TAKAPUNA POST OFFICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 278, 21 November 1913, Page 9

TAKAPUNA POST OFFICE.

QUESTION OF SITE. STATEMENT BY EX-MIXISTER. {By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLIXGTOX, Thursday. The Takapuna Post Office site came into brief notice in the House this afternoon, the member for Grey Lynn being responsible. Mr Payne was proceeding to rend a question notice to the Post-master-General regarding the alteration of the original site, and to quote opinions outside the House on tlie subject, in which the words "The Harris Jobbery" appeared, when Mr Speaker ordered the ton. member to desist, saying that outelde opinions were not permissible in tlie House, nor was the use of terms calculated to reflect upon another member. Mr Payne mad" several attempts to persuade tlie Chair to accept the notice, hut without avail. Upon the member for Grey Lynn reruming his seat. Mr Harris rose to put his views of the proposed question on record, but he. also, was ruied out of order.

A few minutes Inter Mr Payne got up with bis question in nn amended form, asking whether the Postmaster-General would at once move to make fresh inquiries into tlie matter of the new Takapuna Post Oliicc. He remarked that public meetings had bfen held in Takapuna in connection with the Post Office, and indignation bad been expressed owing to the fact that if the present plan were proceeded with, the Post Office would be placed whore it would be very inconvenient for the residents of Takapuna. It would he to the satisfaction of the Takapuna re-"nVn_s if the position of the site were reconsidered.

Mr Ell said be would like to say some- I thins on the subject. When he occupied ■ the position of Postmaster-General lie , found the original site of the Takapuna Post Office to be unsuitable, nnd. as the result of a deputation, he vi-ited the site, ! and then noticed two vacant sections ot" land directly opposite that site. He did not know to whom they belonged, but, ! thinking the spot would be very suit- j able, gave instruction? to have inquiries made.nnd. as a result. :i section of 130 ft by 50ft was acquired. "In fairness to the hoc member for W.iitom.ita." added Mr Ell. "I must explain that I never communicnted with him. and had nothing to do with him whatever in connection . ■with the matter. I selected the site in question because I considered it was the ' most central, nnd I understand that the present Postmaster-General approved of , the position, lt was directly opposite the site for which plans bad been pre- j pared, and the resi-icnis. I also under- , stand, were quite satisfied. The reason for tho chancre of sites was that the original one was too small, and tbe cost ; of erecting the building on it too great." j '