LONGFORD POST OFFICE.

Lyell Times and Central Buller Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 298, 6 November 1886, Page 2

LONGFORD POST OFFICE.

("to the editor of the lyell times.] Sir, —Perhaps many of yonr numerous readers are aware of the situation of the Longford Post and Telegraph Office, and as many more may be totally ignorant concerning its geographical situation. Being the chief office of the district, I think its situation as a public convenience i or otherwiie is worthy of a little consideration. The objections which can be raised agaiust its present situation are various and just. In the first place travellers cn route to the Coast from Nelson, or vice versa, would have the greatest difficulty in finding it without the strictest enquiry, and even when found it would entail a considerable loss of time, besides the inconvenience and annoyance caused to the party or parties concerned. Now, if this matter were of vital importance; for instance, if a traveller and stranger in the place were overtaken by accident, what would be his position ? Though he may be within a short distance of the telegraph office he would not see the slightest indication to apprise him of the fact; not even a sign post to direct him down a road, which, seen under orclinaiy circumstances would be considered a thiug of the past. This telegraph office is therefore valueless in any such case?. Where is a more likely placa for a c.ise of the sibove description than on a public road, and the only road I overland from Nelson to the Coast, and

what serious results may be averted by a little trouble and expense in removing the present office to a place of public convenience, where all who pass might see and avail themselves of it. Objection may be made that a traveller, in case of need, could make enquiries concerning its wherebouts, but why should this necessity of enquiry occur ? Especially when I fail to see a single reason why it should remain where at present situated. On a dark night it would be almost impossible for anyone not acquainted with the road to find the office, though directed by the nearest residents. The situation with regard to Murchison would be very little affected if removed to the main road, because in either case the river would have to be crossed, and the extra distance would b; sueh a trifle that I think no objection could be raised on that score. I believe the road formerly led close to the present office, but I see nothing in that fact to induce the Government to retain it in its present situation if it can be improved upon, which it undoubtedly can. If circumstances have led to an alteration in the road for the better, let us advance with the tide, and do not let our principle be that oi the cavaliers of olden days, which was "to seek to maintain unchanged that policy which had made the country prosperous," but let us rather that of the ever earnest puritan, which was "to make prosperity still more prosperous." Do not let us rest content with the fact that we have a telegraph office at Longford at all, but let us turn it to the best possible account; let us seek to increase its importance as a public benefit, and let us glory in the lact that the advancement of civilisation has dawned upon us. Do not let us hide our light under a bushel, or similarly, our telegraph aud post office at Longford in a hollow. For my part, and for the good of the district, I hope the Government w 11 see fit to do the right thing in this matter before long, and remove this office to the place which will best suit the public convenience. It may be a source of annoyance and great inconvenience to the postmaster to have to remove from his present home, which I can quite believe has taken considerable trouble and care to bring to its present state of comfort, but it would hardly be reasonable on his part to expect the public to support its present situation for that reason alone. r ; I remain, &c., v Y. N. Z. Upper Bulley, October 27th.