A NEW POST OFFICE

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 18898, 29 May 1936, Page 6

A NEW POST OFFICE

The deputations that waited on the Postmaster-General yesterday and placed before him their views regarding sites for a. new post office in Hamilton, had one thing in common—~they agreed that a new building was urgently needed. The Minister, it is pleasing to note, frankly admitted that existing arrangements were unsatisfactory, both from the public and the departmental point of view, and Mr Jones was able to give the assurance that the differences of opinion with regard to thesite for a new building had not held up the work. The preparation of plans must take time so that, at this stage, nothing has been done actually to hamper building operations.

The very definite statement made by the Postmaster-General, that the Department did not wish to go off the main street, will make it necessary for the Borough Council to re-examine its plans and proposals, as this limitation of sites would make the one recently endorsed impossible. However, there will be time for the Whole matter to be reviewed for the Minister has agreed to receive a further deputation in the course of the next fortnight. The desire of the Postal authorities to have a site on the niain street seems to be a matter of policy. In Invercargill there is a square in front of the present post office and the citizens are protesting strongly against the proposal to use it for the purposes of building a new block for the Department. Some of the statements made by members of the deputations‘ were very controversial. The ratepayers have not had an opportunity to express their views on any proposal involving loan expenditure so that no one can say definitely what support any plan would command. But the Minister’s replies seem to have limited the choice, and it will be the duty of the Borough Council to deter—mine its policy within the limits set, unless it can convince the Postmaster—General that its own plan would he in the interests of the Department, the borough and the district.