THAMES' PROUD DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 24, 29 January 1938, Page 12

THAMES' PROUD DAY.

POST OFFICE OPENED. REQUEST FOR BRANCH OFFICE. THAMES, Friday. "This is a proud day in the history of Thames," said the PostmasterGeneral, the Hon. F. Jones, declaring open to-day the new post office at Thames. "The erection of this new post office i<> the latest stage in the civic development of the town," continued the Minister. '"Although the wait for the building has been a long one, I am sure it has proved to be worthwhile. The accommodation provided will be welcomed by residents and by members of the staff alike, and should be adequate for many years to come." Referring to the opening up of the rich valley and plains near the town of late years, the Minister said that upon this prosperity the future of Thames was safe. The butter and cheese factories on tlie borders of Thames had produced 7000 tons of butter and 3600 tons of cheese last year, approximating £1,000.000. It was saife to assume that much of this income flowed through the financial channels of the town. The fishing industry brought in £18,000 yearly. , The builders, W. H. Whittaker and Company, Limited, of Auckland, presented the Minister with a gold key and also with a canteen of cutlery. "I cannot accede to that request," Mr. Jones told a Chamber of Commerce deputation which asked for a branch post office at the northern end of Tham ?s. "There is no hope of a branch post office at Thames NTorth," he stated. "The new post office will be costly to run. and this other proposition would only add to the expense. You must accept what T have given vou before asking for more." Mr. K. Hetherington, president of the chamber, asked for the Minister's co-oeration in expediting the building of a new courthouse. Mr. J. Thorn. M.P.. etated that £500 had been placed on the Estimates this year presumably to pay for a site which had been secured in Pollen Street by the Hon. H. O. R. Mason. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Mr. Jones said h? would hp pleased to make representations to Mr. Maeon on their behalf.