THE POST OFFICE SITE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 292, 7 April 1941, Page 4

THE POST OFFICE SITE

FROM negotiations between the Post and Telegraph Department and the Whakatane Harbour Board/, it would appear that the site for the new Post Office had already been fixed, and that the department in spite of the representations of the Chamber of Commerce had arrived at a decision itself, and was proceeding to negotiate for the purchase of the section on the west end of the Strand. The Chamber with an eye to the preservation of business and the maintenance of the present commercial centre favoured the purchase of the corner block opposite the square, the two storied buildings on which could be demolished and, a clearance made for the erection of a modern postal building with yards adjoining. Unanimity in this direction was,' however, largely dictated by a common, wish to show a united front to the Government at the time, and there would be few now, of those who voted for the site who would not be prepared to agree that the scheme was expensive and the new structure cramped. However, the matter appears to have shifted of its own accord, and in spite of any objections which may be held by the Harbour Board, it is likely that the site opposite the Rock will become the permanent one for Whakatane's long-delayed Post Office. Indeed if any real obstruction were encountered it would be perfectly legal for the Department to take the land under the Public Works Act, and thus force its surrender. Residents of Whakatane, therefore, have now to accustom themselves to the fact that the new building (when its construction is authorised) will be erected on the cleared land between the last shop on the Sftrand and the Borough Council Chambers. The facts governing its choice are reasonable and sound, being equi-distant from all parts of the-present Borough, being probably the most central point for the business area of the future; and giving ample space at the present time for the construction of yards and Departmental workshops. Though a certain percentage of the business firms whose premises are adjacent to the present post office, will oppose the site, fearing a fall in trade as a consequence, we feel that it is up to them to view the proposal in a broader light and to look rather to the progress and appearance of the town as a whole. What could be a better introduction to the town than a splendid public service building opposite Pohaturoa, with ample room for gardens and. perhaps flanking lawns. It is fairly obvious that the town will grow down. Commerce Street in future and if the projected main highway is eventually brought across the flats as proposed and discussed so often, the new building will be a natural hub of an important threeKvay intersection. The points at the present juncture are (1) that Whakatane needs a new post office, and needs it badly, (2) that a substantial grant has been on the estimates for four years, and (3) that the Department has already decided upon a site which is apparently viewed favourably by its officers. It would appear the best attitude in the interests of the town as a whole,- is one of broader tolerance and an eye to the future. These two attributes will assist forward the project which the town has impatiently awaited for the past four years.