POST OFFICE HOURS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5114, 13 April 1927, Page 2

POST OFFICE HOURS.

MINISTERS’ AID SOUGHT.

extension asked for paeroa

The opportunity of the visit of the Hons. A. D. McLeod and K. S. Williams to Paeroa on Monday was taken by the local Chamber of Commerce to advance the request fol' the post and telegraph to be open between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evenings. Messrs. E. W. Porritt and E. Edwards represented the chamber, and the latter drew the attention of the. Ministers to the fact that Paeroa was growing, and the time had arrived when the hours should bo extended. Mr Edwards explained that after several requests the department had advised in June, 1925, that the business did not warrant the opening of the post office at night. The town was growing and developing rapidly, and it was understood that since the erection of the new post office the telegraph business had nearly doubledIt was pointed out that Paeroa had enjoyed the facility of having the office open for a great many years, but the hours had been restricted during the war period and had not been lifted.

With the provision of up-to-date hotels at Paeroa, a great many people were now visiting and staying in the town, apart from local and district residents who would appreciate the convenience. Instances were quoted where, travellers had been forced to travel either to Waihi or Te Aroha in order to get their postal and telegraphic business through in the evenings. There was also the matter of press telegrams, which, in themselves, would contribute in no small measure towards the revenue that would accrue. Realising the inconvenience of the present arrangements the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association had undertaken tp support the chamber’s request. It was desirable that the Post and Telegraph Department snould be regarded from a point of public facility and convenience as well as from a financial aspect. A request was made that the change should be given a trial, say, for six months.

Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P.. who introduced the deputation also strongly supported the request. Although outside the province of their departments, both Ministers agreed to place the matter before the Postmaster-General for further consideration.