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introduced in 1912 the use of figures was not allowed in the text; but this restriction was subsequently removed, with the result that the cheap-rate services were extensively used for business purposes. The new regulation adversely affects this practice and has been the subject of strong protests from Chambers of Commerce and individual firms. As, however, New Zealand is a party to the International Telegraph Convention, it is not possible to give any substantial relief ; but the Department is placing as liberal an interpretation as possible upon the regulation. Among the less important amendments made to the regulations are the following (a) The fee for a certified copy of a cable or radio telegram is increased to sd. for each fifty words or fraction thereof, with a minimum charge of Is. 3d. (b) Esperanto is admitted as one of the plain languages in which the texts of telegrams may be written. (c) In messages addressed for delivery at post or telegraph offices the name of the addressee must be given ; the use of initials, Christian names only, or fictitious names is not allowed in such messages. (rf) The period of validity of a reply voucher issued in respect of a cable message is extended from six weeks to six months. (e) Deferred messages may be accepted only when the half rate is applicable throughout the route. " AUTOMATIC-STAMPING-MACHINE IMPRESSIONS. The restriction of the use of automatic-stamping-machine impressions in payment of telegraph charges, to telegrams presented at offices in the towns in which the machines are installed was removed from the 27th April, 1926. TELEGRAPH ATTENDANCE. With a view to the prompt disposal of overnight cable messages, a staff of operators is now on duty at 7.30 a.m. daily at Auckland and Wellington. In consequence of the establishment of a morning newspaper at Whangarei the telegraph attendance at that office was extended to midnight. The evening attendance from 7 to 8 o'clock was restored at Waipukurau. EXCHANGE OF WEATHER TELEGRAMS. Arrangements were made for an exchange of weather telegrams twice daily for six months in the year between the Hermitage and Wailio Gorge. These advices serve as a warning and afford useful information to travellers crossing the Southern Alps. CHARGE FOR INLAND MULTIPLE TELEGRAMS. The length of text of each copy of an inland multiple telegram that may be supplied for the minimum charge of 4Jd. is now limited to fifty words. For any length of text in excess of fifty words the extra charge is 4Jd. for each fifty words or fraction thereof. TELEGRAMS FROM MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CHATHAM ISLANDS. The rate of 6d. for thirty-six words for inland telegrams from members of the General Assembly now applies to such telegrams addressed to Chatham Islands in the Lyttelton Electorate. TELEGRAPH-CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN WELLINGTON AND GREYMOUTH. Arrangements were made for a second direct telegraph circuit between Wellington and Greymouth, with Blenheim and Nelson intermediate. This outlet will expedite the handling of Press messages to and from West Coast centres. PRIVATE MORSE TELEGRAPH CIRCUIT. Upon the application of a private company, the Department leased a Morse circuit between a central telegraph-office and the works of the company, and supplied the necessary instruments at an annual charge covering attendance at the central office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Arrangements of this kind are not unknown in older countries, but they are an innovation so far as New Zealand is concerned. The Department offers every facility in thus meeting the special needs of large industrial concerns. DISTRIBUTION OF PRESS TO MIDNIGHT OFFICES. The Department has acceded to the request of the United Press Association to undertake the distribution of cable Press arriving after midnight. This obviates the necessity of messages having to be forwarded to the office of the Press Association and having to be returned thence to the telegraph-office for transmission to the various offices. It is an arrangement which not only causes no inconvenience to the Department, but enables an appreciable saving of time and handling to be effected.