The Hon. R. Seddon in Feilding

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 103, 18 February 1893, Page 2

The Hon. R. Seddon in Feilding

The Minister of Public Works arrived here on Thursday afternoon last, and the opportunity of interviewing him was taken advantage of, with respect to several matters of interest to the Borough. A deputation consisting of Messrs E. ! Goodbehere (Mayor), Kirton, Sandilands, and Dr Monckton received Mr Seddon on the arrival of the 4 o'clock train, and the interview was held in the postmaster's private office. Mr Goodbehere opened the proceedings by Btating, that the business community of this town considered that the timo had now arrived when the post office buildings should be removed to a more central position, and mentioned that in the Colonists' Land Corporation reserve which is shortly to be out up in lots, a very suitable Bite for the new premises would be available. Mr Seddon enquired whether the amount of business at the present time transacted through this office was sufficient to warrant the proposed removal. The reply was to the effect that this office was one of the most inexpensively worked of any in the colony, and the turnover and returns were highly satisfactory. The Minister enquired whether the Corporation would grant a site. Mr Kirton pointed out that owing to the increased value of property in Feilding, there was no chance of their doing so, and further added that as the business is now conducted, there is no privacy in the public room, more especially as the telephone is laid on, and it is most necessary that secrecy should be observed. Mr Seddon then inspected the site of the Corporation property in company with the deputation, and undertook to lay the matter before the Postmaster-General, and ascertain the amount of business transacted through this office. Mr Goodbehere then brought up the question of a drillshed for the volunteers. The reply w,as, that appropriations under this head wojuld be allocated for the coming year, and' this subject should have consideration in due course. Mr Sandilands next referred to the necessity for a permanent Clerk of the Court for Feilding, and the need "of an additional constable resident here. The Minister said that if it could be shown that another constable was desirable, then no doubt it could be arranged that, as is done in some other districts, one of the constables could act as Clerk of the Court, and he further added that a meeting of Justices could be held to decide on the question of extra police protection, and that the whole matter should then be put into writing, and submitted to himself or the Minister of Justice. The deputation then withdrew. The Hon. R. Seddon was the guest of Dr Monckton during Thursday evening, and resumed his journey for the south by the 11 o'clock train on Friday morning.