The Jamaica Telephone Company

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the Jamaica Telephone Company

1891

   The addresses of the West India and Panama Telegraph Company and the Telephone Company appear in the business directory for 1891 -

KINGSTON BUSINESS DIRECTORY 1891 PORT ROYAL STREET - EAST AND WEST 6, West India and Panama Telegraph Co., J. Arambarry, Manager. 14, Telephone Co., C. Lambdin, General Manager.

Daily Gleaner April 1, 1891 REMOVAL  OF  THE TELEPHONE      EXCHANGE.      Some Interesting Particulars.    In a tropical country everything which lessens the necessity and trouble of moving about in the sun is sure of a hearty welcome. Nothing has contributed so much to the relief of citizens in this respect as the telephone, and it is but to be expected thereforethat wherever an exchange is established it flourishes, if under competent management. These remarks are applicable to the Kingston Telephone Exchange which we have pleasure in referring to to-day, as an instance of a private company which does its very best to meet the wishes of the public, against whom a complaint is rarely made; and, as is evinced in its latest development, achieves the reward it deserves.    The development we refer to is the removal of the central office of the exchange from its present location to more commodious premises in East Street. This was to have taken place to-day but circumstances have altered the original plan, and it will be a week or so yet before the exchange gets domiciled in its new quarters. The cause which has necessitated the change is the increase of subscribers, the value of the telephone being every day more generally recognised by business and professional men. There can be no doubt, however, that much of the success of the enterprise is due to the indefatigable exertions, the sound practical knowledge and the never-failing courtesy of Mr. C. Lambdin, the General Manager, who has succeeded in bringing the exchange to as near perfection as it can be. Within the last two years he has doubled the number of subscribers and increased the value of the business a hundred per cent. Such a fact speaks volume for his energy and business capacity.    It may interest our readers if we give a few details concerning the removal of the Central Station, which is at present, going on. The new premises which the Coy. have leased are situated at No, 2 East Street below Harbour Street, and comprise the whole building of three stories, yard &c., thus providing ample accommodation for their present wire, and allowing sufficient margin for a healthy increase in the business. The process of removal is a very arduous one, for unlike other enterprises in Jamaica which have their hours for closing and re-opening, the telephone service is continuous, and goes on forever. To remove the station and its switch board &c., would be rather a problem to most men. But in Mr. Lambdin's experienced hand the task is being accomplished. At present there are 265 wires, terminating at the Central Office, and everyone of these must first be "tapped" and "runned" — to use the technical expressions -- to the new office before the old ends can be taken down or disconnected. In other words everything has to be duplicated at the new office before the existing arrangements can be disturbed. It is Mr. Lambdin's express object not to interrupt the service more than a few minutes, and these few minutes will occur on a Sunday or at midnight so that practically no interruption will take place.    Most of the preliminary work is finished. Several long poles—the largest ever erected in Jamaica—have been put up in Port Royal Street, between East Street and Mark Lane. The tallest of these is 60 feet high and the others are only a few feet less. The new wires are being run on these, and are supported on about 20 cross-pieces. The poles are of pitch pine, and are bolted to others of cashaw in the earth. The cashaw, Mr. Lambdin informed us, is admirably adapted for the purpose, and is extremely lasting. Each pole is bolted to the cashaw and the former is also kept firm by a clamp through which the bolt passes—a device of Mr, Lambdin's, the necessity for which he has learned from experience.  When these lofty  poles,

bearing their innumerable wires, are dressed up, and painted, they will present quite a handsome appearance. It may be well here to mention that a pole inclined to one side is not an evidence of weakness but rather of strength, and the inclination being purposely given and scientifically justifiable.    The undertaking is an expensive one to the Company, but as it was necessary to be accomplished Mr. Lambdin believed in doing it well and thoroughly. From 12 to 14 men are working at it, and 15 miles of additional wire have been required. The wire is steel wire, and is chosen because it does not slack so much as other wires. From the last "office pole" to the switchboard the wires are covered with okonite* and the first cost of these alone was $240. But this is a small item in the total cost of the undertaking.    A word regarding the new premises themselves. They are not situated in the most central part of the city for a telephone office—which would be at the corner of King and Port Royal Streets. Were it placed there 15 miles less of wire, would be required. But the premises are very commodious, and the best that could be procured. The rooms are light, airy and cool. The best has been kept for the operating room, and there will be others, for the linemen, stock, &c., as well as manager's office, retiring rooms, &c., &c. The premises are certainly a great improvement on the existing office and are in every way suitable for a company which fills so important a function in the business, and private life of the city. *okonite = A vulcanized mixture of ozocerite or mineral wax and resin with caoutchouc and sulphur, used as an insulating material for covering electrical conductors. The Okonite Company is still in business Daily Gleaner, April 8, 1891    The Atlas Company steamer Adirondack which arrived here on Friday from New York brought a supply of wire, insulators and other materials for Mr. Lambdin, the manager of the Telephone Company. The business of the Company has immensely increased under the management of Mr. Lambdin, who expects to complete the removal of the head office by the latter end of this month. June 12, 1891    We are informed by the Manager of the Telephone Company, that the wires are being extended to Gordon Town and will be completed in a fortnight's time. The Company also contemplates connecting New Castle if sufficient inducement be offered.