RESTORATION ADVANCED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1942, Page 3

RESTORATION ADVANCED

ADDITIONAL RETAILERS NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS Reorganisation at the Post Office NO INCREASE IN RENTS ALLOWED • Masterton retailers are gradually getting back to normal business and every day sees additional shops opened for trade. Yesterday cracks in two or three buildings opened up and dangerous positions of the structures are being 'dealt with. Portion of the front of Messrs Gawith, Biss and Wilson’s building was pulled down this morning by the use of power from a traction engine. The building occupied by Mr W. H. Snowsill, chemist, and Mr H. W. Rishworth, dentist, has been roped off, as bad cracks are showing in the facade. A widening of the cracks on the front portion of the Bank of New Zealand was also noticeable this morning. Last evening two charges of gelignite were exploded in the ruins of St Matthew’s Church, followed by a third this morning. The greater part of the structure has now been demolished, i Excellent progress is being made in reorganising the Masterton Post Office services. The temporary arrangements are functioning pretty well, though the staff obviously is working under difficulties. It is hoped, within a day or two, greatly to improve the facilities for dealing with the public. The Postmaster, Mr M. M. Simpson, expresses his deep appreciation of the fine work done by the staff, tradesmen generally and Army personnel. There are reports that the owners of some vacant premises are putting up the rents to prospective tenants, said the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, this morning. He hoped these reports were not true. Mr Jordan suggested that the premises should be let on a pre-earthquake basis, as if there was any tendency to increase rents the matter would be controlled by regulation if necessary and made retrospective. Mr Jordan said he hoped it would not be necessary to take that action.