POSTAL SERVICES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 260, 27 June 1932, Page 6

POSTAL SERVICES

POSTMASTER APPEALS TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR BUSINESS REDUCED POSTAL RATES. The Rotorua postmaster, Mr. A. M. Robertson, attended a meeting of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce on Fri day evening for the purpose of explaining the reduction in postal rates and the desire of the department to render services. He pointed out that about 12 months ago the Government, being in need of revenue, had raised the postage rate. That rate had now been reduced and he asked the businessmen to make use of the department for the delivery of accounts, 'etc., and pointed out that the office offered a safe and efficient oervice. Circulars and letters were all carefully delivered to the houses. The system of handling "Householders" had been thoroughly jeffective and it was now possible to even enclose samples. Rotorua businessmen could also make good use of the postal service for rural delivery. Both the department and the busiaessmen wished to secure all the trade they could get, and the postal delivery would be beneficial to both parties. In the matter of sending out accounts, the postal service would also be found advantageous. It was better to pay ad for the p'ersonal delivery than have the "Householders" thrown over the fences. Parcel rates had also been reduced and parcels up to 141b- could be posted for a maximum of 2s 4d. He fully realised that thd post office existed to give service, and he would be glad at any time to consider any suggestions which would help Rotorua. Mr. G. Steele asked if there was any chance of a decrease in telephone rates ? Mr. Robertson replied that if they asked long enough for wh^it they wanted they could generally get it. But it was a matter of policy. Mr. N. M. Keane referred to the heavy charges made for toll calls to Te Whaiti and other places in the district. Mr. Robertson promised to send on all recommendations made on the subject. He recognised that the department wanted business, but there was a big capital outlay on the lines to be taken into consideration. Mr. Keqne contended that it seemed hardly fair not to have a delivery of mail on Wednesday afternoons. In reply, Mr. Robertson pointed out that Rotorua had a full-day delivery on Saturday, and the department tried to give the postmen, who had long hours, a half-holiday. However, he would look into the question and see what could be done.