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Tuesday, 19 December 1911

Mr JOSEPH COOK (Parramatta) (5:54 AM) . - I frankly admit that I am chiefly concerned about items relating to metallic circuits. Only £16,600 is proposed for metallic circuits in New South Wales. I have experience of the telephone systems of all the States, and I believe that the New South Wales system is the worst of them all.

Mr Frazer - Item No. 4 dealing with metallic circuits is inter-related with item No. 2 dealing with the construction and extension of lines and of conduits, and in replacing the wires underground.

Mr JOSEPH COOK - I suppose that to some extent that is so. What we should like to see is a bold stroke made to complete the metallic circuits. I am afraid that if the Postmaster-General had even more money to spend he could not spend it with the staff at the disposal of the Department.

Mr Frazer - I have told the honorable gentleman of the extremity to which we are ndw reducedin having to ask people concerned to do this work themselves at reasonable rates under the supervision of the Department.

Mr JOSEPH COOK - I think that is a very sensible course to follow, because the Minister must realize that he could not within the time spend the money voted on these works with the departmental staff alone.

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