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(4)
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The Victoria Exchange has switchboard accommodation
for 5400 subscribers' lines. Two new switchboard sections are
due to arrive at an early date and when these are installed the capacity of the Exchange will be increased to 5900 lines. There is also switchboard equipment for junction working with Peak and Kowloon Exchanges. The number of lines connected on
the 1st instant was 4849. Spare equipment counting the two
new sections is, therefore, available for 1051 lines. The
switchboard is in fair condition generally, and will, on the
introduction of a new system, form & useful reserve equipment
for emergency purposes. The switchroom is already overcrowded
with plant and it will not be possible to add further subscri-
bers' equipment beyond the two new sections.
(5). The switchboard at Peak Exchange has a capacity for
300 lines and, although of an old drop-indicator type, is in
very good condition. On the 1st instant there were 208 lines
connected. There are, therefore, 92 lines available for future
use. Under my proposals, dealt with further on, in connection
with the new system this board will probably remain in use for
some time to come. The Exchange room is of sufficient size
to accommodate a much larger equipment, and the space available
will doubtless be adequate for the needs of the district for
many years.
(6). The Kowloon Exchange has a switchboard capacity for
1700 lines, 1255 of which were in use on the 1st instant,
There is also equipment for junction working with the Victoria
and Peak Exchanges. The switchboard is in good condition and
the individual sections will, for the greater part, be adapt-
able for use at outlying places at which small Exchanges may
be required after a new Exchange has been established at
Kowloon. Here, as at the Victoria Exchange, it will not be
practicable to increase the present switchboard capacity.