Siuitzerland 387 



may talk to any extent amongst his own group, but is restricted 

 in the usual way to 800 free conversations per annum through 

 the ordinary exchange to which the group is connected. If the 

 line by which the connection is effected exceeds two kilometers 

 in length, each member pays an equal share of the extra annual 

 charge of 2^. $d. per 100 meters. 



The State erects and maintains all wires and instruments ; the 

 subscribers find a free location for the switch-board, and pay for 

 all operating. 



If the group is not composed of more than five subscribers 

 the switch-board and operator may be replaced by an automatic 

 commutator, which occupies little room and can be fixed in the 

 house of one of them. When the automatic commutator can be 

 placed centrally in respect to the group, so that none of the lines 

 exceed two kilometers in length, the usual subscription is reduced 

 by i6s., and becomes 4/., 3/. 45-., and 2/. 8.T., for the first, second, 

 third and subsequent years respectively. If one or more of the 

 subscribers happen to be over two kilometers off, the extra distance 

 is paid for on the usual scale, which also comes into operation if 

 the commutator cannot be placed centrally. An extra annual 

 charge, which is shared equally by the subscribers, of 3/. 4?. for a 

 five-line and i/. 125-. for a two-line commutator is made. 



It is rather curious that the State makes a reduction in favour 

 of automatic commutators, which are more liable to get out of 

 order and require more attention than ordinary switch-boards. 

 If the cost of operating these last fell on the State instead of on 

 the subscribers, such a course might be justifiable ; but as it 

 does not, the wisdom of the procedure is not very apparent. The 

 first cost of the automatic instruments is much greater than that 

 of ordinary switches, and they are not so quick or so effective in 

 action, yet the State encourages their use by accepting lower 

 subscriptions. 



8. Rates affecting public telephone stations : 



Local talks (per three minutes) '96</. 



Internal trunks . . "i 



, , , -Qocf. in addition to the usual rates 



Telegrams forwarded . V 7 

 . for these services. 



Telephonograms . J 



C C 2 



