SITE FOR POST OFFICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 577, 1 February 1929, Page 8

SITE FOR POST OFFICE

NORTHCOTE RESIDENTS OPPOSE MAYOR DEPUTATION TO MINISTER "After inspecting the two s.tes it seems to me that the one selected by the department—at the corner of Grenville and Queen Streets is the more suitable. I will so into the subject fully with the department and decide definitelv shortly.” y This statement was made to a larce meeting of residents by the Hon. j B. Donald, rostmaster-General, in the Northeote Borough Council Chambers yesterday, at which tho Mayor. Mr A E. Greenslade, presided. Tho Minister, who was accompanied by Mr. XV. G. Gow. Chief Postmaster. Auckland. Mr. E. C. Gage, district telegraph engineer, and Mr. Alex. Harris, M.p. for AVaitemata, first inspected the present post office and then the new siteProceeding to the Council Chambers he was welcomed by the Mayor. There were also present members of the Borough Council, Mr. C. A. Deuxberrv ex-Mayor, Mr. J. Taylor, and Mr. c. Fellowes, president and secretary, respectively, of the Resident and Ratepayers’ Association, and a number of residents. The Mayor, Mr. A. R Greenslade submitted that the site selected was unsuitable, and contended that the most suitable site would be at the war memorial. His remarks were received with dissent by those present. Cr. A. T. Munn strongly supported the Mayor’s proposal. Cr. F. Wilson vigorously attacked the Mayor, declaring that his proposal was “all moonshine.” The Mayor was simply side-tracking, and as a member of the council he protested against his action. It was the opinion of the majority of the council that the site • selected was the most suitable. He challenged the Mayor to take a vote, as all members of the council were present. The action of the Mayor was resented by the majority of the council. “Take a vote of the council now,” concluded the speaker, amid loud applause. The Minister, however, said that such a procedure was inadvisable, and that he was perfectly satisfied as to the feeling of the residents. Cr. J. T. Ryan. Mr. Jacks Mr. C. A. Deuxberry, Mr. N. Heath and Cr. E. J. Fraser also strongly supported the erection of the building on the original site. Mr. Alex. Harris, M.P., Waitemata, presented a petition signed by 392 residents, supporting the original site. He expressed amazement at the action of the Mayor, and said it was totally unsupported by residents. The Minister then met a joint deputation from the Birkenhead and North - cote Borough Councils regarding the installation of automatic telephones in the two boroughs. His reply was received with loud applause. VISIT TO PAPATOETOE TELEPHONE SERVICE QUESTION The Hon. J. B. Donald, RostmasterGeneral, is visiting Rapatoetoe, in company with Mr. A. W. Hall, M.P. for Hauraki, this afternoon. Several matters in connection wiffi tho postal facilities of the district will be dealt with. Mr. H. C. Ernest, president of the Rapatoetoe Chamber of Commerce, will introduce the necessity of alterations in the present charges for continuous telephone services, as it affects the business subscribers.