Our Hinterland.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 84, 9 December 1913, Page 5

Our Hinterland.

MAIL COMMUNICATION.

SOME DISSATISFACTION. Readers will recollect that a conference of delegates from local bodies was held some time ago at Whangamomoua. Matters arising therefrom were discussed at the meeting of the Borough Council last night. Mr A. Coleman, clerk of the Whaugamomona County Council, forwarded replies from the General Post Office regarding the erection of a telephone lino between 'Pabora and Tain, and the establishment of, a mail service between Ohura and Whangamnmona. In the ease of the telephone service, the Assistant Secretary wrote: “The erection of a line between Tatu and 'Pabora would not provide a through telephone service between Taranaki and Waikato. To provide such a service, it would be necessary to erect a metallic circuit between Stratford and On game at a cost of several thousand pounds. The erection of such a circuit lias been very seriously considered, and as the . expenditure involved is not at present warranted by any possible estimate of the business to bo returned for it, a favorable reply is out of the question.” On the other matter he wrote: “The desired service cannot he established at present, as the expenditure involved is not warranted. Ihe matter will, however,' he further considered when tenders are being invited for the performance of inland mail services generally for the triennium 1916-18. The Kohnratahi-Tahora service, costing £65 per annum, will not expire till the end of 1915, and could not ho abolished in the meantime.” Mr Coleman, in bis covering note, said: “This Council considers the reply of the Government most unsatisfactory. The Council also requests that all public bodies interested be so informed and would "be pleased to receive any further suggestions re this matter, as the present position is’ most unsatisfactory.”

The Mavor said the Council should back up the Whangamomona County Council. Cr. Richards moved: “That this Council again urges on the PostmasterGeneral the desirability of a mail service between Whangamomona and Oliura, - and the extension of telegraphic communication between Tahora and Tatu; and in support urges the certain development of that district, which will ensure satisfactory progress in the near future.

Cr. King seconded the motiqn. He said that Paten had been promised a Hew post office, while Stratford had to put up with the present unsanitary building. , , Cr. Fredric objected to the Council supporting a movement when the Government had gone into the matter and had decided that the work was not worth the money.

Cr. Masters said it was highly necessary to worry all Governments before citizens got their rights. Cr. Richards said all that Was fising asked for was telephone communication between Tali ora and ’ Tatu. They did not demand- communication with the Waikato. The £7OOO expenditure was not asked for.

Cr. Fredric said he had no objection to the connection, but ho thought £7OOO was too much. The motion was carried.