THE HERALD. Alexandra: Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1909. POSTAL FACILITIES FOR EARNSCLEUGH.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 699, 27 October 1909, Page 4

THE HERALD. Alexandra: Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1909. POSTAL FACILITIES FOR EARNSCLEUGH.

Looking back over many years, we are forced to the conclusion that the people of Earnscleugh district are, what may be here fittingly termed, a long-suffering community. Whilst on every hand less important places have been favored with telephonic and mail communication, the residents of Earnscleugh have remained passive. Why this lethargy lias existed we are unable to say, for amongst those settlers are persons endowed with more than ordinary ability, and who take a keen interest in other matters affecting the welfare of this prosperous district. Agricultural, pastoral, mining and fruit-growing industries figure prominently on Earnscleugh, and it is astonishing that the representatives of these industries have not demanded, ere now, that the rights and privileges enjoyed by other communities should not be extended to them, and in a degree "becoming the importance of the place The further development of the fruit industry, which will result in increased population, makes it imperative that communication should be established between Earnscleugh and Alexandra. We are inclined to the opinion that, under existing circumstances, the present is an opportune time for making representation to the Government for establishing mail and telephonic communication between the two above-mentioned places It is needless for us to make any suggestions just now as to the frequency of the mail services, as the residents of Earnscleugh are perhaps the best judges, but we may be pardoned ' for emphasising the necessity of a tri-weekly service at least. The daily service may follow. Enthusiasm is essentially an element of success, and we would certainly advise the settlers to co-operate in united advocacy for their just and equitable rights The whole question could be better discussed at a public meeting, and if this were followed by a petition signed by those interested there is every reason to believe that the agitation would be successful. The cost of a telephone service between Alexandra and Earnscleugh would be trifling indeed, and to enjoy such a facility the residents would, we feel certain, contribute a portion of the expenditure of erection. We presume that the schoolhouse would be the most central place for the telephone and post office, and the- matter could safely be placed in the hands of Mr Scott, member for the district, who would lay the claims of the residents before the Government for favorable consideration. We hope to see the initiatory movement taken up at once, and when this pressing requirement is placed before the Government there can only be one issue —success.