CO129-495 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [11-12] — Page 275

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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.