“RURAL DELIVERY FEE.”

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1921, Page 6

“RURAL DELIVERY FEE.”

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The proposal of the postal department, as set forth in a circular to residents in rural districts, that after January 1 next, a fee payable in advance will be charged for the delivery of their postal correspondence seems to be something in the nature of another injustice to farmers and dwellers in country districts. While recognising the need of economy, this proposal virtually means the end of all rural delivery, as fifty per cent, of the settlers will not be*found willing to pay what amounts to a class tax. Farmers are already taxed up to the limit, and it is hard to see the justice of asking them to pay (in advance be it noted) the cost of delivering their mail, while residents in towns have, at least, a daily delivery free of charge. In moving' the Address-in-Reply to the Governor General’s speech,’Mr. Dixon, M.P., is reported to have, said: “People in the country should have the best possible postal and telephonic facilities.” On resuming his seat Mr. Dixon was applauded. Did the applause come from those who are in favor of this imposition, or from that increasingly large section who seem to have a keener appreciation of mere vaporings than of practical politics? I am, etc., RURAL.