Historical information

The Postmaster-General's Department (PMG) was a department of the Australian federal government, established at Federation in 1901, whose responsibilities included the provision of postal and telegraphic services throughout Australia. It was abolished in December 1975 and replaced by the Postal and Telecommunications Department. Telephone calls were transferred through exchanges by manual operators who staffed switchboards throughout the country. The clock was used to time calls in order to levy appropriate charge for telephone usage.

Significance

The use of manual telephone exchanges played an important role in Australian telecommunications history, not just for day -to-day business and commercial use, but for social connections and communication during emergency. This timer has local significance as it was used at the Wodonga Telephone Exchange.

Physical description

A small clock used by switchboard operators to time calls at the Wodonga Telephone Exchange. Lever on the side operates timier.

Inscriptions & markings

In centre of clock 'C. of A./P.M.G -50"
Insignia of the Junghans Clock Manufacturers
At the bottom edge of the time "Made in Germany",