Speedy Cable-laying

A system by which telephone cables can be laid at up to three or four miles a day is illustrated in these pictures, taken by the Resident Engineer at Gisborne for the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr J. Skurr, during the laying of cable for the new Patutahi automatic exchange project

The system uses a modified mole-plough into which the cable is fed trom a truck travelling alongside. The cable is burled 18 inches in the ground. The two views of the operation on this page were taken about midway between Patutahi and Ngatapa. Fifteen miles of cable were laid in a fortnight, and in the best day, 18,500 feet were laid.

The exchange at Patutahi, similar to that at Manutuke, will be completed next year. A new exchange is also scheduled for Ngatapa.

×

 

• 

×

 

•