POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 4031, 16 June 1931, Page 18

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT

WELLINGTON. June 11. The revenue figures, for the Post and Telegraph Department for the quarter ended March 31 are gazetted. The department explains that the revenue from all sources exceeds that of the March quarter last year by £36,007. The earthquake at Napier,'which occurred in Feb-, ruary, had a very pronounced effect on the department’s revenue, and this applied principally to telephones and tolls where the loss in receipts was approximately £20,000. This large sum was due mainly to the fact that the telephone rentals in respect of Napier and Hastings subscribers were due on March 1. The increase in postage due to the higher rates reached approximately £43,000 for the month of March. The decrease in the telegraph business amounted to £BOOO and in toll business to £14,000. The Savings Bank business for the quarter showed an excess of withdrawals of £374,000 against £978,000 for the - March quarter of last year, so that the position for this item this year was more favourable than last to the extent of £604,000. The effect of the depression was noticeable in practically all branches of the department’s activities. The total Post and Telegraph revenue for the quarter (shillings and pence omitted), was £902,299, compared with £866.292 for the corresponding period of last year. The total revenue was £434,061 compared with £361,622 for the same period last year, and the telegraphic revenue £468,238 and £504,670 respectively. The total Post and Telegraph revenue figures for the four centres were: Auckland £127,687. Wellington £135,350, Christchurch £68,282, and Dunedin £90,663.