Telephone Charges.

The Committee brought under notice of the Chamber at its last meeting the excessive charge made by the Telephone Department for the use of their instruments. The Committee laid their views before the Hon. Mr. Dick, the Minister for Post and Telegraphs, strongly arguing a reduction from the present charge of £17 10s. to £10 for places of business, and £5 for private houses. In the Assembly, Mr. Fish moved for, and obtained, the appended return; and on the motion of Mr. Hurst, Member for Auckland, a Committee was appointed to consider the whole question; from the report of the Committee subscribers may confidently look for a considerable reduction At the present time Dunedin has 229 Subscribers to the Telephone Exchange.