OUR LETTER BOX

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 136, 13 June 1904, Page 2

OUR LETTER BOX

two nrc at all times willing to publ.sh correspondence on mutters of public interest, but it must bo distinctly understood that wu are not identified with the letters of our correspondents —ICd. Daily Nswa.) OUR MAII, SERVICES. (To the Editor,) Sir,—ln the annual report of the Tradesmen's Association which jou published on Thursday morning I regret more prominence was not ven to the question of the inadequacy of existing mail services with centres outside of the Taranaki provincial district. Thi9 defect Is seriously injuring the trade of the place, and must have a bad effect upon the community, For instance, the reccr.!. rough weather on tho coast made 'lie Manukau bar unworkablo last Sui.Jay and Monday, and consequently the Ngapuhl abandoned that trip. This means that wo have had only three mails to Auckland this week. To facilitate husi it ess wo must have opportunity for prompt communication, but'a paucity of mails with a large centre of population like Auckland means a loss to Taranaki.

In regard to tho southern mails the case is more flagrant. It will be a surprise to many that it takes nearly a week to get a postal reply irom Christchurch or llunedin, owing ,to the nlcortive connection of train and steamer at Wellington. Sir Joseph Ward, at a social recently held in IHmedin under tho auspicoßof the Telegraph Department, stated his intention of shortly reducing the telegraph charges, lfo could not fix the dato definitely, but the matter was .under consideration by the department. It would be much more satisfactory If the Postmaster-Gen-eral would provide for more prompt and rapid intor-island mall services, which would promote trado lntorefcts, creato and maintain social ties, and tend more than anything else to unite and strengthen tho national spirit amongst us. I hope the Tradesmen's. Association will take up this subject in earnest. I,t is the association which appears to have the most vitality and influence, and it would bo fulfilling a great servlca to the community If It socured some reform in regard to the masters mentioned above. It is essential that Taranaki should have a dally mall with Auckland and also with tho South Island.—l am, etc.. RESIDENT,