THE NEW G.P.O.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 80, 27 November 1912, Page 8

THE NEW G.P.O.

FORMAL OPENING

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, November 26

The Now Zealand General Post Office was opened to-day by the Hon W. Fraser, in the absence of tin Postmaster-General, the Hon. R. H Rjiodes. through indisposition. The ceremony was spoilt by persistent and drenching rain. Among those present were the Hons. J. Allen and W. H. Herries, and the Mayor, In his speech, the Hon. W. Fraser remarked on tho enormous expansion of postal business. In 1840 the revenue wa: only ±>62. In 1888 it was £282,000. and last year it amounted to £1,087,000. He paid a, tribute to the men who built up the Department, mentioning the Hon. AY. B. D. Mantel! •”'d Messrs John F. Hoggard, and W. Gray and Sir Julius Vogel. The con tract for the present building was lei for £93.000, and the total cost, including the land, was £173,000. Ho then opened the main entrance with r key, amid cheers, followed by the National Anthem. The public then inspected the interior, and refreshments were provided. The Mayor, Mr D. McLaren, also said a few words. The new building is one of the best equipped for its purpose in the southern hemisphere. The mail room measures 116 ft by 50ft, and for the transaction of parcels work nearly 11,001 square feet of floor space is provided in the basement.