Telephone

Background

Ballarat born Henry Sutton made Australia's first telephone and invented the telephone handset less than year after Alexander Graham Bell patented the device in 1876.

History

In 1882 the Crossley Telephone Company proposed to establish a telephone exchange or connecting station in Ballarat when sufficient subscribers made it viable. Crossley to include "the efficient working of the telephonic apparatus by skilful operators, whose duty it will be to switch on communications 'between' the exchange and subscribers, or desirous of communicating with each other.' The Ballarat agent was Joseph Sleep.

BALLARAT TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

We had the opportunity yesterday of inspecting one of the Crossley switchboards and telephonic apparatus in full working order at the office, No. 80 Sturt street. The switchboard is a very ingenious invention, combining simplicity, and strength. It la the invention of Hr Louis Crossley, of Halifax, England. This form of switchboard has been sent to Australia as the best of more than a dozen supplied to most of the exchanges in Europe. It consists of a board, against which are fixed, a certain number of horizontal brass bars, which are let a little into the wood. In front of these is the same number of vertical bars, upon each of which slides a small key, which connects the vertical with any of the horizontal bars desired. Each of the vertical bars is connected with a sub scriber's wire, so that by means of the horizontal bars and the sliding key any two subscribers ’ may be placed in instant communication. Underneath the board is a very ingenious invention for indicating the subscriber who wishes to be placed in com munication with any of the others. It consists of a small electro-magnet, above which is a small armature connected by means of a small catch with an arm, upon which is a red disc. When a current of electricity is sent through the magnets the armature is attracted, freeing , the catch and allowing the arm to fall, out, and exposing the red disc underneath the subscriber’s number. The advantages claimed for the switchboard are that the vertical and horizontal bars are of great strength, and prevent the possibility, of confusion, which frequently, occurs in other forms, and that it is very simple and cannot get out of order. The batteries used are the Leclanche. The Crossley switch boards are used exclusively, by the New South Wales Government in the Sydney exchanges. It is proposed to form a connecting station, into which all subscribers' wires converge (which is the meaning of the word, “exchange", through which subscribers in every part of the district can converse freely with each other.

By 1890 the Ballarat Telephone was inadequate for the services required.

THE BALLARAT TELEPHONE. A SECOND LINE REQUIRED.

BALLARAT, Saturday.

Since March, when the Post-office department prepared a return showing that the longest wait for "Melbourne" at the Ballarat Telephone Exchange was 15 minutes, and the average number of daily calls 38, business has obviously increased, and much irritation is being manifested at the difficulties of communication with the metropolis. Some of the subscribers have gone into figures, which tend to show that so far this month there cannot have been less than 60 calls a day, and that it is a common experience to wait from 20 minutes to half an hour before the single line can be secured. It is not denied that sub-scribers, after repeated calls, frequently cancel their orders for the service.

The trouble is accentuated by the fact that business is just commencing to improve at the Mining Exchange after a term of exceptional dulness, and shareholders are apprehensive that there will shortly be a complete block. A feeling is also manifested that the departmental averages are based not on 312 business days, but on the full number of days in the year, including Sundays.

By 1896 Ballarat subscribers were seeking a reduction in fees to make them on par with Bendigo.

BALLARAT TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. - A REDUCED SUBSCRIPTION ADVOCATED.

A meeting, convened by Mr F. W. Niven, was held yesterday, at Craig’s Hotel, to consider the question of the charges made for telephone service. There was a large attendance, most of the subscribers of the Ballarat Telephone Exchange being present. Apologies for absence were received from Drs Pinnock, Woinaraki, and Scott, Messrs A. M. Greenfield and Cos., Permowan and Cos., Jas. Long, Strickland, and J. D. Woolcott, all of whom expressed willingness to agree to any course decided upon by the meeting. Cr J.G. McDonald, Mayor of the City, presided. The chairman said he had made enquiries at the Post Office as to the prices charged in other cities. In Bendigo, for the hours from 8.30 to 5.30, £6 per annum was charged; in Warrnambool £8; in Geelong, for business premises, £8; and for private residences, £6, with £1 extra for every half-mile beyond the first mile from exchange. The reason why the charges were less in Geelong was owing to there being more subscribers there. Mr Niven said he had assisted in an attempt to secure a reduction of the charges about two years ago, and although they received promises of over 20 additional subscribers in the event of the charges being reduced, the department took no action. He thought it would be best for the present subscribers to cease subscribing unless a substantial reduction was made in the charges. If they adopted this course in would soon bring the Government to its senses. Mr Vaughan considered that the telephone system would be better if managed by a private body. He did not think it would be wise to give up the telephone service, which was a great convenience. He thought that by the ezercise of a little energy a number of new subscribers could be obtained. Dr Hayes pointed out that as the number of subscribers decreased the value of the telephone service diminished. Messrs A. Williamson, J. Phillips, and A. Levy also spoke in favor of a reduction of the charges. After further discussion Mr F. W. Niven moved “That this meeting is dissatisfied with the excessive charges made at the Ballarat Telephone Exchange, and suggests a reduc tion to £6 per annum for day service, as at Bendigo, and £8 for all day and night ser vice.” Mr Levy seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was generally agreed that if more sub scribers were needed before a reduction could be granted they could easily be obtained by employing the services of an active can vasser. It was decided that a deputation, consisting of the Mayors of the City and Town and Mr F. W. Niven shonld wait upon the Postmaster-General in reference to the matter.

In 1899 the telephone line between Ballarat and Melbourne was opened.

TELEPHONE TO BALLARAT. OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE LINE. BALLARAT, Monday.

