LATE ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTH MAIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3742, 17 January 1928, Page 2

LATE ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTH MAIL.

LOCAL DISSATISFACTION,

For years past 'Foxton lias bad little to complain of in connection with its mail service. There have been times when Hood waters have covered the Levin-Foxton road, but despite this drawback the late mail contractor, Mr. F. Rout, saw to it that the south mails got through with the least possible delay and during a period of over ten years not a single connection has been missed and in this connection a special tribute is due to the contractor who at his own expense overcame the flood obstacle and faithfully fulfilled his duty. We need not here stress the obstacles overcome and personal risks taken by Mr. Rout in the faithful discharge of his duty. However, since the new year the department has made alterations to the mail service. The new service; in at least one particular, is causing dissatisfaction. Instead of the south mail arriving as in times past about 11.45 turn., it does not now roach Foxton until after 1 p.m., although the arrival of the mail at Levin has not been delayed. iWe are informed that the cause 'of the delay is that the mail contractor instead of picking up the south mail at Leviu starts out on a rural delivery within the Levin area. Why this outside rural delivery should be tacked on to the direct service is not explainable except on the score of departmental economy. In any ease there can be no justification for delaying the Foxton mail to meet the convenience of a few settlers who could be served by motor cycle from Levin. We have received a number of protests on the subject from local business people and the Chamber of Commerce is urged to take up the protest and lodge a complaint with the department.

We have conferred Avith the local postmaster and the chief postmaster on the matter and the latter expressed his desire to do what he could to restore the old arrangement in connection Avith the arrival of the south mail at noon.