A VISIT TO THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE On 21st November, 1950, a party of boys representing the Science Society visited the Telephone Exchange in Lendal. On arrival we split into two parties; one party went round the Automatic Section, whilst the other party went round the Manual Section. At half time we changed round. In the Automatic Section we saw how the lines from all parts of the city terminated in a mass of wires. We saw how, by a simple process, any given number dialled was found. One selector dealt with the 1,000's digit, another selector with the 100's digit, and so on until the correct number was obtained. This number was then automatically contacted. The Manual Section was divided into a number of panels, each with one operator, who could, if necessary, deal with the whole of the city. However, when the Exchange is busy all the panels are in use. We next saw the power plant of the Exchange, which consists of many banks of accumulators. Here we were shown also a Mercury Vapour rectifier. The accumulators enable the Exchange to carry on even if there is a power cut. York is an amplifying station for all calls from London to the North. Among the other numerous processes explained to us was the 999 system. A red light flashes on as soon as this number is dialled. The operator gives this call preference over all others. If any part of the whole vast machinery goes wrong a warning bell rings, and the fault is quickly repaired. Several of our members showed interest in "back dialling". Our guides, however, refused to comment on this subject. Though the whole Exchange appeared to function very efficiently, it was pointed out to us that, in actual fact, the Exchange was about 30 years out of date, and was soon to be replaced. On leaving we all agreed that it had been an interesting and instructive visit. A vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Smith, the Traffic Manager, and Mr. Elstree-Wilson, the Chief Engineer, who had conducted the two parties round the Exchange.
THE FILM SOCIETY If "Stagecoach" was the first "Western" to be shown to the Society, it was at least a "Western" with a difference. Directed by John Ford, the story of the stagecoach's journey across the wastes of Arizona was treated in an adult manner and the film had much to commend it. Chief credit must go to the cameraman for the many long "shots" that conveyed the sense of travel, and some cloud compositions were a delight to the eye : there was, perhaps, some decline to melodramatic 34
