NEW POST OFFICE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21415, 6 March 1935, Page 10

NEW POST OFFICE

_—* RANGIORA'S NEED PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES A DEPUTATION The assurance that the work on the erection of a new post office at Rangiora would be begun as soon as possible and that plans and specifications for the building were already being prepared by the Public Works Department, was given by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) to a deputation representing the residents and business community of Rangiora and the surrounding country districts which waited upon him at the borough council chambers during his short stay at Rangiora yesterday. The Prime Minister said that he would like to have been present to lay the foundation stone before leaving for England, but although this was now impossible, he did not think it would be long before Rangiora had its new building. The deputation consisted of the Mayor (Mr W. A. Rowse), Mr J. C. Smith and Mr F. T. Ager (representing the Rangiora business people), Mr W. Stalker (chairman of the Rangiora County Council), Mr R. Peach (chairman of the Kowai County Council), H. T. Metherell (chairman of the Ashley County Council), Mr J. Fitzpatrick (clerk of the Kowai County Council), and Mr J. R. Wilkinson (clerk of the Ashley County Council). The Mayor said it was some time since they had received the Prime Minister's intimation that they were to have a new post office, and they would like a definite statement from him before he left for England as to when the work on the new building was likely to begin, because, as they had stated to him before, the need of a better building which would accommodate more business was urgently needed.

Mr Smith said that they did not want to worry the Prime Minister unduly over the matter, but they did not want him to forget them in the bustle of his many interests. Mr Ager said that although the deputation was a small one it represented a large body of interests in the Rangiora and surrounding districts. Mr Stalker stated that they were concerned with the date on which the foundation stone would be laid. He hoped it would be in ire very near future. Messrs Metherell and Peach said that both the town and country people wanted better facilities to transact their business. Prime Minister's Reply The Prime Minister in reply said that it was recognised that the Rangiora district did a great deal of business and that post offices were becoming the Government centres in districts such as Rangiora. It was agree.] in Wellington that Rangiora was a gruwing district and that was why the iden of additions to the present building was shelved in favour l,x the erection of a new building. They need not have any doubt about getting the ■ post office, as it had been definitely approved by Cabinet and the Public Works Department was working at present on the plans and specifications. He would have liked to have laid the foundation stone of the new building before proceeding to England. Although that was now not possible the work .voukt be pusheu ahead as as possible. "I have a great deal of confidence in Rangiora," continued the Prime Minister, '"as I consider it is one of the most solid little towns in New Zealand, and there is no doubt that it should be properly equipped to carry out its business." Mr Forbes concluded oy saying that he would urge the authorities in Wellington to hurry up the work as much as possible and he did not think it would be long before Rangiora had its new post office.

Mr Rowse said that he was sure the people of Rangiora would appreciate what dhe Prime Minister had done for them because it was chiefly through his efforts that they were going to have the new building.