The formal opening of the bureau at the local public buildings in connection with the telephone between Ballnrnt and Melbourne took place to-day with considerable ceremony. Among those present were Mayor Elliott and city councillors; Messrs. J. Y. M'Donald, D. Ham and E. Morey, M's.L.C. ; R. T. Vule, M.L.A., and other representative gentlemen, together with Messrs. W. Shiels, postmaster; J. K. Brown, chief of local telegraph staff; T. Martin, chief receiving elerk; and Bolton, inspector of works. The line gave every satisfaction, the voices being audible a distance of 8 feet from the in strument. Mayor Elliott first rang up Mr. Duffy, Postmaster-General, thanking him on behalf of the citizens of Ballarat for the many favors received at his hands, and hoping he might long be spared to administer the affairs of the department. Mr. Duffy was also congratulated by the mayor upon the fact that conversation could now be held by telephone with the residents of Melbourne. The Postmaster-General, In replying, con gratulated Mayor Elliott and the people of Ballarat on the opening of the direct telephone line to Melbourne, which was the first long distance connection in Victoria, and, he felt almost certain, in Australia. After further Interchange of civilities, a "chat" was held between ex-Mayor Shoppee and the Secretary to the Premier, who was asked to convey to Sir George the congratu lations and goodwill of the citizens of Bal larat. Subsequently the mayor entertained the company at the city hall, when a number of toast were honored. Good business was done at the bureau dur ing the day, a number of private messages going through to warehouses and other establishments nn the metropolis.

In 1950 improvements in telephone facilities where foreshadowed for rural areas, and automated exchanges for Ballarat suburbs.

More lines for rural telephones

Improvements were now being made in telephone facilities for both Ballarat and Bendigo, Mr. G. T. Chippindall, Director-General of Posts and Telgraphs, said yesterday.

The capacity of the Ballarat switchboard was being increased to 4,200 lines, and additional trunk line switchboards were to be installed, he said.

Automatic trunk exchanges would be opened at Alfredton, Brown Hill, Ballarat North, Eureka, Sebastopol, and Wendouree during the next few years, and suitable sites for these branch exchanges were now being selected.

Site

The Post Master General's (PMG) Wendouree Training Centre was located at 333 Gillies St, Wendouree. In 1956 the corrugated iron Nissen huts on this site housed both new Australians and Olympians, and from 1958 is where Telecom/Telstra technitions were taught telecommunications theory, mathematics, metalwork and drawing among other topics. The PMG was broken in two in 1975, becoming the Australian Telecommunications Commission (Telecom) and the Australian Postal Commission (Australia Post). The training section started to reduce staff in the late 1980s, leaving Gillies St site in 1992.

Community Involvement

1906 Ballarat Telephone Subscribers

#	Telepone Number	Subscriber
	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
	6
	7	Pearson & Mann, Barristers and Solicitors, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
	8
	9
	10
	11
	25	Heinz Bros, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
	31	Brokenshire & Coltman, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
	188	Cobb & Co, Bath Street, Ballarat
	215	Newton's Hotel, Sturt Street, Ballarat
	284	Ballarat Coffee Palace, Lydiard Street, Ballarat (Next to Ballarat Railway Station
	308	Horace G. Troup, Barristers and Solicitors, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
	422	Gordon Brothers, 35 Armstrong Street, Ballarat
	423	Angus' Rialto Cafe, Sturt Street, Ballarat (Opposite Ballarat Town Hall)

1912 Ballarat Telephone Subscribers

#	Telepone Number	Subscriber
	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
	6
	7
	8
	9
	10
	11
	60	Ballarat Brewing Company, Armstrong Street, Ballarat
	99	Coulthard's Ballarat Business College, 411 Sturt Street, Ballarat
	188	Cobb & Co, Bath Street, Ballarat
	197	Buck's Head Hotel, Bridge Street, Ballarat
	227	Lake View Hotel, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat
	284	Ballarat Coffee Palace, Lydiard Street, Ballarat (Next to Balarat Railway Station)
	289	Provincial Hotel, Lydiard Street, Ballarat
	707	Ballarat Electric Supply Company, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat

1914 Ballarat Telephone Subscribers

#	Telepone Number	Subscriber
	1
	2
	3
	4
	5
	6
	7
	8
	9
	10
	16	W. Brown and Co Cycles, 8 Sturt Street, Ballarat
	99	Coulthard's Ballarat Business College, 411 Sturt Street, Ballarat
	113	Middleton & Middleton, 416 Sturt Street, Ballarat
	138	The Unicorn Hotel, Sturt Street, Ballarat (opposite the Hotel)
	162	Newcastle Coal and Coke Importers, Corner Lydiard Street and Mair Street, Ballarat
	215	Newton's Hotel, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat
	227	Lake View Hotel, Shoppee Square, Sturt Street, Ballarat
	232	Club Hotel, Lydiard Street, Ballarat (Next To Her Majesty's Theatre)
	284	Ballarat Coffee Palace, Lydiard Street, Ballarat (Next to Ballarat Railway Station)
	270	Charles Morris Furnishing Undertaker, Ballarat
	354	George Hotel, Lydiard Street South, Ballarat
	378	G. Ludbrook, Furnishing Undertakers, 7 Dawson Street, Ballarat
	563	H. Rolfe, Cycle Builder and Motor Expert, 30 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat
	707	Ballarat Electric Supply Company, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat
	816	Ballarat East Motor Garage
	861	Union Hotel, Sturt Street, Ballarat
	863	Carey Motor Company, Ballarat

External Links

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--Beth Kicinski 10:30, 29 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 15:26, 5 July 2021 (AEST)