NEW POST OFFICE

Evening Star, Issue 22440, 10 September 1936, Page 8

NEW POST OFFICE

OPENING FOR CHRISTMAS RUSH DATE HOT DEFINITELY FIXED INCREASED ACCOMMODATION AT MORAY PLACE i Although it is not yet possible to fix a definite date, Dunedin’s new Post Office will be opened in time to handle the rush of Christmas traffic. In company with Mr G. M'Namara (Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department), the Postmaster-General (Hon. F. Jones) has made an inspection of the handsome new building during his present visit, and, when interviewed to-day by the ‘ Star,’ he expressed satisfaction with the progress of the building operations. “No definite date has been fixed for the opening of the Chief Post Office but we desire that the various branches should move into their new quarters in time to handle the great volume of business of the Christmas rush,” said Mr Jones. “ The actual date when the contractors will be finished has not yet been ascertained, but the building should be Oipened at the end of November or early in December.” Discussing the future of the Telegraph Office site in Customs House Square, Mr Jones said the question of the disposal of the site would be considered when the premises were vacated. A request had been made by the City Council that the Government should hand over the piece of land to the city so that the “ bottle-neck ” thoroughfare now existing could be improved, and tho Government would be prepared to discuss any proposal when the Telegraph Department was transferred to the new Post Office. The new Post Office at the Gardens has also been inspected by the Minister, who, in announcing its opening within the next few days, said that the office would be welcomed by residents of Dunedin North, a fast-growing residential district. The increasing of accommodation for tho public at the Moray Place Post Office was being considered by the Government, stated Mr Jones. Situated in the business area, the present office was overcrowded, and extensive alterations were being planned. A new building was not proposed, added Mr Jones.