Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISf R. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875 "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 427, 20 January 1875, Page 2

Tuapeka Times. AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISf R. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1875 "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Thkke have been many complaints regarding the changes which have taken place in the mail contracts this year ; but no district has more cause of complaint than the Tuapeka one at the manner in which the postal authorities have treated the service between Tapanui and Tnapeka. For years, a weekly maU service' existed between Lawrence and Tapanui, and, as the latter place increased in importance, a bi-weekly service found no stronger advocate than it did in this journal. A trade of no small extent had sprung up between the two places, and their commercial interests were getting daily closer allied, when, in a moment and without any intimation, the mail route is changed, and, in the change, Lawrence is separated from Tapanui by 100 weary miles. By this new arrangement, a mail occupies four days between the two places — time that could be competed against by a heavily laden Tapuuui bullock team, with every chance of its. winning.' Nothing could be more absurd, so far as this service is concerned. We believe the change was made to suit the coach which has been laid on between Clinton and Tapanui. Well, we are very glad to know that Tapanui is going ahead at such a rate as to keep abi- weekly coach miming to and from Clinton. Nothing gives us more pleasure than to see a district prospering, more especially when that district is one in whUh we have always taken a deep interest ; but we think the action taken by the postal authorities in cutting off, to all intents and purposes, communication between two risirig towns, whose business connections are of the most intimate character, is, to say the least of it, most unjust If it was necessary to have a mail via Clinton, which we do n^t for a moment doubt, it waß all the more necessary, that the mail wiiich had ruu for years via Tuapeka should be continued. The Switzer's mail coach passes within fourteen mileß of Tapanui twice a week, j and on the score of economy, convenience and suitableness in every respect, as wellas of absolute necessity, a mail at least once a week should be despatched by that route. Numerous complau ts from T*p W ui h*Y9 ?<w&94 us as to &9 tote '

delivery of letters and papers by the Clinton mail. It will be admitted ou all hands that quick and regular communicationbetweenbusiueßscentrescannotbeover estimated, and the jirowintMimponijaj^e qf Tapanui deserves more attention from the postal authorities than" it has yet received. The place has been bo far neglected that it has not even now a money order office, and every additional privilege it gains appears to be given most grudgingly. A direct mail service between Tapanui and Tuapeka is absolutely necessary. As to sending letters round by Clinton, the thing is utterly absurd. The distance from Lawrence to Tupanui by the nearest route is 30 miles, whilst that by the mail coach via Clinton is close upon a hundred. We trust some speedy arrangements will be made in the direction we have indicated, and thus bring to an end the annoyance and inconvenience which the chilnge of route has created.