize, and '• Foreman" the second prize. . SEAL FOR THE BOARD. On the motion of Mr Switzer, it was agreed that a steel die and seal should be procured immediately for the use of the Board. Mr Reid (Clerk) caused some merriment; by telling how, when using the present seal, he had to melt the wax ia an old metal spoon. STREET LAMP POSTS. On themotionof the Chairman, seconded byMr Switzer, it was.agreed to advertise for tenders for 100 and 200 street lamps. SALARY OF CLERK. Mr Webb read the following report of the Standing Orders Committee on the proposed increase of the Clerk's salarjr:~ v. This Committee, to whom the proposal before the Board for increasing fche salary of the Clerk was remitted for consideration, have the honor to reportThat, in the opinion of the Committee, the raising of this-question, at a time when the affairs—andj, perhaps, the constitution of the Board,—urgently require re-modelling, is-inopportune. And the\Gommittee reconimead that, if the- Board is iuclinedto advance the salary of tHe present Clerk, the increase should not exceed £50 per annum, For tne Committee. ■ V ' ■"■•■ ■■■;..■' '.--■'■■■, :•;"■• •' ■■.:■■■-•: j'-V- ---\ : :';.-■ ".. .;• #; " (Signed)" :X Si! ; Mr Jenkinson asked how it was inopportune; ? The Chairman pointed to the inevitable changes in the Board, and the possibility that the Clerk, or Clerks, of the Board should be legal gentlemen. Mr Jenkinson said that the Clerk was fairly entitled to an increase. On a division it was carried by a majority that the salary be L«Hh

KEDUCTIO2T OF ASSt6S3tEKT. t ~Mr"Wel>b having vacated.the chair, brought forward his motion that the a^essmea he * reduced. He FaitJ that his Honor the S'jparinten-'-ent had instructed him to in.onn the Bwr 1 that Government were quite prepuied to b-i cons>enting i parties to any reduction, only requiring additional security iv the debentures about to be issued for any sum short of LIO.OOO which the assessment might bring in. As the rate at presont stood it amounted to Ll 1,818. and he moved that the rate he reduced one-sixth. Mr Switzer said there was no document before them ofik-inHy to show what the Superintendent or bankers might do. Ho did not doubt the member's word,, but as a matter of business they ought to have such statements in writing. . Mr Webb asked if it was- necessary to have their consent at all?. After some discussion, Mr Switzer moved as. an amendment—" That the assessment be'reiluced one-sixth, if the necessaiy arrangements can be made with Government." Mr Webb withdrew his motion, and the amendment being seconded WMr Jenkinson, was unanimously agreed to. ADJOURNMENT. The Board then adjourned to the first Tuesday in January, when it will meet for ordinary business'and on following days for hearing appeals against assessment. _ .