Frasertown Notes

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 260, 12 November 1901, Page 3

Frasertown Notes

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Shkamni. is now pretty general all over the district. The clip promises to bo a good one, and if the price of wool was only up to the ordinary standard, the outlook would be bright, but while the present slump is on, sheepfarmers naturally look a little glum. The price of stock redeems the situation somewhat, but it is not as general and far-reaching in its effect as a substantial rise in the price of wool would be. POST OPRICE CRANKS. The post office cranks have been on the war path again. A public meeting anonymously convened by advertisement in the local paper, took place on Saturday evening last, in Parker’s Hall, “ to consider the question of petitioning the Government to establish an official post office in Frasertown, and telephonic communication with Tiniroto and Waikaremoana.” At the time appointed, about sixtv settlers, many of whom had travelled long distances at considerable inconvenience to themselves, put in an appearance. Shearing operations prevented a good many from attending, but most of those who were unable to attend, wrote disclaiming any sympathy with the agitation, and expressing themselves in favor of postal matters remaining as atpresent. The hope expressed by the convener of the meeting that all interested would attend was very fairly responds 1 to, but mirabile dictu 1 most of those present held views that did not appear quite in accord with those held by that individual. Mr J. Dove proposed that Mr F. Parker take the chair, but that gentleman declined. Ultimately, on the motion of Mr H. S. Ingram, Mr J. S. Bennett took the chair.

Mr H. S. Ingram said that before proceeding further he would like to know who convened the meeting. The chairman then read the notice convening the meeting in the Wairoa Guardian, but there was nothing to show by whom the advertisement was inserted, as there was no name attached. Mr Tunks said he thought it was the duty of the person or persons who convened the meeting to come forward and declare themselves, after dragging settlers from the four corners of the district at such a busy time. The convener, however. displayed a most unusual degree of bashfulness" and no one could be found to father or mother the notice calling the meeting. Mr H. S. Ingrain said he would propose “ That postal arrangements remain [ as at present, and that the Government be petitioned to establish telephonic communication with Tiniroto and Waikaremoana.

Mr S. Twigg (Mangarubi) said he had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr J. Dove proposed as an amentment. “ That the Government be petitioned to establish an official post office at Frasertown, and telephonic communication with Tiniroto and Waikarewana.’ 1

Mr J. Scott seconded the amendment. The chairman put the amendment, for which about nine voted. He then put the motion, which was carried by an overwhelming majority, quite forty voting for it. The chairman declared the motion carried, amid applause. Mr F. Parker then rose and said that with regard to the post office it was the opinion of people in business that the post office should not be in the hands of anyone connected with commercial and pastoral pursuits. He then proceeded to enumerate a string of abuses that might happen under given circumstances, but would not say that they actually did occur.

Mr H. S. Ingram said he did not see why one or two business people in a onehorse little place like Frasertown _ should expect to have everything to suit their The present postal arrangements suited the country settlers, as they could always get their letters and papers if they happened to come late, whereas in a Government office the official hours, 9 to 5, would he observed, and great inconvenience would result to people who had to work for their liviug, and were not able to call for their letters within the prescribed hours. The country settlers were opposed to any change in the present postal arrangements. A suitable office had been provided and there did not appear to be any good or valid reason why existing arrangements should be altered. (Applause.) It was pointed out that the agitation re telephonic communication with AVaikaremoana was so much moonshine, as an influential and numerously signed petition had already been forwarded to the Postmaster-General, and a reply received to the effect that the matter would receive careful consideration. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.