RAGLAN-WAIPA MAIL CONTRACT

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2865, 22 November 1890, Page 2

RAGLAN-WAIPA MAIL CONTRACT

The "old order changeth" so it would seem, and in this case not for the better. Upon the intelligence reaching here that the mail contract for the above service had been secured by a native, Kaingi Pohepohe. both surprise and regret were expressed throughout the district at the change that would take place. And there certainly is great reason for these expressions of public sentiment for whilst it is certainly right to have all public services done as cheaply as possible as your Whatawhata correspondent truly says yet we must draw the line somewhere, as there are exceptions to every rule. On public grounds taking exception here would have been the better plan. We cannot say the successful tenderer will not carry out the contract, aright. But this we do know that for six years come the end of December next, Mr Sutton has thus far carried the mail contract throughout in a most satisfactory manner, in summer by mail coach conveying tourists and visitors to our pleasant watering place, and during the winter months carrying the mail by pack horse. In all kinds of weather surmounting all difficulties of going through the flood or past the over - hanging land slip on the mountain side, ever up to time at all places of delivery, and thus far without any accident upon the road either to Her Majesty's mails or the passengers conveyed. It is said that comparisons are odious but they have to be made nevertheless, and was it thus in the old days when the mails came along carried either by European or Maori mailmen? Alas, not so. At all times of the night, often hours after the proper time. Papers and letters often so injured the writing could not be in parts of them read, causing constant growling and complaint. And when the public have been well served as they have been by the present mail contractor, can it be wondered of that they are somewhat indignant that it has been given to a native, for it is of the greatest importance to the Raglan district that good communication should be kept up so that visitors should be able to reach our health-giving shores.