250 Telephone Systems of the Continent of Europe 



The number of local connections is unfortunately not given, 

 but the chief exchanges are undoubtedly very busy. In Amster- 

 dam as many as 254 connections have been given to one instru- 

 ment in one day. On January 29, 1895, seven Amsterdam 

 subscribers asked for over 200 connections each, an eighth for 

 184, and a ninth for 167 ; and this traffic is not exceptional. 

 During 1893 100,311 telegrams were forwarded from, or received 

 at, subscribers' offices by telephone. For the year 1894 the 

 number of trunk connections was 85,142. The Netherlands Bell 

 Telephone Company has a capital of 600,000 florins (49,375/.) r 

 the whole of which, together with its reserve fund, has been 

 expended in constructing its system. A special reserve fund is pro- 

 vided, out of which the cost of improvements and renewals is 

 defrayed. Last year a dividend of 9 per cent, was paid. Seeing 

 that the company's effective rate in its chief centre, Amsterdam, 

 is only ;/. i2s. g\d., this result must be admitted as very satisfac- 

 tory. 



SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ZUTPHEN 

 TELEPHONE COMPANY 



It was with much pleasure that I acquainted the shareholders last year that 

 the company's undertaking had been successfully launched. On the present 

 occasion I also feel satisfaction in being able to report that the favourable 

 expectations held out last year have been realised ; that the number of sub- 

 scribers has gradually increased, whilst the establishment and its working 

 have been satisfactorily maintained. 



The number of faults has been small and less than last year, viz. : 



Disturbances of wires ....... 68 



,, ,, instruments . . . . . .46 



Total 



114 



The company's system now comprises : 



Free connections given in terms of concession ... 4 

 Service connections . . . . . . .3 



Free connections in part payment of way-leaves . . 2 



complete ,, ,, . . . 6 



Paying subscribers 126 



Total 141 



