THE OPENING CEREMONY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 465, 7 August 1909, Page 3

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

The new Post .Jsffise,w&s officially opened this aftgrn'ooa by the member for the district, Mr Edward Newman, owing to the unavoidable absence of the Hon. Dr. Findlay, Acting-Postmaster-Gene-ral, before a representative concourseof people. The front exterior of the building wasgaily decorated with flags, pride of place being given the New Zealand ensign, which floated majestically from the flagstaff. The cable across the road was also decorated with bunting. The Reception Committee had made complete arrangement for the official opening, but they didn’t take the elements into consideration. Rain set in just before 10 o’clock, and put a complete damper on the function. Dr. Findlay, who delivered an address at Feilding last night, sent word through that, owing to the flooded stafe of the Awahuri, it was questionable whether he could motor through, but would come it possible. He desired to leave Foxton in time to catch the train to Wellington. Subsequently he sent the following Anessage:—l have already explained by telephone to your Mayor that I have tried to get through this morning, but the car got stuck in the Awahuri stream, and it was impossible to get to Foxton, there being no ofher means of reaching Foxton in time for the ceremonies you have arranged, and I will be glad if the present member, Mr Newman, or, in his absence, the. late member, Mr Stevens, would formally open the Post Office. - I exceedingly regret the circumstances which have prevented my being present. I wish the ceremonies of to-day every success.— ' J. G. Findlay.

The opening ceremony took place shortly after 12.39 Plunder very unfavourable weather conditions. On the platform were the members of the Reception Committee, Mr Newman, M.P., members of the Borough Council, Mr J. G. Wilson and Cr. McKenzie (Manawatu County Council), Mr F. Purnell (president Marton Chamber of Commerce), and near at hand in a motor car '’Was Mr John Stevens, ex-M.P. The Mayor regretted the circumstances which had prevented the attendance of Dr. Findlay and called upon the Town Clerk to read apologies from the Hon. Mr Millar, who had an important appointment in Wellington, and Mr Field M.P. for Otaki. The Mayor then briefly outlined -the steps which had been taken to have the office erected, making particular reference to the assistance of the then member for the district, Mr John Stevens, who was mainly instrumental in having the present building erected. He then called upon Mr Newman to perform the opening ceremony. Before Mr Newman spoke he was presented with a button hole by Master Huia Clemett. A full report of Mr Newman's opening .-speech will appear in our -next issue. The Mayor called tor three cheers for Mr Newman and Mr Stevens- Mr Newman had the honour of sending the first telegram from the new office to Dr Findlay ’ after which the office was th rown open to the public. A banquet is being held in the Council Chambers in honour of the event.

The building is complete in every respect, and is undoubtedly tjfeq finest structure in the town. The design is old English, a style of architecture which is being for similar buildings throughout the Dominion. The whole qf the exteriqr is rough parting, painted a cream colour red oxide facings, which blend harmoniously. The interior has received careful attention to details, and the appointments are quite up-to-date, both in regard to the convenience for the public and the staff, the carrying out of which reflects the highest credit upon the administration. The material x used and workmanship are of the /Very best, and the building should meet the requirements of Foxton for many years to come. The public entrance to the building is very roomy, and contains the posting recess, with concrete floor and walls rough cast similar to the exterior. To the left is situated the private boxes; on the right is the

entrance to the public office, which is 26ftxi2ft. A massive counter with brass railing and iron net work runs almost . the whole length, with a wicket gate in centre for the reception of parcels. Opposite the counter are the publicwriting desks, glass-topped, and divided into convenient compartments by muranese glass. The whole of the interior is well lighted. At the end of the public office is situated the postmaster’s room, off which is the brick and concrete strong room, i3ftxsft; the mail room, in which are the telegraph instruments, is 24ftx3oft, affording ample space for all the fittings. The telephone exchange is a small room off the mail room, i2ftxioft. Here the young “shunter” is all alone, with nothing to attract his attention from his own particular duty. In one corner of the public office there is a small sound-proof bureau, where non - subscribers can telephone messages without fear of being overheard. Special attention has been paid to ventilation and lighting. The Postmaster’s quarters, consisting of six living rooms, are on the second flat, and are beautifully finished throughout, access to which is obtained by a fine front and back stairway. The outbuilding, consisting of battery room, coal sheds, etc., are well appointed. The building reflects great credit on Messrs Cooper and Son, contractors.