COUNTRY TELEPHONE SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 96, 17 January 1921, Page 6

COUNTRY TELEPHONE SERVICE

A REIKIORANGI GRIEVANCE,

Sir, —I would like to know if the post office at Reikiorangi is there for an ornament; I am sure it in not for the convenience of tho general public, under tho present system. Some time back I wrote about the rotten system of only being able to use it from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m., and not being connected with the doctor in Otaki after 5 p.m., and from 3 p.m. on Saturdays till 9 a.m. on Monday. Under the old Liberal Government we used to be connected with Wellington at all times, day of night, but now we are under Reform with a vengeance. Not very long ago a settler’s wife took seriously ill and living only half a mile from the post office, he naturally walked down thinking he could get connected, with the doctor,' but was told ho could not get Otaki from Reikiomngi till 9 a.m. the next day so had to go home and find a horse in the dark, then ride out to Waikanae. . . Mr. Editor, I will give you an example of how quick we receive our telegrams. One,’was sent to my place, handed in at Wellington on December 31, arrived Reikiorangi Post Office January 3 1921. I understand the Chief Postmaster has been notified about the office being disconnected with the doctor on more than one occasion, and up to tho time of wilting nothing has been done. Me read in Hansards where Ministers state that th y will encourage settlers in the back-blocks to take up land, etc., but when settlers get the Reform in post office, as we in “Reiki" have got it, when there, is so much sickness and one does not kno'S how soon one might want the doctor, I sav keep as close to the Minister s place Uyou can. Then you will always have a telephone handy.-I am,yilc, KBNT Ngat’awa, January 10, 1921.