NOT SATISFACTORY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 309, 9 October 1943, Page 3

NOT SATISFACTORY.

MAILS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST. MINISTER EXPLAINS POSITION. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Postmaster-General (the Hon. P. C.'Webb) stated to-day that he agreed that the position concerning the receipt of mails from the Middle East was not altogether satisfactory. It was entirely dependent upon the availability of shipping to bring mails to New Zealand. Mails are exchanged between the Middle East and New Zealand by every available ship. Thirty-four mails had been received

this year, the average interval between their receipt being under nine days. The majority oil these had been letter mails only, complete despatches of mails comprising parcels and packets as well as letters averaging about one a month. “Although the average interval between the receipt of mails is -not 10ng,,” said the Minister. “It is the case that occasionally a very longinterval occurs. The longest interval was between August 23 and September 27, the only other long interval this year having been between April 24 and May 21.

“From the public viewpoint the position is accentuated occasionally by the fact that some vessels come to New Zealand direct, thus providing moderately fast transit, while the following vessel may trans-ship its mails at some point en route, or be diverted, with the result that the mails are delayed in reaching New Zealand. For instance, the August postings came direct to New Zealand while July postings were trans-shipped en route. They have, however, just reached New Zealand and delivery should take place early next week.” The Minister saifl it would be impracticable to convey mail by air from North Africa via the United States to New Zealand.