POSTAL AND CUSTOMS OFFICES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 96, 11 May 1900, Page 2

POSTAL AND CUSTOMS OFFICES.

Another attempt is to be made towards obtaining the removal of the Postal, Telegraph, and Customs Offices to another site. In response to a requisition, His Worship the Mayor convened and presided at a meeting which was held at the Theatre Koyal on Wednesday evening to consider the matter. About sixty persons were present; the email number was, doubtless, owing partly to the inclement weather and partly to many not having heard that the meeting was to take place. The Mayor, in opening the proceedings, referred to the notification received from the head of the Department to extend the present premises, and said that as dissatisfaction had been caused the meeting had been convened to allow of an expression of opinion being given on the matter. Mr. R. Cock said that there was an absolute necessity for more commodious buildings, the present arrangements being of a very primitive character, and though he considered the Government would seek any excuse for avoiding the expenditure involved in new buildings, he considered that by unanimous action the desired removal to a more central site would be attained. He inoved- " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that, instead of making alterations to the present Government Buildings, new buildings, consisting cf Post and Telegraph and Customs offices, should be erected in a more central position; also that a committee, consisting of Messrs. N. King, F. L. Webstor, E. M. Smith, J, Paul, D. Berry, and the mover, be appointed to give effect to such recommendation."

The motion was seconded by Mr. P. L. Webster and supported by Mr. E. M. Smith, who promised his assistance. In reply to Mr. W. A. Collis, Mr. Ooek stated that it was suggested an exchange of land should be effected, the Government to give Marsland Hill and receive as an equivalent a part of the Borough reserve. The Mayor said be was sure the Borough Council had no objection to a new Post Office. Their duty was to further and to safeguard the interests of the ratepayers. The motion was then put and carried. Mr. Berry, in moving that Mr. E, M. Smith and the Hon. T. Kelly be asked to assist in furthering the object set forth in the resolution, said that one of the chief points had been overlooked —the time lost in travelling to and from the present office. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tisch and carried.

The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to Messrs. Fischer and Jones for use of the Theatre, and to tho Mayor for presiding.

There is no doubt that tho whole question resolves itself into one of cost of site, as, whether on the present spot or some other, additional buildings will be erected. It is evident, therefore, that the Government recognises the necessity for improvements, tho matters at issue being details and locality. On these points there is something to be said on both sides. Whother t!:o Borough Council are prepared to exchange a good business site for an ornamental ona its also a factor in the case. The Mayor was guarded in his re- ' marks on this head, placing much emphasis on united action. To thej majority of the public probably the removal of the offices to another site is I a. consideration secondary to that of j adequate accommodition. There is no doubt, however, that so far as the Customs Department is concerned i much inconvenience is occasioned by I its presont locale. At every, seaport J town this office should be placed as! near as possible to the goods shed, i so that the officers may be easily available. At present much time and temper is lost, especially by strangers, in passing goods; and whether or not the Post Office is removed, no effort should bo spared to obtain a removal of iho Customs Office to a site as near as poseib'e to the llailway Station. There thould be no difficulty in securing this,' nor in malting arrangements for the assessment of such goods as arrive | through the post. j