KEREPEEHI POST OFFICE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5012, 11 August 1926, Page 2

KEREPEEHI POST OFFICE

STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

BUILDING NOT WARRANTED.

For some time past the Kerepeehi Ratepayers’ Association has, been moving in the direction of securing improved postal facilitiies. The member for the district, Mr A. M. Samuel, was approached, and he made representations to the Postmaster-General. The Hon. W. Nosworthy replied to Mr Samuel’s representations for a permanent post offiice building at Kerepeehi and allegations of inadequate telephone arrangements, by advising that the matters, had been veiy carefully inquired into, and as a result it had been ascertained that the accommodation in the existing premises was sufficient to meet the requiixjments Of the district. The Public telephone cabinet was, similar tb that in use at many other offices. Adjustments have now been made to the doter of the cabinet, and there should be no further cause for complaint regarding the lack ofl privacy. He was assured that the facilities provided foT telephone communications were very good, and that very few complaints were received relative to delay in dealing with telephone calls. It had been ascertained' that the facts, do not support the statements of the association, (a) “that it is no uncommon experience to have to. wait up to half a day to transact business over the wires,” and (b) “that communication with the outside ,at night ;/ft.er 5 o’clock, even? with a doctor is not possible.” When the Kerepeehi office closed at 5 p.m. the police station was connected through to Ngatea, and .the when Ngatea officq closed at 11 p.m. kerepeehi and other offices were connected through tpi the doctor’s residence. The Lands Department office was similarly connected.

In regard to the conduct of the department’s business generally, the department was, satisfied' that .the postmistress attended to the. various duties in a, capable manner, and th,at the public was well served in every direction. “In the circumstances,” the communication concluded, “the request tor the erection of a post office building at Kerepeehi cannot be gTaiited.”