NEEDS OF SEFTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 108, 12 June 1914, Page 9

NEEDS OF SEFTON.

DEPUTATION TO HON. B. H. RHODES. On his way back from Waiau yesterday; the lion. R. Heaton Rhodes" (Post-master-General) made a'call at Sefton, where he was waited upon by a deputation which made, several requests for further postal facilities, ete. Mr Hugh F. Thompson, who acted as spokesman, asked for the establishment of a telephone exchange or bureau at Sefton. It was pointed out that the nearest, telephone was at Balcairn, and that Sefton was the only township in the neighbourhood without telephone communication with the-city. It was thought that a sufficient number of subscribers could be obtained to warrant the establishment of an exchange. If they could not get the number necessary for the exchange, they would be satisfied with a bureau.

The Minister said he would obtain a report from his departmental officers, and would give the matter careful consideration. It might be necessary to ask for a guarantee against loss in connection with an exchange. Mr Rhodes promised to send on to the Minister of Railways a request for a verandah at the railway station, and the lengthening of the platform. He also promised consideration of a request that the practice of sending letters for Balcairn and Ashley to Rangiora first be discontinued, and a direct service instituted.