KEEPING COMMUNICATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 695, 21 June 1929, Page 6

KEEPING COMMUNICATION

RESTORING OF TELEGRAPH DAMAGED OFFICES AND LINES Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. - The Post and Telegraph Department is faced with a difficult task in restoring and keeping up communication in the ’quake-stricken area. The main shake damaged many post office buildings, while lines were brought down in many places. At Westport the department has been relying on radio from steamers in port, and sent over two operators by plane from Christchurch on Tuesday. There is intermittent communication by an insulated land line. The plane, with the operators, took a mail to Westport and came out with one, but it has not been possible to keep up the air service owing to the weather. A party of ten telegraph officers left Wellington on Tuesday by -the Kartigi to replace the Westport telephone exchange, which will be transferred to the Public Works Department building. The post offices at Nelson, Greymouth, Hokitika, Motueka, Reefton, Blackball, Runanga and Hanmer Springs have all suffered damage. Rush conditions continue at the Nelson telegraph office, all the staff co-operating splendidly in rendering great service to those in afflicted and adjoining districts, and their friends abroad, the hours being worked far exceeding those of the Christmas rush period and work being done under very trying conditions.