SOUTH WESTLAND MALL SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1918, Page 1

SOUTH WESTLAND MALL SERVICE

Mr B. Ward, County Chairman, is in receipt oi' the following letter from the Chief Postmaster Mr. A H. Stuart, in refernce to the. South Westland mail services:— On the 12th. September last the Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department called for tenders for the conveyance of mails between Ross and Wehelta, and also for alternative tenders for the two sections of the line, viz: — Ross to Hari Hari, and Hari Hari to Welieka. There were no tenders receiv ed and the present contractors declined to make an offer for the renewal of the contract. So far as I call see there is "no offer in sight at present for the renewal of the contract In its present form. The present contract expires on the hist, proximo and if no reasonable offer is received tlie Department will he compelled to discontinue the service. The settlers should clearly understand the position. May 1 ask for your kind assistance and advice in this matter with the object of maintaining the service Mr Ward has replied that fresh tenders should he invited for the mail services without delay and moie publicity given through the press than was done' on the previous occasion, it might be advisable in the alternative to call for a motor mail service. In connection with the latter suggestion copies of the Chief Postmaster’s letter are beiim sent to the Hons. Grimmond and Michel in Wellington, asking that they interview the Postmaster-General ana Hon Minister of Public Works, and if possible secure a grant up to for throwing motor bridges across the four principal streams between the Mikonui river and Waiho Gorge, to ensure an uninterrupted motor service in all average weather .