Startling results of the reduction of telephone charges, which came into force on October 1, have been announeed by Sir Kingsly-Wood, the Postmaster General. In the. first week orders for more than 12000 new telephones were received, compared with about 5,000 for the average week before October 1, At the same time the number of discontinuations dropped greatly, so that the nett growth Of telephones installed was about 8.500, which is four times the ordinary figure.
Long-distance traffic, too, between London and Scotland and London and the West, increased by 700 to 800, in tone instance by 1,900 per cent. The hight long-distance traffic, now at a shilling a call, any distance, totalled 135,000 calls, compared with 63,500 the week before. At this rate handsome profits are certainly in view.
'The only complaint so far heard is that the equipment is not equal' to the demand—though the staff certainly do their best—with the re-Sult that if sometimes takes a very Tong time to get a connection. More wites, in short, are needed.
That fact, by the way, put the Chinese Legation in curious contrast with the numerous other Legations in Portland, which were flying flags half-mast in tribute King Alexander of Yugoslavia. But etiquette demanded that, on a day of. such Importance to' China, the flag must fly from the top of the mast.
Cabinet Changes Rumourea In connection with Sir Kingsley Wood's success at the Post Office, rumour is again most clamorous and positive that he will shortly take Sir [Edward Hilton-Young's place as Binister of Health, In this, one cannot help reading passionate wishes aswell as. belief.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.