OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE POST OFFICE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 31 July 1909, Page 2

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE POST OFFICE.

PRELIMINARY ARRANGE-

MENTS

A combined meeting of the Borough Council and members ol the Chamber of Commerce was held in the Council Chamber on Thursday night, for the purpose of deciding what steps should be taken to entertain the ActingPostmaster - General (Hon. Dr. Findlay), on the occasion of the official opening of the local post office. The Mayor presided and there were present: Crs. Jenks, Levett, Gibbs, Wtn. Ross, Adams, Rimmer, and Dr. Mandl (piesident ), and the following members of the Chamber of Commerce : Messrs Rev Aitken,(Phillips, M. HWalker, Hornblow, Hopper and W. Gordon (secretary), the town clerk (Mr Fraser) and postmaster (MrClemett). An apology was received from Cr Speirs. The Mayor explained the object of the meeting and stated that he had received a telegram from Mr Newman M.P., stating that he was unable to ascertain the exacj date of the Minister’s visit, but that it would be some time next week. It was resolved to tender the Minister a reception and banquet in the evening and a committee was set up to carry out the necessary details in connection with same ; with the Town Clerk as secretary.

It was unanimously proposed to invite the Hon. Mr Millar, Minister for Railways and Marine, to attend the banquet. It was resolved that deputations wait on the Minister in reference to certain local requirements, namely, the erection of a verandah at the railway station, lighting the station and wharf with gas; alteration of the local railway time-table to enable passengers to catch the afternoon Pal-merston-Wellington train at Eongburn, the speakers to be the Mayor and two others. It was decided to form a deputation consisting of Messrs J. G. Wilson, R. B. McKenzie, B. R. Gardener, F. Purnell, and local citizens, to urge the construction of the Levin-Marton link of the Main Trunk line. It was further resolved that a deputation urge upon the Acting-Post-master-Geueral the necessity for cheaper telephonic communication between P'oxton and Wellington by connecting the local office with the metallic circuit at Eevin. The member for the district will introduce the various deputations. A meeting of the sub-committee was subsequently held and Mr Eevett was appointed to supervise the catering for the banquet.

The Hon. Dr. Findlay has wired to Mr Newman M.P., stating that he proposes to open the Foxton Post Office early on Friday afternoon, 6th inst.

Mr Alf. Fraser, secretary of the Reception Committee, has received the following reply to the invitation sent to the Hon, J. A. Millar :—“I have to thank you for your kind invitation to be present at the banquet to be held on the date of the opening of the new post office at Foxton. I shall be pleased to endeavour to be present, kindly inform me as to date.”

The Secretary has also received the following wire from the Hon. Dr. Findlay, who is to perform the opening ceremony: “Many thanks for your telegram. I have offered to deliver a political address at Feildiug, and suggested Friday night. I will wire you definitely on Monday as to whether I can accept your kind invitation to banquet.”