THE TELEGRAPH IN NEW ZEALAND.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 135, 8 September 1870, Page 6

THE TELEGRAPH IN NEW ZEALAND.

From the Sixth Annual Report of the working and progress of the New Zealand Telegraph Department we make the following extract : —

Satisfactory progress has, during the year been made in extending the telegraph in the North Island; and the Tokomairiro to Queenstown (Lake Wakatip) section having been purchased from the Provincial Government of Otago, the system throughout the colony is now wholly under the control of this Department. The uniform charge of 2s 6d for an ordinary telegram of not more than ten words, irrespective of distance, has been reduced to Is ; a similar reduction has been made on Provincial Government messages ; and the Press Telegram rate has also been greatly reduced. It need only be said here, that the policy of such reductions has proved to be a sound one ; and that most complete details as to the results of the change will be found in other parts of the report, and in the valuable tables comprised in the Appendix. A system of Telegraph Money Orders has been established. It bids fair to be most useful ; but it has not been in operation for a sufficient time to warrant the expression of a definite opinion.

Owing to the rapid extension of the Telegraph in the Northern Island, and to the general requirements of the service, the Learners' Gallery has been fully occupied during the year. Eighteen Cadets have been instructed and have been appointed either to fill vacancies caused by the opening of new stations or to enable the General Manager to provide for contingencies. During the current year, only a few suet appointments may be made ; their number depending to a large extent upon future extension of lines.

On the Ist of September. 1869, a uniform rate of charge for ordinary and Provincial Government telegrams was established, namely — 2s. 6d. for the first ten words, for any distauce, and 6d for each additional five words, or fraction of five words ; Press telegrams being charged, for the the first ten words, Is. 6d. and for each additional ten words, or fraction of ten words, 6d. On the Ist xipril, 1870, a further reduction was made to — Ordinary and Provincial Government telegrams, Is. for the first ten words, for any distance, and 6d. for each additional five words, or fraction of five words ; and Press telegrams, 6d. for the first ten words, and 6d. for eachadditional fifteen words, or fraction of fifteen words. The charge for the signature of the sender of Press telegrams was at the same time discontinued.

The total number of telegrams despatched during the June quarter under the Shilling Tariff, shews an increase of 22,565 over those duringthe previous quarter under the halfcrown tariff, whilst the cash receipts show a decrease of £101 17s. 6d. Thus the public was largely benefited by the reduction, the Department doing nearly double the amount of work, and the Govenment receiving £100 less revenue. It cannot, however, be doubted, that as telegraphicfacilities are extended — especially by the opening through to Auckland — and as the advantages of a general use of " the wires" come to be appreciated,, the reduction of charges will prove a gain to the revenue as well as a great boon to the community.

The number of telegrams of all codes transmitted during the year was 185,423, or an increase of 29,256 on the number (156,167) during 1868-69. This increase is, to some extent, due to> the work performed on the old provincial lines, and to the opening of new stations — but it is mainly attributable to the increased facilities given to the public by the reduced charges. The immediate effect of the reduction was well shewn by the fact that during April (the first month it was in force) ,. the users of the telegraph for private purposes were 1333 in excess of those during March.

Considering the dapressed state of the colony during 1 the year, the prospects of the Department may be regarded as encouraging, and it can confidently be said that the public fully appreciate the advantages resulting from the reduction of charges, by which the telegraph is made a means of convenience usable by all, instead of a luxury, or a costly necessity in cases of emergency.

The number of telegrams despatched from Lawrence during the quarter ending March, under the 2s 6d tariff, was380, while the number for the quarter ending June, under the Is tariff, was 477, being an increase of 25 per cent.

The difference between the number of messages dispatched from Dunedin during the two quarters referred to is very marked. For the quarter ending March the number is set down in the tabular report at 4,209, whereas, for the June quarter, the number is 7,038. This increase, although very large, is a loss to the revenue of about £80 for the quarter ; but this is nothing when compared with the general benefit the cheap tariff is to the public. We have no doubt that every quarter will add to the number of messages, as people appreciate more and more the utility of the telegraph as a means of communication.