POSTAL MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1922, Page 2

POSTAL MATTERS.

A LOCAL INTERVIEW. ! i Last night at 7 o’clock MessrH Jeffries and Evans, delegated by the Westland Progress League, waited on I Mr Markham, Assistant Secretary to j the Post Office, in respect to matters affecting the Department in this district. The Chief Postmaster of Greymouth (Mr Milvey) and the local Postmaster (Mr Coles) were present also. The matters dealt with were:—Reopening Woodstock telephone office. It was pointed out the cost was trifling and residents would have a long hilly walk to Riinu, the nearest office. The Woodstock population was increas-i ing of late. Mr Markham stated he would inspect the local conditions the following day, and communicate his reply later. Regarding a twice weekly mail to Waiho Gorge all the year round, it was pointed out this convenience existed in pre-war times. Mail carriage was now cheaper than during the war period, 'and the present service was giving a quick connection which was appreciated. Mr Markham said it was a question of cost, and he would require to look into that aspect before an answer could be given.

A ferry telephone at Waitangi was next discussed. A tentative suggestion was made to the local body to erect .a private line from Matainui to the proposed ferryman’s house using the Government poles, and this suggestion is to go before the Telegraph Engineer.

Regarding the settlers’ telephone service for Inter-Wanganui Flat, it was stated this was well advanced, and on the visit the following day it would be seen how soon the local exchange for the district could he opened.

In respect to a similar exchange for the settlers to be opened at Koiterangi, the telephone machines would be available immediately, as an automatic service was being opened at Oamaru this week, and there would ho plenty of spare machines available. The application for desk telephone machines at Hokitika could also be met very soon now, as new plant would be arriving during the next three months, and the local demands would not be overlooked.

In regard to the increase ol the bureau charge for telephoning between Hokitika and Groymouth, lately increased from threepence to ninepence, it was explained that hitherto the charge had been below the tariff rate. The telephone line did not follow the railway line, but went round by Marsden, and the extra mileage had to be paid for. In other districts similar conditions had been found to exist, and all wore being treated alike and the tariff increased. It was pointed out that when subscribers realised the great increase imposed, the revenue would fall off very materially, but Mr Markham doubted if this would be so. , j

On behalf of the Ross .Borough Council it was pointed out that Ross correspondents complained that letters to and from South Westland had to pass through the Hokitika office causing delay. It was pointed out that the present service was on trial for a month only, but in any case the Ross correspondence was very light. The Postmaster referred to the timetable respecting which some objection had been made because the mail went south on Sundays. It was pointed out the time table was compiled to give the closest possible connection for mails and tourists from other parts of New Zealand. The Tourist Department contributed £250 per annum to support the mail contract, and the business of that Department bad to he considered. Any deviation from the present timetable would not give the same close connection with the overland service and outside traffic, and the mail service would have shortcomings and inconvenience to the settlers, who were receiving the best possible connection. Mr Markham said he would look into the matter fully and when down at Hari Hari endeavour to ascertain the views of those chiefly affected, and seek to do the best he could for all concerned. The interview then concluded, the officials being thanked for their courtesy and attention to the matters brought up. , This morning the officials left for south and will return this afternoon, going on to Greymoutb by the evening train.